Raising self esteem is not simple things, which you can't develop overnight. There are twelve steps to raise high self esteem.
1st: Please stop comparing yourself with other people. There might be people who are higher than you and some who have less than you. If you start comparing in between people, you will definitely face defeat.
2nd: It is very important don't put yourself down. It is not possible to raise high self esteem if you repeatedly phrases negative words about yourself and your abilities. Always avoid self depreciating comments whenever you talk about your relationships, financial situations, any aspect of life, speaking about your appearances.
3rd: Be polite and accept any compliments with "thank you". Whenever you reject compliment the message you give yourself is that you are not liable for that, which shows low self esteem.
4th: Always use affirmation to enhance your self esteem. Make a sentence which deserver most and write it somewhere you usually used to read, whenever you say the affirmation which allow yourself to experience positive feeling about your statement.
5th: If possible take advantage of workshops, books and various cassette programs on self esteem. Whatever negative things you will see, all will affect on your self esteem like news about murders, bad television programs. It will make you grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly if you watch good programs or read good books it will definitely take on these characteristics.
6th: Always avoid negative people, try to spend more time with positive people because negative thinking people low down your ideas, simultaneously your self esteem get lowered. It is the fact if you get accepted and encouraged you feel better about your self and your self esteem get raise.
7th: Make out list of your past success, it may be consist of ant small achievements, like learning to drive, graduation, receiving an award, reaching a business goal, etc. Use to read it often, after reading try to review every moment while closing your eyes and feel the satisfaction and enjoy each success when you attended in real life.
8th: Make out the list of your positive qualities. Be honest with yourself and make out at least 20 positive qualities. Here it is also important to review all these qualities often. All time focus on your positive traits.
9th: Give time to other people which around you, when you start doing things for other you are making things for others, that will make positive contribution and then you will feel more valuable person, that ultimately raise your spirit and raises your own self esteem.
10th: Involve in things which you love to do. Self esteem raise, when you engaged yourself in work which you like most. You can spend your leisure time in your hobbies which makes you enjoyable.
11th: It is very important that true to yourself. You will not get own respect and feel good if you not lead your life as you have to. It you are working on others decision like friends or relatives, you are not true to your self and which turns to low your self esteem.
12th: Don't be afraid of challenges, try to accept challenges no one can raise high self esteem without accepting challenges. It boosts your self esteem when you take an action without concerning any result of that.
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Self Esteem for Years. For More Information on How To Raise Your Self Esteem, Visit His Site at HOW TO RAISE YOUR SELF ESTEEM
About the Author:
Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Self Esteem for Years. For More Information on How To Raise Your Self Esteem, Visit His Site at HOW TO RAISE YOUR SELF ESTEEM
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Make The Most Of Your Employee Health Benefits by Kelly Hunter
Employment is a huge factor for most people. After all, we spend a big chunk of our waking hours at work; it's only natural that what goes on there bleeds over into other areas of our lives. There is a lot to consider when evaluating whether or not to accept a new position. Of course, the paycheck is the whole point, so it's very important to understand when, how often and how much you get paid. Other things to keep in mind are location, commute, longevity and atmosphere. One of the most important aspects of job seeking is often the most overlooked: the benefits package.
A good health benefits package can make up for a lot of perks your job may be missing. Sometimes job hunters get starry-eyed over a job offer with a substantial salary and no benefit package. That's usually a mistake. The high cost of health insurance means that a lot of folks can't, or won't, pay for it out of pocket. Sure, the employer will take a little out of your check to offset the costs, so it's not like you're off the hook completely, but can you really trust yourself to put money back for unforeseen medical expenses? A major accident or lengthy illness can quickly overwhelm even the most appealing wage.
Insurance is full of red tape, loopholes and stipulations, and not all health coverage options are equal. It's imperative that you educate yourself about the kind of policy you have and how to use it. You don't want to wait until something happens and you're in the hospital, in pain and surrounded by doctors to realize you have no clue what's covered.
Be aware that you benefit schedule will likely change if your position changes. Situations like promotions, switching from full time to part time, working offsite or going to a flex schedule can alter your health plan dramatically. For example, if an illness or injury forces you to cut back your hours, then puts you in the hospital, don't assume you have the same long-term disability benefits you had when working your normal hours.
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make regarding their health coverage is they simply stop reading before they have all the information. Pay attention to the fine print. For example, you read in your policy declaration that your employer will continue to pay you if you have to take an extended leave of absence for health reasons. Imagine the shock when you're in that situation and find that you will only be getting a percentage of your pay for a limited amount of time. Find out all the details so you can plan accordingly. You can visit http://www.employee-health-benefits.com to learn more about employee health benefits.
The bottom line is you have to be proactive. It is your responsibility to get answers about your health coverage. You should be able to readily answer questions about what physicians are in your network, what your co-pay and deductible is and what expenses might not be covered. If you can't answer these questions, schedule some time with your company's human resources manager. A little studying will save you some unpleasant surprises down the road.
About the Author:
Kelly Hunter operates http://www.employee-health-benefits.com and writes about Employee Health Benefits.
A good health benefits package can make up for a lot of perks your job may be missing. Sometimes job hunters get starry-eyed over a job offer with a substantial salary and no benefit package. That's usually a mistake. The high cost of health insurance means that a lot of folks can't, or won't, pay for it out of pocket. Sure, the employer will take a little out of your check to offset the costs, so it's not like you're off the hook completely, but can you really trust yourself to put money back for unforeseen medical expenses? A major accident or lengthy illness can quickly overwhelm even the most appealing wage.
Insurance is full of red tape, loopholes and stipulations, and not all health coverage options are equal. It's imperative that you educate yourself about the kind of policy you have and how to use it. You don't want to wait until something happens and you're in the hospital, in pain and surrounded by doctors to realize you have no clue what's covered.
Be aware that you benefit schedule will likely change if your position changes. Situations like promotions, switching from full time to part time, working offsite or going to a flex schedule can alter your health plan dramatically. For example, if an illness or injury forces you to cut back your hours, then puts you in the hospital, don't assume you have the same long-term disability benefits you had when working your normal hours.
One of the most dangerous mistakes people make regarding their health coverage is they simply stop reading before they have all the information. Pay attention to the fine print. For example, you read in your policy declaration that your employer will continue to pay you if you have to take an extended leave of absence for health reasons. Imagine the shock when you're in that situation and find that you will only be getting a percentage of your pay for a limited amount of time. Find out all the details so you can plan accordingly. You can visit http://www.employee-health-benefits.com to learn more about employee health benefits.
The bottom line is you have to be proactive. It is your responsibility to get answers about your health coverage. You should be able to readily answer questions about what physicians are in your network, what your co-pay and deductible is and what expenses might not be covered. If you can't answer these questions, schedule some time with your company's human resources manager. A little studying will save you some unpleasant surprises down the road.
About the Author:
Kelly Hunter operates http://www.employee-health-benefits.com and writes about Employee Health Benefits.
Flame Resistant Suits by Max Johnson
Protection for the workers has always been quite important in any workplace, and it shows how much the management is taking care of its workers. That is the reason why a lot of talk is going on about providing the right kind of flame resistant suits to workers in places where hazardous temperatures and flames are commonplace.
Today, flame resistant suits have become quite indispensable in several kinds of workplace environments, some of which are welding factories, places where molten material is handled, electric arc and other kinds of furnaces, glassworks factories, metallurgical plants and places where flashes of fire need to be used. Such places can be accident-prone if the right kinds of measures are not taken. Accidents could mean grievous injury and also loss of life, and they could bring expensive lawsuits to the company. That is why companies are particular about safety. One of these important safety measures is to protect the workers with good quality flame resistant suits.
Flame resistant suits are full-sleeved coveralls, though you can even find the same kind of fire protection with bib overalls. The coveralls are considered to be better because they cover more of the body and hence provide better safety from accidental flames. These suits are generally made with INDURA Ultra Soft material which is a blend of 88% natural fiber cotton with 12% of synthetic nylon material. This blend is considered to be a safety standard in flame resistance. It can keep away high resistance flames, and is also used in the military for the same kind of protection. An advantage is that this material looks quite trendy from the outside, since it uses cotton. So, flame resistant suits can be considered a blend of safety and stud fashion.
Inside the INDURA Ultra Soft outer layer, inside, a lining of Modacrylic is provided, which is another high degree flame resistant material. The two linings are kept together with Nomex, which also has fire retarding properties. Most of these flame resistant suits are fastened with brass zippers attached to the front of the suits with Nomex material. The various pockets might also have zippers of brass. So, you can see, each and every component of the flame resistant suits is quite ready to combat any accidental breakthrough of fire.
The inner strength of the flame resistant suits need not compensate for their external beauty. They can be made available in a large range of colors and with several kinds of stitches and styles of pockets and collars. They can be supplemented with flame resistant hoods and gloves, and also work boots to match. The right kind of people dressed in flame resistant suits will look no less than models strutting around the glamour ramp.
You must surely think of flame resistant suits for your company for two reasons - one, to protect your precious workforce from fire hazards, and two, to give a kind of stud fashion to your entire workplace. You are sure to find such flame resistant suits through online retailer. Online retailers bring you the biggest names in business, and their best of products. Check out your favorite suits in the online catalogs. Online retailers can even customize the suits for your workplace with the logos and colors you provide.
More flame resistant suits at http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com/work-apparel-uniforms-flame-resistant-workwear-c-26_25.html.
About the Author:
Max Johnson is associate webmaster of http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com
Today, flame resistant suits have become quite indispensable in several kinds of workplace environments, some of which are welding factories, places where molten material is handled, electric arc and other kinds of furnaces, glassworks factories, metallurgical plants and places where flashes of fire need to be used. Such places can be accident-prone if the right kinds of measures are not taken. Accidents could mean grievous injury and also loss of life, and they could bring expensive lawsuits to the company. That is why companies are particular about safety. One of these important safety measures is to protect the workers with good quality flame resistant suits.
Flame resistant suits are full-sleeved coveralls, though you can even find the same kind of fire protection with bib overalls. The coveralls are considered to be better because they cover more of the body and hence provide better safety from accidental flames. These suits are generally made with INDURA Ultra Soft material which is a blend of 88% natural fiber cotton with 12% of synthetic nylon material. This blend is considered to be a safety standard in flame resistance. It can keep away high resistance flames, and is also used in the military for the same kind of protection. An advantage is that this material looks quite trendy from the outside, since it uses cotton. So, flame resistant suits can be considered a blend of safety and stud fashion.
Inside the INDURA Ultra Soft outer layer, inside, a lining of Modacrylic is provided, which is another high degree flame resistant material. The two linings are kept together with Nomex, which also has fire retarding properties. Most of these flame resistant suits are fastened with brass zippers attached to the front of the suits with Nomex material. The various pockets might also have zippers of brass. So, you can see, each and every component of the flame resistant suits is quite ready to combat any accidental breakthrough of fire.
The inner strength of the flame resistant suits need not compensate for their external beauty. They can be made available in a large range of colors and with several kinds of stitches and styles of pockets and collars. They can be supplemented with flame resistant hoods and gloves, and also work boots to match. The right kind of people dressed in flame resistant suits will look no less than models strutting around the glamour ramp.
You must surely think of flame resistant suits for your company for two reasons - one, to protect your precious workforce from fire hazards, and two, to give a kind of stud fashion to your entire workplace. You are sure to find such flame resistant suits through online retailer. Online retailers bring you the biggest names in business, and their best of products. Check out your favorite suits in the online catalogs. Online retailers can even customize the suits for your workplace with the logos and colors you provide.
More flame resistant suits at http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com/work-apparel-uniforms-flame-resistant-workwear-c-26_25.html.
About the Author:
Max Johnson is associate webmaster of http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com
Christmas Gift Basket Ideas - Theme Your Holiday Gifts by Madonna Jeffries
Giving Christmas gift baskets are a fantastic way to avoid the hard work of finding a suitable Christmas gift for even the most demanding of your friends and relatives. You can buy or make Christmas gift baskets that have particular themes to fit the lifestyle and hobbies of the intended recipient. One of the really fun things about giving themed Christmas gift baskets is using your imagination as you start to collect the various items needed to fill your surprise basket.
You can make your Christmas gift baskets as simple or elaborate as you like. If you are looking for an inexpensive gift for your children's teachers or your co-workers that you would like to acknowledge during this time of year, then it is quite simple to put together a basket that looks great but doesn't cost the earth. Your Christmas baskets can be filled with relatively cheap trinkets and thoughtful items such as soaps, homemade jams, chocolates and Christmas decorations that are easily sourced from your local stores or from a specialty stores that sell these items in bulk.
Food Baskets
One of the most popular types of Christmas gift basket ideas today is the food basket. You can fill these with a variety of delectable goodies, from decadent desserts and sweets to entire meals. Why not try an Italian Christmas gift basket, you can fill these with fresh pasta and sauces, breadsticks and don't forget to add a bottle of Italian wine. For the younger recipients, why not go for the snack Christmas gift baskets stuffed with popcorn, nuts, lollies and a mixture of dip mixes and biscuits. You can find ready-made food styled Christmas gift baskets that will literally tantalize any palate, or you can create your own with your personal concoctions and specialties. For example if you enjoy baking and cooking, then this is the perfect way to turn your own favorite recipes into an entire gift ensemble for everyone on your list. Add some special herbal teas, flavoured butter and a pair of mugs, and your gift basket is ready to go.
Hobby Baskets
Is your best friend a golf enthusiast or an avid gardener? If so why not put together a Christmas gift basket that is full of tools and supplies to support their pastime or special hobby. Every gardener would just love to receive Christmas gift baskets jam packed full of flower or vegetable seeds together with a new trowel and some gardening gloves. A golfer can always use more golf balls, towels and other useful items. For others why not put in a calendar or some humorous books and magazines. If your intended recipient likes sewing, cooking or rock climbing, you can always find a few bits and pieces to create a unique Christmas gift basket that is tailored to that particular person. Make sure you throw in one or two items that are strictly just for fun as well as those useful tools that a hobbyist always needs.
Really the best part about giving Christmas gift baskets is that they are almost as much fun to create, as they are to receive. If you are looking for a creative way to delight everyone on your 'to receive present list' this year, why not consider preparing unique Christmas gift baskets customized to those special folks.
Rest assured that your Christmas gift baskets are guaranteed to be a total hit and may even start a trend for years to come, so go on get your thinking cap on and start buying for this festive season.
About the Author:
If you would like more information on Christmas Gift Basket Ideas and other creative ideas to make your festive season memorable then go to Christmas Ideas Online.
You can make your Christmas gift baskets as simple or elaborate as you like. If you are looking for an inexpensive gift for your children's teachers or your co-workers that you would like to acknowledge during this time of year, then it is quite simple to put together a basket that looks great but doesn't cost the earth. Your Christmas baskets can be filled with relatively cheap trinkets and thoughtful items such as soaps, homemade jams, chocolates and Christmas decorations that are easily sourced from your local stores or from a specialty stores that sell these items in bulk.
Food Baskets
One of the most popular types of Christmas gift basket ideas today is the food basket. You can fill these with a variety of delectable goodies, from decadent desserts and sweets to entire meals. Why not try an Italian Christmas gift basket, you can fill these with fresh pasta and sauces, breadsticks and don't forget to add a bottle of Italian wine. For the younger recipients, why not go for the snack Christmas gift baskets stuffed with popcorn, nuts, lollies and a mixture of dip mixes and biscuits. You can find ready-made food styled Christmas gift baskets that will literally tantalize any palate, or you can create your own with your personal concoctions and specialties. For example if you enjoy baking and cooking, then this is the perfect way to turn your own favorite recipes into an entire gift ensemble for everyone on your list. Add some special herbal teas, flavoured butter and a pair of mugs, and your gift basket is ready to go.
Hobby Baskets
Is your best friend a golf enthusiast or an avid gardener? If so why not put together a Christmas gift basket that is full of tools and supplies to support their pastime or special hobby. Every gardener would just love to receive Christmas gift baskets jam packed full of flower or vegetable seeds together with a new trowel and some gardening gloves. A golfer can always use more golf balls, towels and other useful items. For others why not put in a calendar or some humorous books and magazines. If your intended recipient likes sewing, cooking or rock climbing, you can always find a few bits and pieces to create a unique Christmas gift basket that is tailored to that particular person. Make sure you throw in one or two items that are strictly just for fun as well as those useful tools that a hobbyist always needs.
Really the best part about giving Christmas gift baskets is that they are almost as much fun to create, as they are to receive. If you are looking for a creative way to delight everyone on your 'to receive present list' this year, why not consider preparing unique Christmas gift baskets customized to those special folks.
Rest assured that your Christmas gift baskets are guaranteed to be a total hit and may even start a trend for years to come, so go on get your thinking cap on and start buying for this festive season.
About the Author:
If you would like more information on Christmas Gift Basket Ideas and other creative ideas to make your festive season memorable then go to Christmas Ideas Online.
Cheap Weddings - How To Do It by Jessica N
What woman doesn't look forward to her wedding day? Most of us love the finer things in life, including the big fancy wedding, but we all know that these weddings aren't feasible for everyone. If you really do want to save money and can commit yourself to that goal, cheap weddings are entirely possible. Here are some things you can do to prevent unnecessary spending:
Bridal Shops:
They might try to order a size that's too big for you; don't let them. When you try on a wedding dress, you know what size you will wear. But bridal shops will try to talk you into a bigger size, saying that you need to allow for this or that. What happens is you end up shelling out money for a seamstress to take the dress in and make other alterations. This is one tactic for cheap weddings: Make certain that they do order your dress in the correct size.
Vendors:
You need to find out all the fees up front no matter who or what kind of vendor you're doing business with. Whether it's the caterer or the band, you want to make sure that they don't end up charging you some sort of fees for nonsense things. Get your agreement in writing, and ask them flat out if there are any hidden fees.
Don't Say Wedding:
When you're calling around to get price quotes from different vendors, don't mention that you're having a wedding. If you just tell them you're having an 'event', this will save you more money-- sounds silly, but it's true.
The word 'wedding' replaces vendors' eyes with dollar signs. Suddenly the prices hike way up, often three or four times the price of an event that has just as many guests as a wedding.
Do get a price quote, but don't be afraid to haggle a bit and see if they'll go lower. Cheap weddings result from following tips like this. So, can they be done? Yes, so long as you plan your budget, stick with it, and stay away from those spending traps described above.
About the Author:
Want a champagne wedding on a beer budget? Visit Wedding Planner Secrets and discover how to create Cheap Weddings complete with Cheap Wedding Cakes and everything else you could possibly need.
Bridal Shops:
They might try to order a size that's too big for you; don't let them. When you try on a wedding dress, you know what size you will wear. But bridal shops will try to talk you into a bigger size, saying that you need to allow for this or that. What happens is you end up shelling out money for a seamstress to take the dress in and make other alterations. This is one tactic for cheap weddings: Make certain that they do order your dress in the correct size.
Vendors:
You need to find out all the fees up front no matter who or what kind of vendor you're doing business with. Whether it's the caterer or the band, you want to make sure that they don't end up charging you some sort of fees for nonsense things. Get your agreement in writing, and ask them flat out if there are any hidden fees.
Don't Say Wedding:
When you're calling around to get price quotes from different vendors, don't mention that you're having a wedding. If you just tell them you're having an 'event', this will save you more money-- sounds silly, but it's true.
The word 'wedding' replaces vendors' eyes with dollar signs. Suddenly the prices hike way up, often three or four times the price of an event that has just as many guests as a wedding.
Do get a price quote, but don't be afraid to haggle a bit and see if they'll go lower. Cheap weddings result from following tips like this. So, can they be done? Yes, so long as you plan your budget, stick with it, and stay away from those spending traps described above.
About the Author:
Want a champagne wedding on a beer budget? Visit Wedding Planner Secrets and discover how to create Cheap Weddings complete with Cheap Wedding Cakes and everything else you could possibly need.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Gifts For A Reason And Season by Kathy Austin
With newer cars hitting the market every year, their manufacturers are seeking to carry their branding further with promotional items such as keychains. Such are the Acura TSX keychains. They are available in myriad dimensions and shapes, and are highly valued. Such keychains are available on the market for car enthusiasts, who want their keys to carry a brand name too.
Of all the fast and elegant Japanese made car, one can only think of the Acura. Acura is a division of Honda Motor Company, introduced in the year 1986. Acura debuted in North America as the first Japanese luxury marquee. It was preceded by a decade of research. It has been one of the most used luxury cars.
This policy of key chain manufacturers has been always to research on the key area of interest for collectors. Various keychains have thus turned into collectible items. Some of them have special themes such as a Valet keychain or Steering wheel key chains. Acura TSX accessories are not only a status symbol, but also useful, as some proclaim. An example is a keychain that combines a Breathanalyzer, Parking meter timer and a Flashlight, all in one tiny package! Such products are appealing to the sensibilities of the consumer, giving him more in a single product.
Key chains are designed keeping in mind the potential consumers as well. A branded accessory like a keychain adds value to a customer's purchase. Manufacturers target their services also to the new generation commercial clients, who recognize the value of having a branded message spread across the lives of potential consumers.
Additionally, the key chain market serves a desire for novelty and practical one to almost everyone. By making branded and customized key chains available to the general population, the online market in key chains is growing with the increasing flexibility afforded by online marketing and retail. Auto Gold KC3ACU Teardrop Keychain and ACURA Solid Brass Valet Key Chain are two popular model Acura TSX key chains.
Key chains are also lucrative promotional for people, who like to flaunt their vehicles wherever they might be. In such cases, special branded key chains carry the logo of the car manufacturer along with the keys to the car, making them a must-have for people, who are proud of their cars and willing to make a statement everywhere they go.
Not only this, they are also often given away at sales or promotional events to entice customers or corporate clients. The emblems of the manufacturers find their way to different corporates this way, bringing them business and increasing their popularity. Promotional items have also been known as critical marketing tools, bringing keychains to a much higher level than simple utilitarian objects to string your keys on. Further, with the growth in online retailing and Internet marketing, you have online stores that cater specifically to accessories for cars like the tiny keychains - branded with the car logos. And some like these unique pieces as they are not only good for them, but also for their valets too!
About the Author:
Kathy Austin is an internet marketer for Wholesale keychains. Check out the intricate designs of these Acura TSX Keychains, they are crafted in stainless steel, metal, chrome.
Of all the fast and elegant Japanese made car, one can only think of the Acura. Acura is a division of Honda Motor Company, introduced in the year 1986. Acura debuted in North America as the first Japanese luxury marquee. It was preceded by a decade of research. It has been one of the most used luxury cars.
This policy of key chain manufacturers has been always to research on the key area of interest for collectors. Various keychains have thus turned into collectible items. Some of them have special themes such as a Valet keychain or Steering wheel key chains. Acura TSX accessories are not only a status symbol, but also useful, as some proclaim. An example is a keychain that combines a Breathanalyzer, Parking meter timer and a Flashlight, all in one tiny package! Such products are appealing to the sensibilities of the consumer, giving him more in a single product.
Key chains are designed keeping in mind the potential consumers as well. A branded accessory like a keychain adds value to a customer's purchase. Manufacturers target their services also to the new generation commercial clients, who recognize the value of having a branded message spread across the lives of potential consumers.
Additionally, the key chain market serves a desire for novelty and practical one to almost everyone. By making branded and customized key chains available to the general population, the online market in key chains is growing with the increasing flexibility afforded by online marketing and retail. Auto Gold KC3ACU Teardrop Keychain and ACURA Solid Brass Valet Key Chain are two popular model Acura TSX key chains.
Key chains are also lucrative promotional for people, who like to flaunt their vehicles wherever they might be. In such cases, special branded key chains carry the logo of the car manufacturer along with the keys to the car, making them a must-have for people, who are proud of their cars and willing to make a statement everywhere they go.
Not only this, they are also often given away at sales or promotional events to entice customers or corporate clients. The emblems of the manufacturers find their way to different corporates this way, bringing them business and increasing their popularity. Promotional items have also been known as critical marketing tools, bringing keychains to a much higher level than simple utilitarian objects to string your keys on. Further, with the growth in online retailing and Internet marketing, you have online stores that cater specifically to accessories for cars like the tiny keychains - branded with the car logos. And some like these unique pieces as they are not only good for them, but also for their valets too!
About the Author:
Kathy Austin is an internet marketer for Wholesale keychains. Check out the intricate designs of these Acura TSX Keychains, they are crafted in stainless steel, metal, chrome.
Monday, December 10, 2007
How Your Daily Life can Change the World by Mashubi Rochell
Today's world is reaching a crisis point, and while many of our social structures are still intact for this moment, there will come a time when major changes will need to occur in the way we are living our lives on a day to day basis. This bold statement is shared not to create alarm and fear, but rather to awaken a sense of responsibility within all of us. This awakening has already begun, and most people are now aware that our current way of life is causing harm to the precious Earth we live on. The question now for many of us is ... what can I do?
Our lives are already chock full of challenges. Just managing the day to day realities of life is for many of us a full time job. The growing complexities of life that have developed from the accelerated pace of change can at times feel overwhelming. We hear news reports of natural disasters, wars, poverty, disease, environmental pollution, and a seemingly endless number of new challenges ... the amount of overwhelm can cause us to numb ourselves, and shut ourselves off from the realities that are happening around us.
How then do we help our struggling world? What can we do? The answer to this question lies within our hearts, and is much bigger and more important than we may realize. There are certain obvious things that we can do on a daily basis to conserve energy, recycle, and be more environmentally conscious. Thankfully, more and more people are stepping up and creating change in their daily habits in this way. This helps a great deal towards beginning to reverse the cycle of abuse to the Earth and lack of respect for her resources. There is a larger change that needs to happen however, that is at the root of the world's problems. It is one that we all participate in unless we choose not to, and this has to do with our consciousness.
Consciousness? How can that affect the world situation? You may be wondering just how changing our awareness can affect things. Isn't that in the realm of the metaphysical, for people who wear robes and chant and do strange spiritual practices? Dearest ones, taking responsibility for our consciousness is not just for those with a spiritual awareness. Our consciousness affects the world we live in, whether we are aware of it or not. The thoughts and energy we put into the world have an impact, and our consciousness creates the actions and choices we make on a daily basis.
Just how did the world get into the state that it is in now? It all started with where our collective consciousness has been. Humanity has been involved in developing our individuality, and in experiencing the world of physical reality without much attention to the larger whole of which we are a part. This was a necessary step in our evolution, but now times have changed. We've gone as far as we can in developing our individuality and unique identities.
Unfortunately, as we've explored our individuality, we have made choices that do not take into account the affects that our actions have on the larger whole. We've chosen to use energy resources that are finite, and that cause pollution of the Earth. We've chosen farming practices that remove the essential ingredients from our food, in favor of mass production. The lack of nutrients from our food has increased our health problems, but our healing practices have attempted to fix the symptoms without addressing the root causes. We've chosen to pursue individual wealth that brings prosperity to us and our families, but leaves the majority of humankind suffering in poverty and starvation.
All of these challenges we now face started with a consciousness that had forgotten our essential connections to the larger whole of life. We are divine beings that entered into physical reality in order to learn, and now at this crucial time in the evolution of humanity, we are beginning to learn how to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the Earth. We are beginning to learn that our thoughts create our reality, and that what we think and feel matters as much as what we do.
One of the great spiritual truths shared with us by all spiritual teachers and religions is that we are all connected. We are a part of God, who lives within us. In the same way, all others in our world are equally a part of God, and are an essential part of the essential whole of life. Therefore, if we harm another, we ultimately harm ourselves. If we prevent others from receiving what they need, we limit ourselves because we are constricting the free flow of God's light and life force.
These concepts are not new, but they have been mostly in the background of human consciousness, which up until this point was focused on pursuing more individualized goals. Times have changed, and now the only solution that can be found to the problems of today's world is to work together, and to reconnect ourselves with our divine eternal nature as souls.
When we are no longer separated from the divine source of all light and love, our relationship with ourselves and with others changes. We are no longer alone, seeking to get our needs met, and competing with others who all are trying to get their needs met. Instead, we go within to connect with our hearts, to understand who we are, and what our purpose is for being on the Earth at this time. Each soul is present on the Earth for a reason, and when we discover and fulfill that purpose, our life makes a positive contribution to the world and in the process our own needs are met and fulfilled.
When we realize that our consciousness matters and has an impact on others, we take responsibility for our thoughts as well as our actions. Are you holding a grudge towards someone in your life? With an awakened consciousness, you realize that holding on to this grudge is creating a blockage in the free flow of light and love in your life, and you take steps to heal this pain you are carrying. You may not be able to let go of the pain right away, but your intention to let go, rather than to hold on, opens up the energy of healing. In the larger network of human consciousness, you've just created a small pocket of light and love, which enters the atmosphere of the Earth and strengthens the love and light present in the world. This small pocket is like a candle, which lights other candles that it comas into contact with.
On the other hand, if you choose to hold on to your anger, blame, judgment and so on, the emotions you are holding onto contribute to the cloud of negative energy that is present around the Earth during this time. You feel entitled to be angry, and refuse to budge. You may even act out your feelings and create disharmony or even harm to others. In this way your choice contributes to this very same energy pattern which is prevalent in so many of today's world conflicts and wars. Anger, blame, judgment, entitlement, and the unwillingness to compromise are all fed by the daily thoughts and feelings of others.
Do you see the choice you have each day, and at each moment? Your consciousness either adds to or detracts from the presence of love and light on the Earth. The love creates a feeling of harmony, and of possibilities and hope. The love opens up new possibilities and ideas, and can help us find creative solutions to the world problems.
You are a part of this love, and your daily choices can support and strengthen the many positive actions of change now happening in the world. In this way your daily life can change the world, and can help others to awaken, heal and contribute positively as well. You are blessed to be present at this monumental time in the Earth's history, with an unprecedented opportunity to grow, learn, heal, transform, and to participate in creating a New Earth.
About the Author:
Mashubi Rochell is a spiritual counselor and the founder of World Blessings, an online spiritual support community for people of all faiths. To receive newest articles and spiritual healing resources, please visit http://www.WorldBlessings.com
Our lives are already chock full of challenges. Just managing the day to day realities of life is for many of us a full time job. The growing complexities of life that have developed from the accelerated pace of change can at times feel overwhelming. We hear news reports of natural disasters, wars, poverty, disease, environmental pollution, and a seemingly endless number of new challenges ... the amount of overwhelm can cause us to numb ourselves, and shut ourselves off from the realities that are happening around us.
How then do we help our struggling world? What can we do? The answer to this question lies within our hearts, and is much bigger and more important than we may realize. There are certain obvious things that we can do on a daily basis to conserve energy, recycle, and be more environmentally conscious. Thankfully, more and more people are stepping up and creating change in their daily habits in this way. This helps a great deal towards beginning to reverse the cycle of abuse to the Earth and lack of respect for her resources. There is a larger change that needs to happen however, that is at the root of the world's problems. It is one that we all participate in unless we choose not to, and this has to do with our consciousness.
Consciousness? How can that affect the world situation? You may be wondering just how changing our awareness can affect things. Isn't that in the realm of the metaphysical, for people who wear robes and chant and do strange spiritual practices? Dearest ones, taking responsibility for our consciousness is not just for those with a spiritual awareness. Our consciousness affects the world we live in, whether we are aware of it or not. The thoughts and energy we put into the world have an impact, and our consciousness creates the actions and choices we make on a daily basis.
Just how did the world get into the state that it is in now? It all started with where our collective consciousness has been. Humanity has been involved in developing our individuality, and in experiencing the world of physical reality without much attention to the larger whole of which we are a part. This was a necessary step in our evolution, but now times have changed. We've gone as far as we can in developing our individuality and unique identities.
Unfortunately, as we've explored our individuality, we have made choices that do not take into account the affects that our actions have on the larger whole. We've chosen to use energy resources that are finite, and that cause pollution of the Earth. We've chosen farming practices that remove the essential ingredients from our food, in favor of mass production. The lack of nutrients from our food has increased our health problems, but our healing practices have attempted to fix the symptoms without addressing the root causes. We've chosen to pursue individual wealth that brings prosperity to us and our families, but leaves the majority of humankind suffering in poverty and starvation.
All of these challenges we now face started with a consciousness that had forgotten our essential connections to the larger whole of life. We are divine beings that entered into physical reality in order to learn, and now at this crucial time in the evolution of humanity, we are beginning to learn how to reconnect with ourselves, with each other, and with the Earth. We are beginning to learn that our thoughts create our reality, and that what we think and feel matters as much as what we do.
One of the great spiritual truths shared with us by all spiritual teachers and religions is that we are all connected. We are a part of God, who lives within us. In the same way, all others in our world are equally a part of God, and are an essential part of the essential whole of life. Therefore, if we harm another, we ultimately harm ourselves. If we prevent others from receiving what they need, we limit ourselves because we are constricting the free flow of God's light and life force.
These concepts are not new, but they have been mostly in the background of human consciousness, which up until this point was focused on pursuing more individualized goals. Times have changed, and now the only solution that can be found to the problems of today's world is to work together, and to reconnect ourselves with our divine eternal nature as souls.
When we are no longer separated from the divine source of all light and love, our relationship with ourselves and with others changes. We are no longer alone, seeking to get our needs met, and competing with others who all are trying to get their needs met. Instead, we go within to connect with our hearts, to understand who we are, and what our purpose is for being on the Earth at this time. Each soul is present on the Earth for a reason, and when we discover and fulfill that purpose, our life makes a positive contribution to the world and in the process our own needs are met and fulfilled.
When we realize that our consciousness matters and has an impact on others, we take responsibility for our thoughts as well as our actions. Are you holding a grudge towards someone in your life? With an awakened consciousness, you realize that holding on to this grudge is creating a blockage in the free flow of light and love in your life, and you take steps to heal this pain you are carrying. You may not be able to let go of the pain right away, but your intention to let go, rather than to hold on, opens up the energy of healing. In the larger network of human consciousness, you've just created a small pocket of light and love, which enters the atmosphere of the Earth and strengthens the love and light present in the world. This small pocket is like a candle, which lights other candles that it comas into contact with.
On the other hand, if you choose to hold on to your anger, blame, judgment and so on, the emotions you are holding onto contribute to the cloud of negative energy that is present around the Earth during this time. You feel entitled to be angry, and refuse to budge. You may even act out your feelings and create disharmony or even harm to others. In this way your choice contributes to this very same energy pattern which is prevalent in so many of today's world conflicts and wars. Anger, blame, judgment, entitlement, and the unwillingness to compromise are all fed by the daily thoughts and feelings of others.
Do you see the choice you have each day, and at each moment? Your consciousness either adds to or detracts from the presence of love and light on the Earth. The love creates a feeling of harmony, and of possibilities and hope. The love opens up new possibilities and ideas, and can help us find creative solutions to the world problems.
You are a part of this love, and your daily choices can support and strengthen the many positive actions of change now happening in the world. In this way your daily life can change the world, and can help others to awaken, heal and contribute positively as well. You are blessed to be present at this monumental time in the Earth's history, with an unprecedented opportunity to grow, learn, heal, transform, and to participate in creating a New Earth.
About the Author:
Mashubi Rochell is a spiritual counselor and the founder of World Blessings, an online spiritual support community for people of all faiths. To receive newest articles and spiritual healing resources, please visit http://www.WorldBlessings.com
Why Wedding Reception Favors Should Welcome Your Guests by Joe Palladino
You spend months getting your wedding ready. Then the big day arrives and you are ready. This is a fun time and a time to welcome your guests with the best wedding reception favors.
The wedding reception favors will be waiting on each table inviting your guest to join you having fun. It is important that you pick out your wedding favors with care. They don't need to cost a lot of money but they do need to welcome your guest.
The wedding is very important when you get married but to every couple the wedding reception is just as important. This is when the bride and groom get to share their special occasion with their friends and family. They also get to share their joy of getting married. The first gesture for every married couple at the reception is the wedding reception favors. So they should convey a special message to your guests. It doesn't matter if the wedding favors are small, large, expensive or thrifty. The wedding favors need to tell your guests that you want them to join the fun and that you are glad they are there to share your special day with you.
Personal wedding reception favors are the best ones. It should reflect something about the bride and groom and their relationship. Symbols of love are wedding favors that you see used quite often because of this reason. Some cheap favors for your wedding reception that you can use would be heart shaped boxes, candies, ribbons or confetti.
The secret to choosing the right wedding reception favors is to go with something simple. This means they will not cost you very much. When your guests arrive at your reception the arrangement of the table setting needs to be as welcoming as the wedding favors are. The reason for this is because with the correct table setting even the cheapest wedding favors can be highly effective if you have arranged them thoughtfully. Some examples you can use are pretty stationary and wild flowers. You don't need the more expensive gift to have a beautiful wedding reception favor.
Brides all over the world will spend hours poring over the bridal magazines. When you look at these magazines you will see many beautiful table setting examples. The best thing is you can set them up with creativity and care and with not a lot of cost.
So make sure that you welcome your wedding guests by finding the perfect wedding reception favors that convey the happiness of your special day. You want to arrange the wedding favors with care so that your guests feel welcome when they arrive.
Every wedding is special to the bride and groom but with the right wedding favors you will make it even more special. So be sure you take your time and find exactly what you want.
About the Author:
Joe Palladino invites you to visit his wedding favors website for ideas on all of your wedding reception favor needs. To see our daily special, and for cheap wedding favors, or bridal wedding favors, please visit us here now: http://www.herweddingfavors.com
The wedding reception favors will be waiting on each table inviting your guest to join you having fun. It is important that you pick out your wedding favors with care. They don't need to cost a lot of money but they do need to welcome your guest.
The wedding is very important when you get married but to every couple the wedding reception is just as important. This is when the bride and groom get to share their special occasion with their friends and family. They also get to share their joy of getting married. The first gesture for every married couple at the reception is the wedding reception favors. So they should convey a special message to your guests. It doesn't matter if the wedding favors are small, large, expensive or thrifty. The wedding favors need to tell your guests that you want them to join the fun and that you are glad they are there to share your special day with you.
Personal wedding reception favors are the best ones. It should reflect something about the bride and groom and their relationship. Symbols of love are wedding favors that you see used quite often because of this reason. Some cheap favors for your wedding reception that you can use would be heart shaped boxes, candies, ribbons or confetti.
The secret to choosing the right wedding reception favors is to go with something simple. This means they will not cost you very much. When your guests arrive at your reception the arrangement of the table setting needs to be as welcoming as the wedding favors are. The reason for this is because with the correct table setting even the cheapest wedding favors can be highly effective if you have arranged them thoughtfully. Some examples you can use are pretty stationary and wild flowers. You don't need the more expensive gift to have a beautiful wedding reception favor.
Brides all over the world will spend hours poring over the bridal magazines. When you look at these magazines you will see many beautiful table setting examples. The best thing is you can set them up with creativity and care and with not a lot of cost.
So make sure that you welcome your wedding guests by finding the perfect wedding reception favors that convey the happiness of your special day. You want to arrange the wedding favors with care so that your guests feel welcome when they arrive.
Every wedding is special to the bride and groom but with the right wedding favors you will make it even more special. So be sure you take your time and find exactly what you want.
About the Author:
Joe Palladino invites you to visit his wedding favors website for ideas on all of your wedding reception favor needs. To see our daily special, and for cheap wedding favors, or bridal wedding favors, please visit us here now: http://www.herweddingfavors.com
Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Eco-friendly Festivities by Andrew Regan
It's a time of togetherness, a time of cheer and a time of giving, but it's easy to forget that Christmas is also a time of gluttony and waste. What with temporary decorations, discarded wrapping paper and unwanted gifts, a huge amount of waste ends up in landfill come January.
But there is a way to enjoy Christmas and at the same time maintain our responsibility to the environment and it doesn't mean we're reduced to giving each other lumps of coal in true Ebenezer Scrooge fashion.
Giving greener gifts is one of the best things we can do to make Christmas a little less wasteful. Environmentally friendly gifts have a two fold benefit; they're less wasteful gifts in their own right, but they also help to spread the green gospel and encourage others to think about green issues too.
Eco-gadgets make great environmentally friendly gifts for the technophiles in your life. Solar gadgets are a particular favourite as they save money as well as reduce your carbon footprint, and are also extremely useful for times when you can't plug into the mains. The Solio Charger for example, is a simple hand sized solar cell that can be hooked up to most small electrical items such as phones, cameras, and MP3 players.
For the nature lover, how about encouraging your local wildlife with a garden bat box, bug box, or bird feeder? Just make sure you fill it with fair trade nuts and seed!
Recycled gifts are also Green Christmas friendly. Beer guzzlers will appreciate goblets made from recycled beer bottles. Ladies can take pride in their purses made from Cambodian rice sacks, or how about the Choc-O Mini bag made in the Philippines by an award winning women's cooperative?
With these recycled gifts, not only are you giving new life to waste that would otherwise be burnt, buried or simply litter the streets and waterways, you're also helping to provide employment to an impoverished part of the world. But it's not all charity - recycling can be chic too, and many celebrities have been featured in the glossy gossip magazines clutching their eco-bags which has helped to popularise these products.
So this year, instead of dreaming of a white Christmas - why not make it a Green Christmas?
About the Author:
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.
But there is a way to enjoy Christmas and at the same time maintain our responsibility to the environment and it doesn't mean we're reduced to giving each other lumps of coal in true Ebenezer Scrooge fashion.
Giving greener gifts is one of the best things we can do to make Christmas a little less wasteful. Environmentally friendly gifts have a two fold benefit; they're less wasteful gifts in their own right, but they also help to spread the green gospel and encourage others to think about green issues too.
Eco-gadgets make great environmentally friendly gifts for the technophiles in your life. Solar gadgets are a particular favourite as they save money as well as reduce your carbon footprint, and are also extremely useful for times when you can't plug into the mains. The Solio Charger for example, is a simple hand sized solar cell that can be hooked up to most small electrical items such as phones, cameras, and MP3 players.
For the nature lover, how about encouraging your local wildlife with a garden bat box, bug box, or bird feeder? Just make sure you fill it with fair trade nuts and seed!
Recycled gifts are also Green Christmas friendly. Beer guzzlers will appreciate goblets made from recycled beer bottles. Ladies can take pride in their purses made from Cambodian rice sacks, or how about the Choc-O Mini bag made in the Philippines by an award winning women's cooperative?
With these recycled gifts, not only are you giving new life to waste that would otherwise be burnt, buried or simply litter the streets and waterways, you're also helping to provide employment to an impoverished part of the world. But it's not all charity - recycling can be chic too, and many celebrities have been featured in the glossy gossip magazines clutching their eco-bags which has helped to popularise these products.
So this year, instead of dreaming of a white Christmas - why not make it a Green Christmas?
About the Author:
Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys travelling.
Surgery Jobs: A Wide Choice by carl formby
Most people think that a surgeon mainly spends his time on general surgery, and those who are looking at surgery as a career usually think this is where most of the opportunities lie. But actually there is now a huge range of surgery jobs available for the would-be surgeon, and these include neurosurgeon jobs, trauma surgeon jobs, and orthopedic surgeon jobs among others. This article will take a look at the various types of jobs available for the surgeon, and discuss some of the considerations that need to be borne in mind when taking up a surgical career.
The neurosurgeon job is one of the most interesting of all surgery jobs, and those looking to take this up as a career will need to understand that they will need to undertake a lot of specialized training before they can be a fully qualified neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons deal with many different types of the body, but they are especially known for carrying out brain surgery, which is one of the most complex types of surgery there is. Neurosurgeons also carry out surgery on the hand, especially when it has been damaged in an accident, and for this reason the services are much in demand in hospitals and hospital units which deal with trauma patients.
In this way, neurosurgery can be seen as a specialty of trauma surgery, though trauma surgery is a particular type of surgery in its own right. Trauma surgeons deal with people who have been injured in accidents, and this means they can cover a wide range of disabilities including damage to the legs, arms, neck, and even the internal organs. Trauma surgeons are in great demand, and can even trained to be specialist trauma surgeons who deal with children, for instance.
Dealing with children, is one of the main things that orthopedic surgeons do, since there are many children who have deformities off the bones and who need specialist treatment when they are very young in order to ensure that the deformity does not become a disability when the child gets older. This type of work is something that appeals to many young doctors, and many schools now give training particularly in this discipline. More information on orthopedic surgeon jobs is available at http://www.surgeonsjobschoice.com
As can be seen there are many different types of surgery jobs available, and the ones mentioned above are just a small sample. If you are planning on a career in surgery, take time to research the various jobs available by visiting some of the many medical employment websites.
About the Author:
carl formby owns and operates http://www.surgeonsjobschoice.com, a site dedicated to information about Surgeon Jobs
The neurosurgeon job is one of the most interesting of all surgery jobs, and those looking to take this up as a career will need to understand that they will need to undertake a lot of specialized training before they can be a fully qualified neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons deal with many different types of the body, but they are especially known for carrying out brain surgery, which is one of the most complex types of surgery there is. Neurosurgeons also carry out surgery on the hand, especially when it has been damaged in an accident, and for this reason the services are much in demand in hospitals and hospital units which deal with trauma patients.
In this way, neurosurgery can be seen as a specialty of trauma surgery, though trauma surgery is a particular type of surgery in its own right. Trauma surgeons deal with people who have been injured in accidents, and this means they can cover a wide range of disabilities including damage to the legs, arms, neck, and even the internal organs. Trauma surgeons are in great demand, and can even trained to be specialist trauma surgeons who deal with children, for instance.
Dealing with children, is one of the main things that orthopedic surgeons do, since there are many children who have deformities off the bones and who need specialist treatment when they are very young in order to ensure that the deformity does not become a disability when the child gets older. This type of work is something that appeals to many young doctors, and many schools now give training particularly in this discipline. More information on orthopedic surgeon jobs is available at http://www.surgeonsjobschoice.com
As can be seen there are many different types of surgery jobs available, and the ones mentioned above are just a small sample. If you are planning on a career in surgery, take time to research the various jobs available by visiting some of the many medical employment websites.
About the Author:
carl formby owns and operates http://www.surgeonsjobschoice.com, a site dedicated to information about Surgeon Jobs
Christmas Cards Facts by Yannis Samatas
Did you ever wonder who sent the first Christmas Card? The first commercial Christmas card is believed to have been designed and printed in London in 1843, the same year Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol". Previously, people had exchanged handwritten Christmas greetings, first in person and later via post.
By 1822, homemade Christmas cards had become the bane of the U.S. postal system. That year, the Superintendent of Mails in Washington, D.C., complained of the need to hire sixteen extra mailmen. Fearful of future bottlenecks, he petitioned Congress to limit the exchange of cards by post, concluding, "I don't know what we'll do if it keeps on."
In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a wealthy British businessman, wanted a card he could proudly send to friends and professional acquaintances to wish them a "merry Christmas." He asked his friend John Callcott Horsley to design it and Horsley produced a triptych. Each of the two side panels depicted a good deed-clothing the naked and feeding the hungry. The centerpiece featured a party of adults and children, with plentiful food and drink. Puritans immediately denounced the card, since it showed people drinking in the family party. But with most people the idea was a great success and the Christmas card quickly became very popular.
The card's inscription read: "merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you." "Merry" was then a spiritual word meaning "blessed," as in "merry old England." A batch of 1,000 of the cards were printed on a lithograph stone then hand-coloured by a professional colourer named Mason. Of the original one thousand cards, only twelve exist today in private collections. In December 2005, one of these Christmas cards was sold for £8,469 at a Wiltshire auction.
Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious themes, instead favoring flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs that reminded the recipient of the approach of spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials.
Printed Christmas cards soon became the rage in England; then in Germany. But it required an additional thirty years for Americans to take to the idea. In 1875, Boston lithographer Louis Prang, a native of Germany, began publishing cards, and earned the title "father of the American Christmas card."
Prang's high-quality cards were costly, and they initially featured not such images as the Madonna and Child, a decorated tree, or even Santa Claus, but colored floral arrangements of roses, daisies, gardenias, geraniums, and apple blossoms. Americans took to Christmas cards, but not to Prang's; he was forced out of business in 1890. It was cheap penny Christmas postcards imported from Germany that remained the vogue until World War 1. By war's end, America's modern greeting card industry had been born.
Today more than two billion Christmas cards are exchanged annually, just within the United States. Christmas is the number one card-selling holiday of the year. However, the estimated number of Christmas cards received by American households dropped from 29 in 1987 to 20 in 2004. Today, email and telephones allow for more frequent contact and are easier for generations raised without handwritten letters - especially given the availability of websites offering free email Christmas cards.
Facts About Christmas Cards
Christmas cards were not the first greetings cards. Since 1796, with improvements in printing, merchants had been sending cards to their customers offering "best wishes" for the new year.
In the nineteenth century, the British Post Office used to deliver cards on Christmas morning.
The first Christmas stamp was released in Canada in 1898.
The average person in Britain sends 50 Christmas cards each year.
Only one in 100 Christmas cards sold in Britain contains any religious imagery or message, a Daily Mail survey has revealed.
What do your Christmas cards reveal about your personality?
Modern cards: Extroverted and enthusiastic about life, although somewhat anxious and easily upset, with a tendency to be more creative and unconventional than most.
Humorous cards: Outgoing and emotionally secure, but with a distinct lack of warmth and sympathy for others.
Traditional cards: People who prefer reading a good book to a night out on the town, with a tendency to experience extremes of emotions, and follow the rules.
Abstract cards: Tendency to be disorganized and spontaneous, highly strung, and a low need to surround themselves with others
Cute cards: Sympathetic, calm and open to new experiences, and with a tendency to prefer one's own company to others.
Religious cards: Emotionally stable, sympathetic to the needs of others, and well-organized.
About the Author:
The article about Christmas Cards has been written by Yannis Samatas of www.greeceindex.com. Send free Christmas Ecards to your friends and family.
By 1822, homemade Christmas cards had become the bane of the U.S. postal system. That year, the Superintendent of Mails in Washington, D.C., complained of the need to hire sixteen extra mailmen. Fearful of future bottlenecks, he petitioned Congress to limit the exchange of cards by post, concluding, "I don't know what we'll do if it keeps on."
In 1843, Sir Henry Cole, a wealthy British businessman, wanted a card he could proudly send to friends and professional acquaintances to wish them a "merry Christmas." He asked his friend John Callcott Horsley to design it and Horsley produced a triptych. Each of the two side panels depicted a good deed-clothing the naked and feeding the hungry. The centerpiece featured a party of adults and children, with plentiful food and drink. Puritans immediately denounced the card, since it showed people drinking in the family party. But with most people the idea was a great success and the Christmas card quickly became very popular.
The card's inscription read: "merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you." "Merry" was then a spiritual word meaning "blessed," as in "merry old England." A batch of 1,000 of the cards were printed on a lithograph stone then hand-coloured by a professional colourer named Mason. Of the original one thousand cards, only twelve exist today in private collections. In December 2005, one of these Christmas cards was sold for £8,469 at a Wiltshire auction.
Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious themes, instead favoring flowers, fairies and other fanciful designs that reminded the recipient of the approach of spring. Humorous and sentimental images of children and animals were popular, as were increasingly elaborate shapes, decorations and materials.
Printed Christmas cards soon became the rage in England; then in Germany. But it required an additional thirty years for Americans to take to the idea. In 1875, Boston lithographer Louis Prang, a native of Germany, began publishing cards, and earned the title "father of the American Christmas card."
Prang's high-quality cards were costly, and they initially featured not such images as the Madonna and Child, a decorated tree, or even Santa Claus, but colored floral arrangements of roses, daisies, gardenias, geraniums, and apple blossoms. Americans took to Christmas cards, but not to Prang's; he was forced out of business in 1890. It was cheap penny Christmas postcards imported from Germany that remained the vogue until World War 1. By war's end, America's modern greeting card industry had been born.
Today more than two billion Christmas cards are exchanged annually, just within the United States. Christmas is the number one card-selling holiday of the year. However, the estimated number of Christmas cards received by American households dropped from 29 in 1987 to 20 in 2004. Today, email and telephones allow for more frequent contact and are easier for generations raised without handwritten letters - especially given the availability of websites offering free email Christmas cards.
Facts About Christmas Cards
Christmas cards were not the first greetings cards. Since 1796, with improvements in printing, merchants had been sending cards to their customers offering "best wishes" for the new year.
In the nineteenth century, the British Post Office used to deliver cards on Christmas morning.
The first Christmas stamp was released in Canada in 1898.
The average person in Britain sends 50 Christmas cards each year.
Only one in 100 Christmas cards sold in Britain contains any religious imagery or message, a Daily Mail survey has revealed.
What do your Christmas cards reveal about your personality?
Modern cards: Extroverted and enthusiastic about life, although somewhat anxious and easily upset, with a tendency to be more creative and unconventional than most.
Humorous cards: Outgoing and emotionally secure, but with a distinct lack of warmth and sympathy for others.
Traditional cards: People who prefer reading a good book to a night out on the town, with a tendency to experience extremes of emotions, and follow the rules.
Abstract cards: Tendency to be disorganized and spontaneous, highly strung, and a low need to surround themselves with others
Cute cards: Sympathetic, calm and open to new experiences, and with a tendency to prefer one's own company to others.
Religious cards: Emotionally stable, sympathetic to the needs of others, and well-organized.
About the Author:
The article about Christmas Cards has been written by Yannis Samatas of www.greeceindex.com. Send free Christmas Ecards to your friends and family.
Flame Resistant T-shirts by Max Johnson
T-shirts are definitely the best kind of garment to wear when we are working quite hard, don't you agree? They are loose to the fit, thin so that your skin can breathe and the sweat can evaporate and extremely smart to look at. That is the reason why sportsmen are always seen in tees. So why not provide your workmen with t-shirts too? They will definitely like to wear them; it will give them the comfort to work and the style too! And if you are worried about how t-shirts will protect them from the hazards at the workplace, you need not worry. There are flame resistant t-shirts available which can be the best option for your workplace.
The best thing about t-shirts is the fabrics that are used in making them. The fabrics are usually cottons and that allows the t-shirts to breathe. Even flame resistant t-shirts have the same kinds of fabrics, but they usually have cotton blended with some other synthetic material to add to the flame resistant power and to provide tenacity. One of the best examples here is the use of INDURA Ultra Soft fabric, which contains 88% cotton with 12% high tenacity nylon blended in it. That makes the t-shirts resistant to all kinds of flames, while the cotton in the fabric gives an excellent aeration and makes the wearer feel quite cool.
You might not believe it, but flame resistant t-shirts are capable of resisting even welding flames to an extent. However, that depends on the company from where you are choosing the garment. Carhartt is a leading manufacturer of flame resistant wear, including t-shirts, and its mastery in the field is acknowledged all over the world. Some of these t-shirts have an additional lining inside of another fire-resistant material, which helps in keeping more of the flames away.
However, to add to the flame resistant potential of the t-shirts, you can easily complement them with flame resistant jackets, or bib overalls, and flame resistant work pants. Being t-shirts, they are available in a wide range of colors, and you can choose from a vast variety. You can convert any flame resistant t-shirt into your own signature workwear by adding an embroidered logo, or getting your logo silk-screened onto the t-shirt. Apart from increasing the fashion level of the t-shirt, it will help in reinforcing your brand image. You can also get flame resistant t-shirts with high visibility reflective tape on them for those extra critical environments. Your employees and co-workers are the most valuable asset of any organization. It pays to keep them safe and comfortable, especially when they work in hazardous environments.
If you are looking for flame resistant wear for your workers, then t-shirts are a good choice because your workers will feel the greatest degree of comfort wearing them. And they can work for long hours too. You will surely get what you are looking for through your online retailer, and you can even get the tee shirts personalized for your workplace in whichever way you choose.
More flame resistant tee shirts at http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com/work-apparel-uniforms-flame-resistant-workwear-c-26_25.html.
About the Author:
Max Johnson is associate webmaster of http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com
The best thing about t-shirts is the fabrics that are used in making them. The fabrics are usually cottons and that allows the t-shirts to breathe. Even flame resistant t-shirts have the same kinds of fabrics, but they usually have cotton blended with some other synthetic material to add to the flame resistant power and to provide tenacity. One of the best examples here is the use of INDURA Ultra Soft fabric, which contains 88% cotton with 12% high tenacity nylon blended in it. That makes the t-shirts resistant to all kinds of flames, while the cotton in the fabric gives an excellent aeration and makes the wearer feel quite cool.
You might not believe it, but flame resistant t-shirts are capable of resisting even welding flames to an extent. However, that depends on the company from where you are choosing the garment. Carhartt is a leading manufacturer of flame resistant wear, including t-shirts, and its mastery in the field is acknowledged all over the world. Some of these t-shirts have an additional lining inside of another fire-resistant material, which helps in keeping more of the flames away.
However, to add to the flame resistant potential of the t-shirts, you can easily complement them with flame resistant jackets, or bib overalls, and flame resistant work pants. Being t-shirts, they are available in a wide range of colors, and you can choose from a vast variety. You can convert any flame resistant t-shirt into your own signature workwear by adding an embroidered logo, or getting your logo silk-screened onto the t-shirt. Apart from increasing the fashion level of the t-shirt, it will help in reinforcing your brand image. You can also get flame resistant t-shirts with high visibility reflective tape on them for those extra critical environments. Your employees and co-workers are the most valuable asset of any organization. It pays to keep them safe and comfortable, especially when they work in hazardous environments.
If you are looking for flame resistant wear for your workers, then t-shirts are a good choice because your workers will feel the greatest degree of comfort wearing them. And they can work for long hours too. You will surely get what you are looking for through your online retailer, and you can even get the tee shirts personalized for your workplace in whichever way you choose.
More flame resistant tee shirts at http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com/work-apparel-uniforms-flame-resistant-workwear-c-26_25.html.
About the Author:
Max Johnson is associate webmaster of http://www.embroidered-uniforms-corporate-apparel.com
The Church Needs to 'Do Church vs. Have Church' by Rosie Milligan
Yesteryears the church was the pillar of the community. The church was there for the community, not just for its members. The church was concerned about the whole man, not only his spiritual self. The Black Church also served as a school house for the community. Many of our parents were educated in a church school. In times when Black folks did not have access to televisions and newspapers or other means of media, the church was where people assembled for information that was necessary for their total needs.
In times past, the Black Church served and met the needs of the people of the community. Today's pastor's have to step away from the pulpit for a little while and get involved with the communities needs.
When Rosa Parks said, "Enough is enough!" The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., came from his pulpit and took to the street with the community at large. A church that is contained inside of four walls serves its pastor and members only and is only concerned about church work - and not God's work. You see, God's work is ministering to the needs of the whole man, like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, and caring for the widows and orphans.
The Black Church of yesteryears did church work so well that we did not need convalescent homes, foster homes, or adoption agencies. We did not need Home Care providers because the church folk cooked, cleaned and cared for the sick.
The Church, the pillar of the community in times past could galvanize the community to disseminate information by just toning the church bell. The church needs to tone the bell today for literacy, self-determination via business ownership, and valuing the family. The church needs to step up to the plate and assess the needs of the community. If you are serving a community that has a large population of children in foster care, high unemployment rates, single mothers, health care system disparity, illiteracy issues, and high crime rates, your message needs to address those needs. You cannot use an "out of the can" message. It is easier to talk spirituality to people when their physical needs are met.
The church can change the dismal path of the urban communities. We only have a few media outlets that have a positive agenda for African-American people. However, if we had no radio, television, or newspapers, the pastors could outdistance all media combined when it comes to spreading the right message to its people during Sunday morning service alone. Many churches hold 2-3 services per day. Can you imagine what would happen if the appropriate and empowering message went forth? Imagine what would happen if the pastor encouraged each member to give $5.00 per month to a fund to build Black owned businesses like supermarkets, hotels, motels, etc. This would create jobs, jobs, and more jobs in the community. How can Black pastors ignore the young, Black fatherless boys in their community who need a role model and mentor? Bishop Edward R. Turner, raised in a home with a mother and father, understands the difference it makes to have a father figure in a male child's life. He organized The Sons of Hope, under the leadership of Mark Ware. The group is made up of 65 young men from the ages of 7 to 21. I watched them train and as they said in unison, "We have hope, we don't carry guns; we carry fountain pens with which we sign contracts and checks." I have never seen such discipline and respect. These young men are a part of a Financial Literacy Program. I also heard Bishop Turner say to his congregation, "If you want a pastor who is confined to these four walls, I am not the one!" Bishop Turner is an unorthodox and "out of the box" preacher.
I hear so much about what the Black pastors are not doing, so I begin my journey of trying to catch one doing "good for the hood." I found Bishop Turner to be one who looks out for the community, and sometimes at the expense of his members. I heard him say once, "Building and empowering men and women can do more for the community, than building churches." Allow me to introduce a preacher who is trying to give people on earth a taste of heaven. Approximately 15 years ago, while driving by the Power of Love World Ministries at 1430 W. Manchester Avenue, in Los Angeles, I would observe a crowd of young people on the church parking lot. I decided to check it out. I was impressed at what I heard from the Bishop - Bishop Edward R. Turner.
He was awakening his flock to the cold realities of life. He admonished them, saying, "You are the head and not the tail! You are more than a conqueror. You will not stay on welfare! You will be homeowners! You will go back to college and get your degree; and you will own your own businesses!" The young flock all nodded their heads in agreement.
I thought to myself, other preachers are telling people what Heaven is going to be like, preparing the people to live in Heaven, but this preacher is preparing the people to live productive and meaningful lives here on earth. I said, "Wow!" I then began monitoring his work. Most of his members bought homes, they went back to school and obtained degrees, and many of them started their own businesses. Bishop Turner believes the concept that "I am my brother's keeper." He started the Community Day 15 years ago, with activities that included a Job Fair, Business Expo, Homebuyer's Expo, Clothing Distribution, and a Massive Food give-away. People of the community looked forward to Community Day. They would leave with empowering information, plenty of clothing and food.
Turner is a man of faith and a man with hope. He possesses what our people at large are in need of - FAITH and HOPE. Bishop would hang the food give-away banner a month before Community Day. Six years ago he had no commitment for the food to feed the thousands of people they always fed, still he hung the banner. The food commitment came two days prior to the event. Bishop was also elated to give away ten bikes that year. "Walk like you got it 'til you get it," is synonymous to Bishop's faith. When you walk in destiny, help will come to you. Help did come and now Bishop is the Director of the Multi-Faith Clergy Council, under the leadership of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. With the help of Sheriff Baca, the Multi-Faith Clergymen, and the Community Workers, Community Day took a quantum leap in 2003. It was held at Southwest Community College, with over 20,000 attendees. Ten cars were given away. It was a great success! Ask and it shall be given. During Community Day 2004, 20 cars were given away. Hope comes to South Central and faith is manifested in the "hood." It is time for all ministers to step up to the plate and to do the right thing-now!
About the Author:
Dr. Rosie Milligan is an author, literary agent, publisher, motivational speaker and founder of Black Writers on Tour Conference. (www.milliganbooks.com and http://www.blackwritersontour.com ) You can get her reports at http://www.milliganbooks.com .
In times past, the Black Church served and met the needs of the people of the community. Today's pastor's have to step away from the pulpit for a little while and get involved with the communities needs.
When Rosa Parks said, "Enough is enough!" The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., came from his pulpit and took to the street with the community at large. A church that is contained inside of four walls serves its pastor and members only and is only concerned about church work - and not God's work. You see, God's work is ministering to the needs of the whole man, like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting those in prison, and caring for the widows and orphans.
The Black Church of yesteryears did church work so well that we did not need convalescent homes, foster homes, or adoption agencies. We did not need Home Care providers because the church folk cooked, cleaned and cared for the sick.
The Church, the pillar of the community in times past could galvanize the community to disseminate information by just toning the church bell. The church needs to tone the bell today for literacy, self-determination via business ownership, and valuing the family. The church needs to step up to the plate and assess the needs of the community. If you are serving a community that has a large population of children in foster care, high unemployment rates, single mothers, health care system disparity, illiteracy issues, and high crime rates, your message needs to address those needs. You cannot use an "out of the can" message. It is easier to talk spirituality to people when their physical needs are met.
The church can change the dismal path of the urban communities. We only have a few media outlets that have a positive agenda for African-American people. However, if we had no radio, television, or newspapers, the pastors could outdistance all media combined when it comes to spreading the right message to its people during Sunday morning service alone. Many churches hold 2-3 services per day. Can you imagine what would happen if the appropriate and empowering message went forth? Imagine what would happen if the pastor encouraged each member to give $5.00 per month to a fund to build Black owned businesses like supermarkets, hotels, motels, etc. This would create jobs, jobs, and more jobs in the community. How can Black pastors ignore the young, Black fatherless boys in their community who need a role model and mentor? Bishop Edward R. Turner, raised in a home with a mother and father, understands the difference it makes to have a father figure in a male child's life. He organized The Sons of Hope, under the leadership of Mark Ware. The group is made up of 65 young men from the ages of 7 to 21. I watched them train and as they said in unison, "We have hope, we don't carry guns; we carry fountain pens with which we sign contracts and checks." I have never seen such discipline and respect. These young men are a part of a Financial Literacy Program. I also heard Bishop Turner say to his congregation, "If you want a pastor who is confined to these four walls, I am not the one!" Bishop Turner is an unorthodox and "out of the box" preacher.
I hear so much about what the Black pastors are not doing, so I begin my journey of trying to catch one doing "good for the hood." I found Bishop Turner to be one who looks out for the community, and sometimes at the expense of his members. I heard him say once, "Building and empowering men and women can do more for the community, than building churches." Allow me to introduce a preacher who is trying to give people on earth a taste of heaven. Approximately 15 years ago, while driving by the Power of Love World Ministries at 1430 W. Manchester Avenue, in Los Angeles, I would observe a crowd of young people on the church parking lot. I decided to check it out. I was impressed at what I heard from the Bishop - Bishop Edward R. Turner.
He was awakening his flock to the cold realities of life. He admonished them, saying, "You are the head and not the tail! You are more than a conqueror. You will not stay on welfare! You will be homeowners! You will go back to college and get your degree; and you will own your own businesses!" The young flock all nodded their heads in agreement.
I thought to myself, other preachers are telling people what Heaven is going to be like, preparing the people to live in Heaven, but this preacher is preparing the people to live productive and meaningful lives here on earth. I said, "Wow!" I then began monitoring his work. Most of his members bought homes, they went back to school and obtained degrees, and many of them started their own businesses. Bishop Turner believes the concept that "I am my brother's keeper." He started the Community Day 15 years ago, with activities that included a Job Fair, Business Expo, Homebuyer's Expo, Clothing Distribution, and a Massive Food give-away. People of the community looked forward to Community Day. They would leave with empowering information, plenty of clothing and food.
Turner is a man of faith and a man with hope. He possesses what our people at large are in need of - FAITH and HOPE. Bishop would hang the food give-away banner a month before Community Day. Six years ago he had no commitment for the food to feed the thousands of people they always fed, still he hung the banner. The food commitment came two days prior to the event. Bishop was also elated to give away ten bikes that year. "Walk like you got it 'til you get it," is synonymous to Bishop's faith. When you walk in destiny, help will come to you. Help did come and now Bishop is the Director of the Multi-Faith Clergy Council, under the leadership of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. With the help of Sheriff Baca, the Multi-Faith Clergymen, and the Community Workers, Community Day took a quantum leap in 2003. It was held at Southwest Community College, with over 20,000 attendees. Ten cars were given away. It was a great success! Ask and it shall be given. During Community Day 2004, 20 cars were given away. Hope comes to South Central and faith is manifested in the "hood." It is time for all ministers to step up to the plate and to do the right thing-now!
About the Author:
Dr. Rosie Milligan is an author, literary agent, publisher, motivational speaker and founder of Black Writers on Tour Conference. (www.milliganbooks.com and http://www.blackwritersontour.com ) You can get her reports at http://www.milliganbooks.com .
Charities For Good Fundraising Events by Jon Caldwell
There are people who really want to devote some time they have in helping out other people. But the purpose for putting up fundraising drives would have to define what they are designed for and what they intend to accomplish. People would resort to medical missions, conducting community service in helping out shorthanded foundations to take care of the people under their wing.
It should however be noted that all this work is purely for volunteering and not strictly required. It is done out of entirely an open heart with no expectations of anything in return. This is the fundraising way of living, sharing and spreading the love that other people look for to which they have stumbled and almost fallen.
There have been a lot of campaigns and benefit events done each year for a certain cause. A lot of them are done out of fundraising, some to provide and answer the needs of people and so on. Whatever the cause may be, everything is aimed at answering the needs of people who seek comfort in the best way possible.
The level of satisfaction of such people is entirely different from the normal standards that people live on, and such is to be expected considering extending a helping hand is the important agenda of it all.
We all here that giving to fundraising is a good Samaritan's deed. Sadly, people are not entirely aware of why they are doing fundraising work. Some would even do it for building their image or for some other reason to get attention and commendations for their supposed efforts. However, it has been forgotten that charities are done for the purpose of lending a helping hand without expecting anything in return. The only probable return is the feeling of happiness where a person is able to contribute his way towards actually helping people in need of it.
Fundraising work should always come from the heart and not the mind. Taking into consideration that people have the excess funds and resources to donate and help people who have misfortunes in their means of living is something that will depend on the actual purpose for helping them out. Fundraising and donation should be done with an open heart, the reward of which is the tingling feeling we all feel inside for contributing to a worthy cause.
Practically anyone must be wondering, do all donations given to the known charitable institutions in their region actually reach their intended purpose of helping the actual people in need? Technically, the common man would care less but each penny or in kind donations are totally for the account of the people housed and targeted for such aids and donations.
These fundraising organizations are non-profit organizations. They are purely for voluntary aid and work to serve people and endeavors in need. While the immediate understanding that people in need would be the main beneficiaries, there are other causes such as disaster victims, and other individuals who would find themselves on the losing end.
But just the same, the aim of such foundations and organizations is to purely offer help and support in any form possible. It is not about how much or what to give. It is about the use and extending that helping hand to help them in their unfortunate predicaments caused by varying events that have come into their lives.
About the Author:
Jon Caldwell is an active participant in fundraising. You can find out more about fundraising and similar activities at http://www.DynamicFundraising.net
It should however be noted that all this work is purely for volunteering and not strictly required. It is done out of entirely an open heart with no expectations of anything in return. This is the fundraising way of living, sharing and spreading the love that other people look for to which they have stumbled and almost fallen.
There have been a lot of campaigns and benefit events done each year for a certain cause. A lot of them are done out of fundraising, some to provide and answer the needs of people and so on. Whatever the cause may be, everything is aimed at answering the needs of people who seek comfort in the best way possible.
The level of satisfaction of such people is entirely different from the normal standards that people live on, and such is to be expected considering extending a helping hand is the important agenda of it all.
We all here that giving to fundraising is a good Samaritan's deed. Sadly, people are not entirely aware of why they are doing fundraising work. Some would even do it for building their image or for some other reason to get attention and commendations for their supposed efforts. However, it has been forgotten that charities are done for the purpose of lending a helping hand without expecting anything in return. The only probable return is the feeling of happiness where a person is able to contribute his way towards actually helping people in need of it.
Fundraising work should always come from the heart and not the mind. Taking into consideration that people have the excess funds and resources to donate and help people who have misfortunes in their means of living is something that will depend on the actual purpose for helping them out. Fundraising and donation should be done with an open heart, the reward of which is the tingling feeling we all feel inside for contributing to a worthy cause.
Practically anyone must be wondering, do all donations given to the known charitable institutions in their region actually reach their intended purpose of helping the actual people in need? Technically, the common man would care less but each penny or in kind donations are totally for the account of the people housed and targeted for such aids and donations.
These fundraising organizations are non-profit organizations. They are purely for voluntary aid and work to serve people and endeavors in need. While the immediate understanding that people in need would be the main beneficiaries, there are other causes such as disaster victims, and other individuals who would find themselves on the losing end.
But just the same, the aim of such foundations and organizations is to purely offer help and support in any form possible. It is not about how much or what to give. It is about the use and extending that helping hand to help them in their unfortunate predicaments caused by varying events that have come into their lives.
About the Author:
Jon Caldwell is an active participant in fundraising. You can find out more about fundraising and similar activities at http://www.DynamicFundraising.net
Friday, December 7, 2007
Value My Heart by Marilyn Mackenzie
I ran across a website: http://www.unitedstatesartists.org. There, they quoted a study by Urban Institute, Investing in Creativity: A Study of the Support Structure for U.S. Artists (2003), and Rand Research in the Arts, Gifts of the Muse: Reframing the Debate about the Benefits of the Arts (2004).
What I found interesting - and most likely true from my experiences of having people tell me that one cannot make a living out of painting, sculpting, or writing - was that 96% of Americans said they were inspired by and highly valued art in their lives and communities. Oddly, though, Americans do not value the artists. Only 27% believed that artists contribute a lot to the good of society.
That is strange, indeed. Our fellow citizens value art, but not the act of creating that art.
Here's a quote from the web page referenced above:
"Further interview data from the study reflects a strong sentiment in the cultural community that society does not value art-making as legitimate work worthy of compensation. Many perceive the making of art as a frivolous or recreational pursuit."
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by these statistics. After all, supposedly over 85% of Americans believe in God. But many of them don't want anyone talking about it.
I wonder how much of the artistic pursuit is not valued by the community. I also wonder if this devaluing of artistic and musical endeavors will increase as we take unnecessary classes from our schools, like art and music lessons.
I also wonder what we, as a society, can do to change this. Today, people use the valuable computer tools to create art. Some of the work done by these programs (and the ones using the programs) is quite creative. But should these creations be more valuable because they were done using a computer program? Should they be less valuable?
Some writers use writing tools that help them get their books started. The writing programs help them set up outlines and chapters. Should writers who use these kinds of tools be valued more or less than writers who do not?
Should a writer who insists on using pen and paper be held in higher regard than one who only uses a computer?
Personally, I find it sad that people can claim to love art, but not value the artist. Perhaps if we put art and music back into the classrooms of America, there might be a change in attitude. Yes, I think that would do wonders for kids and parents today, if drawing, painting, and a potter’s wheel were re-introduced into the classrooms. I think if our young people were all encouraged to sing or play an instrument, it would help them see that the person who chooses music as a career is a valuable part of society.
Children today do not get enough creative time. They spend far too many hours in study, but are still lacking behind those from other countries in academics. Could it be that taking art and music out of the classroom has made our children less able to think? And to feel?
About the Author:
Marilyn Mackenzie has been writing about home, family, faith and nature for over 40 years. She is an author on http://www.Writing.Com which is a site for Creative Writers. Her portfolio can be found at http://kenzie.writing.com
What I found interesting - and most likely true from my experiences of having people tell me that one cannot make a living out of painting, sculpting, or writing - was that 96% of Americans said they were inspired by and highly valued art in their lives and communities. Oddly, though, Americans do not value the artists. Only 27% believed that artists contribute a lot to the good of society.
That is strange, indeed. Our fellow citizens value art, but not the act of creating that art.
Here's a quote from the web page referenced above:
"Further interview data from the study reflects a strong sentiment in the cultural community that society does not value art-making as legitimate work worthy of compensation. Many perceive the making of art as a frivolous or recreational pursuit."
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by these statistics. After all, supposedly over 85% of Americans believe in God. But many of them don't want anyone talking about it.
I wonder how much of the artistic pursuit is not valued by the community. I also wonder if this devaluing of artistic and musical endeavors will increase as we take unnecessary classes from our schools, like art and music lessons.
I also wonder what we, as a society, can do to change this. Today, people use the valuable computer tools to create art. Some of the work done by these programs (and the ones using the programs) is quite creative. But should these creations be more valuable because they were done using a computer program? Should they be less valuable?
Some writers use writing tools that help them get their books started. The writing programs help them set up outlines and chapters. Should writers who use these kinds of tools be valued more or less than writers who do not?
Should a writer who insists on using pen and paper be held in higher regard than one who only uses a computer?
Personally, I find it sad that people can claim to love art, but not value the artist. Perhaps if we put art and music back into the classrooms of America, there might be a change in attitude. Yes, I think that would do wonders for kids and parents today, if drawing, painting, and a potter’s wheel were re-introduced into the classrooms. I think if our young people were all encouraged to sing or play an instrument, it would help them see that the person who chooses music as a career is a valuable part of society.
Children today do not get enough creative time. They spend far too many hours in study, but are still lacking behind those from other countries in academics. Could it be that taking art and music out of the classroom has made our children less able to think? And to feel?
About the Author:
Marilyn Mackenzie has been writing about home, family, faith and nature for over 40 years. She is an author on http://www.Writing.Com which is a site for Creative Writers. Her portfolio can be found at http://kenzie.writing.com
Get to know your energy. by Katherine Bouglai
Imagine a young and attractive girl walking by and minding her own business when she is suddenly approached by a man. She is completely caught by surprise and doesn't know what to do. The guy is being persistent and he wants to get to know her. However, she isn't sure how she feels about this but she knows she is not comfortable with his directness. She then chooses to be cautious and turns him down as she increases her pace.
Does this scenario sound familiar? Whom do you sympathize more, the guy or the girl? Who do you think made a mistake? How would you behave in a similar situation? What went wrong? The truth is that there is no right answer to all these questions. The two people in the above scenario may not necessarily be a wrong fit for each other, they were just not ready to meet yet. What really happened was that their energies didn't match. She had "cat energy" and he had "dog energy" and we all know what happens when dogs meet cats -- they chase them!
If you ever owned a dog, perhaps you already know how dogs behave when you take them out for a walk every time they see another dog walking by. They stop and turn their attention to the new dog, perk their ears and get ready to run for it. That other dog is very fascinating to them and they are extremely eager to meet them. Now, what happens when a guest comes to a home that has dogs? The dog gets excited, wags its tail, and sometimes even jumps on people. There is nothing wrong with that, it's just the way dogs are. Whenever they sense a new energy in the room, they want to find out about it as soon as possible. When they get used to the new energy, they calm down.
What about cats? As a cat owner myself, I can tell you that cats are completely opposite. They do not feel comfortable with the new energy. They need their time and space to get used to it, and until they do, they will sit quietly under the couch and intensely stare at the new person who just walked in. When they are ready to get to know you, they will come out and be friendly. Again, there is nothing wrong with being a cat. It's just who they are. They get very overwhelmed with new smells, new environments and they do not feel comfortable with unfamiliar energy. That doesn't mean cats are not curious about new people. Cats are very curious animals and they love our company. They just need their time and space to get to know us.
Can cats and dogs live in perfect harmony? Of course they can, if they learn and respect each other's boundaries. It may not be realistic to explain this to a cat or a dog, but it might be a helpful analogy for humans. Why is it so important to know about this? Because this makes us more aware of our instincts, fears and desires, as well as the fact that somebody else may very well be completely different from us in that sense. This awareness can help us a lot when we interact with others for the first time. Keeping the two energy types in mind, being mindful to ourselves and others, how easier could it be for us to approach someone we're attracted to and not take it personally when others are being too shy to talk to us? Most importantly, whichever energy you think you might have, there is nothing wrong with it. Not all men have the "dog energy" and not all women have the "cat energy." Also, it is very common for our energy to change depending on where we are and who we meet.
About the Author:
Katherine Bouglai Personal Life Coach http://www.beopentolove.com
Does this scenario sound familiar? Whom do you sympathize more, the guy or the girl? Who do you think made a mistake? How would you behave in a similar situation? What went wrong? The truth is that there is no right answer to all these questions. The two people in the above scenario may not necessarily be a wrong fit for each other, they were just not ready to meet yet. What really happened was that their energies didn't match. She had "cat energy" and he had "dog energy" and we all know what happens when dogs meet cats -- they chase them!
If you ever owned a dog, perhaps you already know how dogs behave when you take them out for a walk every time they see another dog walking by. They stop and turn their attention to the new dog, perk their ears and get ready to run for it. That other dog is very fascinating to them and they are extremely eager to meet them. Now, what happens when a guest comes to a home that has dogs? The dog gets excited, wags its tail, and sometimes even jumps on people. There is nothing wrong with that, it's just the way dogs are. Whenever they sense a new energy in the room, they want to find out about it as soon as possible. When they get used to the new energy, they calm down.
What about cats? As a cat owner myself, I can tell you that cats are completely opposite. They do not feel comfortable with the new energy. They need their time and space to get used to it, and until they do, they will sit quietly under the couch and intensely stare at the new person who just walked in. When they are ready to get to know you, they will come out and be friendly. Again, there is nothing wrong with being a cat. It's just who they are. They get very overwhelmed with new smells, new environments and they do not feel comfortable with unfamiliar energy. That doesn't mean cats are not curious about new people. Cats are very curious animals and they love our company. They just need their time and space to get to know us.
Can cats and dogs live in perfect harmony? Of course they can, if they learn and respect each other's boundaries. It may not be realistic to explain this to a cat or a dog, but it might be a helpful analogy for humans. Why is it so important to know about this? Because this makes us more aware of our instincts, fears and desires, as well as the fact that somebody else may very well be completely different from us in that sense. This awareness can help us a lot when we interact with others for the first time. Keeping the two energy types in mind, being mindful to ourselves and others, how easier could it be for us to approach someone we're attracted to and not take it personally when others are being too shy to talk to us? Most importantly, whichever energy you think you might have, there is nothing wrong with it. Not all men have the "dog energy" and not all women have the "cat energy." Also, it is very common for our energy to change depending on where we are and who we meet.
About the Author:
Katherine Bouglai Personal Life Coach http://www.beopentolove.com
Sustainable / Affordable Health Care Is What Everyone Needs by Arnold Cafe
In developed countries quality health care is viewed as a major contributor in achieving economic progress. Without it, it can be translated into productivity lost which can be catastrophic to economic growth. Every country therefore, is encouraged to lay down their program on how health care can be accessible and affordable to their citizenry. In most cases, it might be accessible but not affordable. To developing countries quality health care is highly recommended to sustain economic growth where the bulk of the populace are poor and where production is dependent on intensive manpower resources.
In southeast Asia alone, thirty five percent of the twenty seven million deaths each year are among the people between the ages of thirty and sixty nine. For the middle-aged, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and cancer are the prevalent ones. Moreover, the majority of the people health care is simply unavailable to them. No medical practitioners, clinics, hospitals at their midst on a reasonable distance. Unfortunately, this pressing issue cannot be solved by relying on government resources alone without the support of the health care industry whose vital role is to provide new products and services that will mold the foundations for a strong, financially sustainable health care system. Leaders from the different sectors of the industry are encouraged to share and provide solutions to make health care accessible and affordable to anyone.
Furthermore, one need to consider some significant points that need to be addressed, whose and where the various sectoral leaders in the industry had met in a forum. Among the observations echoed were the following:
-- Who should shoulder the expenses for health care? Is it the government or the private sector? People can allocate expenses for cars, vacations and dine often but when it comes to health care, people expect the system to pay for it.
-- Most patients go to specialists instead of the general practitioners for primary care believing that they get better care. This drives the expenses more instead.
-- Hospitals are getting smaller, not bigger. It used to be more beds meant more patients treated. Now the challenge is now treating more patients with less beds, that is the result of new technology that minimizes hospital stay.
-- There's a shift from 'episodal' care to preventive care to prevent the episode of diseases.
A Dutch company, Philips who are among the driving force of sustainable health care system has presented their health care philosophy with remarkable response to wit:
a) Focus on the patient. b) Simplifying the workload of health care professional. c) Think the entire cycle of care. d) Develop financially sustainable health care system. e) Work together. f) Align all incentives. Their concept had become realities in many parts of the world when they partnered with governments and the private sectors and providing examples of possible solutions to the problem.
Recently, it has introduced the easy web health care system in the Philippines through the internet, to allow online diagnosis of patients with heart ailment in remote areas from medical specialists at the Philippine Heart Center in suburban Manila.
In India, it has supported a mobile clinic with high tech medical equipment installed which is driven by a nurse to service the folks in remote areas. The van is linked via sattelite to a hospital. The results of the test are diagnosed by the medical specialists of that hospital and prescription is given to patients without leaving his home.
The remote patient management can now focus on the care cycle that has to be strengthen the most: Early detection and after care outside the hospital. This system also reduces the burden on health care professionals. Other forms of remote patient management is to allow patients to recuperate at home and the elderly can stay all along in their own home. The system had already been practiced by developed countries and it has shown the broad benefits it has brought by the technology in accessing to health care at minimal cost.
About the Author:
Arnold Cafe is the author of Ideas Galore: http://www.affleap.com/blog/
In southeast Asia alone, thirty five percent of the twenty seven million deaths each year are among the people between the ages of thirty and sixty nine. For the middle-aged, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and cancer are the prevalent ones. Moreover, the majority of the people health care is simply unavailable to them. No medical practitioners, clinics, hospitals at their midst on a reasonable distance. Unfortunately, this pressing issue cannot be solved by relying on government resources alone without the support of the health care industry whose vital role is to provide new products and services that will mold the foundations for a strong, financially sustainable health care system. Leaders from the different sectors of the industry are encouraged to share and provide solutions to make health care accessible and affordable to anyone.
Furthermore, one need to consider some significant points that need to be addressed, whose and where the various sectoral leaders in the industry had met in a forum. Among the observations echoed were the following:
-- Who should shoulder the expenses for health care? Is it the government or the private sector? People can allocate expenses for cars, vacations and dine often but when it comes to health care, people expect the system to pay for it.
-- Most patients go to specialists instead of the general practitioners for primary care believing that they get better care. This drives the expenses more instead.
-- Hospitals are getting smaller, not bigger. It used to be more beds meant more patients treated. Now the challenge is now treating more patients with less beds, that is the result of new technology that minimizes hospital stay.
-- There's a shift from 'episodal' care to preventive care to prevent the episode of diseases.
A Dutch company, Philips who are among the driving force of sustainable health care system has presented their health care philosophy with remarkable response to wit:
a) Focus on the patient. b) Simplifying the workload of health care professional. c) Think the entire cycle of care. d) Develop financially sustainable health care system. e) Work together. f) Align all incentives. Their concept had become realities in many parts of the world when they partnered with governments and the private sectors and providing examples of possible solutions to the problem.
Recently, it has introduced the easy web health care system in the Philippines through the internet, to allow online diagnosis of patients with heart ailment in remote areas from medical specialists at the Philippine Heart Center in suburban Manila.
In India, it has supported a mobile clinic with high tech medical equipment installed which is driven by a nurse to service the folks in remote areas. The van is linked via sattelite to a hospital. The results of the test are diagnosed by the medical specialists of that hospital and prescription is given to patients without leaving his home.
The remote patient management can now focus on the care cycle that has to be strengthen the most: Early detection and after care outside the hospital. This system also reduces the burden on health care professionals. Other forms of remote patient management is to allow patients to recuperate at home and the elderly can stay all along in their own home. The system had already been practiced by developed countries and it has shown the broad benefits it has brought by the technology in accessing to health care at minimal cost.
About the Author:
Arnold Cafe is the author of Ideas Galore: http://www.affleap.com/blog/
Tips To Shop Wisely by Jon Caldwell
The demands of most people for things that can help satisfy their level of satisfaction are quite varied in nature. Ranging from an assortment of practically anything, clothes and accessories can be categorized along with the basic needs as the essential items that most people cannot do without. Design and fashion is one thing that enhances the interest of most people, something that is taken from what they see and hear around from other people and of course the usual advertisements that they simply want to have as well.
Here are some tips on buying clothes and accessories:
1. Brand Loyalty. Nothing else beats selecting the brand to which is more common and tested. Usually, people would rather spend than gamble on new brands to be assured that they will be getting the actual item that is in their minds.
2. Price Comparisons. Cost consciousness is still the top agenda in the minds of most buyers. Saving a bit on purchases can be done if prior window shopping and item comparisons are to be made.
3. Fashion Statements. A key ingredient that will help in further enhancing the interest of the consumer is the fad that is being followed today. Endorsements by famous personalities will surely be one point of reference that molds the craving of people to imitate or buy the same clothing or accessory.
4. Sales Discounts and Offerings. Malls and stores would usually offer specially priced items that are overstocked or are slow moving. These items will usually be offered for sale at one point to be able lessen the need for inventory space and accommodate new item creations.
5. Product Availability. For hot moving items, it is almost certain that they will be out of stock, so it is better to find alternative places of purchase to ensure that the effort for purchasing the clothing or accessory is available.
6. Color and style. The proper definition of color and style is something that most buyers would usually take into consideration since these items have to complement the overall appearance of the buyer in whatever function he or she may use it.
7. Alternative Brands and Substitutes. It would be best to also check out other brands that offer practically the same design. While brand loyalty may be sacrificed, sure savings as to the purchase price will also be encountered since technically, most manufacturers would have to lower their price to gain attention from the consumers.
8. Customer Feedback and Demand. The quality and the movement of items can be seen when people go out and check out the number of people who wear such apparels and accessories. Also, basing decisions on how friends and peers would say about the product will also be a big help on whether to buy or not.
9. Place of Purchase. The malls would usually price items higher than smaller apparel shops and boutiques. This is largely due to the leased space and area of zoning, added costs to the final price of any commodity offered for sale.
10. Preliminary Studies and Information Gathering. Items will always seem to be attractive and alluring to the eyes of the consumer, especially if the presentation is properly laid out. However, some apparels and items are not what they seem so it is best to keep an open mind before actually seeing and purchasing the product and not to allow infatuation to set in.
Making a final choice on which wardrobe to purchase or which complimentary accessories to get is something that is harder than what most people think. For the people who care less, as long as it is available and decent to wear and express themselves as far as their overall identity is concerned is what matters most. Setting a line on the class of apparels and accessories that people prefer will always be an issue, especially for people who have peculiar taste with regards to taste in clothing and appearance. Expressing one self is not as easy as it seems, hence the need to check the latest fashion trends which will surely assist in determining if the available choices and fashion statements are a perfect fit for people who have high regards to quality and complementing their overall personality and appearance.
About the Author:
Jon Caldwell is a specialist in discovering best buys today. Most of his best deals can be read at http://www.bestdealbiz.net/bestdealbizcat/bestdealbizlist.php
Here are some tips on buying clothes and accessories:
1. Brand Loyalty. Nothing else beats selecting the brand to which is more common and tested. Usually, people would rather spend than gamble on new brands to be assured that they will be getting the actual item that is in their minds.
2. Price Comparisons. Cost consciousness is still the top agenda in the minds of most buyers. Saving a bit on purchases can be done if prior window shopping and item comparisons are to be made.
3. Fashion Statements. A key ingredient that will help in further enhancing the interest of the consumer is the fad that is being followed today. Endorsements by famous personalities will surely be one point of reference that molds the craving of people to imitate or buy the same clothing or accessory.
4. Sales Discounts and Offerings. Malls and stores would usually offer specially priced items that are overstocked or are slow moving. These items will usually be offered for sale at one point to be able lessen the need for inventory space and accommodate new item creations.
5. Product Availability. For hot moving items, it is almost certain that they will be out of stock, so it is better to find alternative places of purchase to ensure that the effort for purchasing the clothing or accessory is available.
6. Color and style. The proper definition of color and style is something that most buyers would usually take into consideration since these items have to complement the overall appearance of the buyer in whatever function he or she may use it.
7. Alternative Brands and Substitutes. It would be best to also check out other brands that offer practically the same design. While brand loyalty may be sacrificed, sure savings as to the purchase price will also be encountered since technically, most manufacturers would have to lower their price to gain attention from the consumers.
8. Customer Feedback and Demand. The quality and the movement of items can be seen when people go out and check out the number of people who wear such apparels and accessories. Also, basing decisions on how friends and peers would say about the product will also be a big help on whether to buy or not.
9. Place of Purchase. The malls would usually price items higher than smaller apparel shops and boutiques. This is largely due to the leased space and area of zoning, added costs to the final price of any commodity offered for sale.
10. Preliminary Studies and Information Gathering. Items will always seem to be attractive and alluring to the eyes of the consumer, especially if the presentation is properly laid out. However, some apparels and items are not what they seem so it is best to keep an open mind before actually seeing and purchasing the product and not to allow infatuation to set in.
Making a final choice on which wardrobe to purchase or which complimentary accessories to get is something that is harder than what most people think. For the people who care less, as long as it is available and decent to wear and express themselves as far as their overall identity is concerned is what matters most. Setting a line on the class of apparels and accessories that people prefer will always be an issue, especially for people who have peculiar taste with regards to taste in clothing and appearance. Expressing one self is not as easy as it seems, hence the need to check the latest fashion trends which will surely assist in determining if the available choices and fashion statements are a perfect fit for people who have high regards to quality and complementing their overall personality and appearance.
About the Author:
Jon Caldwell is a specialist in discovering best buys today. Most of his best deals can be read at http://www.bestdealbiz.net/bestdealbizcat/bestdealbizlist.php
Buying Consumer Goods At The Best Prices by Jon Caldwell
Consumer products and related commodities are some of the most common items that can easily be found on the web today. The new way of consummating deals without having to worry about where to get some items that are deemed necessary by most people, the evolution of the Internet has made the life of most consumers a lot more convenient especially when the need to compare such products with their competitors or related products is needed prior to final selection. The usual suspects such as price, quality and brand or manufacturer are still the stand-offs that play an integral role prior to the final selection process.
The entire procedure for making a worthy online process selection is through comparison, something that most consumers rarely get the chance to do in actual life since they would have to identify and single out the items for comparison. The web, aside from being able to look at the actual manufacturer's site for more information and background of a product, allows the flexibility towards its target consumers.
There are of course some strategies and tips that can help online buyers find the best possible deals over the web.
1. Bargain or Sales Discounts.
Music to the ears of most people, getting discounts and bargain offers for some commodities will always be a good attraction that will draw a lot of purchases. Saving a penny or two will not only be beneficial to the would-be buyer but is something that can be likened to actual periodic sales in actual everyday stalls.
2. Product Comparison
It is always the best practice to compare a product with other manufacturers of the same line. While preference for a brand may pose to be a problem, any saving that a consumer can get to a similar product will be the best alternative towards saving a good buck.
3. Method of Delivery
Online purchases will always ask the question of the method of delivery of the good towards the consumer. Delivery and freight charges would usually make the difference between purchasing online and just going to a shop near a consumer's place that may cost less.
4. Method of Payment
Sites that accept credit cards or through other modes of payment such as Paypal will always be more convenient for online buyers. The mode of settlement for a product is always an issue that becomes a limitation to most online buyers, and the more choices to settle a particular purchase becomes more beneficial to both ends.
5. Warranty of the Commodity or Product
Not being able to see nor touch the product will initially cast doubts. The only time these doubts would be erased is once they have been received and inspected properly. Clauses where in defective products may be returned or replaced in some case scenarios will all the more be convenient for the purchaser as far as security of getting their money's worth is concerned.
Credit cards have extended the options for most of us to purchase and secure needs that will be essential to our everyday needs. While we see the various harmful goods that are placed in most supermarkets today, we still endorse them since we become more daring in making purchases because of that extended line of credit given by our trusty credit cards such as Master Card.
We can make a difference by becoming more aware of what we are buying. Our credit cards will not tell us what and what not to purchase. The decision on what to buy and why to buy still remains in our hands.
About the Author:
Jon Caldwell is a specialist in discovering best buys today. Most of his best deals can be read at http://www.bestbuyerweb.com/bestbuyerwebcat/bestbuywebcat.php
The entire procedure for making a worthy online process selection is through comparison, something that most consumers rarely get the chance to do in actual life since they would have to identify and single out the items for comparison. The web, aside from being able to look at the actual manufacturer's site for more information and background of a product, allows the flexibility towards its target consumers.
There are of course some strategies and tips that can help online buyers find the best possible deals over the web.
1. Bargain or Sales Discounts.
Music to the ears of most people, getting discounts and bargain offers for some commodities will always be a good attraction that will draw a lot of purchases. Saving a penny or two will not only be beneficial to the would-be buyer but is something that can be likened to actual periodic sales in actual everyday stalls.
2. Product Comparison
It is always the best practice to compare a product with other manufacturers of the same line. While preference for a brand may pose to be a problem, any saving that a consumer can get to a similar product will be the best alternative towards saving a good buck.
3. Method of Delivery
Online purchases will always ask the question of the method of delivery of the good towards the consumer. Delivery and freight charges would usually make the difference between purchasing online and just going to a shop near a consumer's place that may cost less.
4. Method of Payment
Sites that accept credit cards or through other modes of payment such as Paypal will always be more convenient for online buyers. The mode of settlement for a product is always an issue that becomes a limitation to most online buyers, and the more choices to settle a particular purchase becomes more beneficial to both ends.
5. Warranty of the Commodity or Product
Not being able to see nor touch the product will initially cast doubts. The only time these doubts would be erased is once they have been received and inspected properly. Clauses where in defective products may be returned or replaced in some case scenarios will all the more be convenient for the purchaser as far as security of getting their money's worth is concerned.
Credit cards have extended the options for most of us to purchase and secure needs that will be essential to our everyday needs. While we see the various harmful goods that are placed in most supermarkets today, we still endorse them since we become more daring in making purchases because of that extended line of credit given by our trusty credit cards such as Master Card.
We can make a difference by becoming more aware of what we are buying. Our credit cards will not tell us what and what not to purchase. The decision on what to buy and why to buy still remains in our hands.
About the Author:
Jon Caldwell is a specialist in discovering best buys today. Most of his best deals can be read at http://www.bestbuyerweb.com/bestbuyerwebcat/bestbuywebcat.php
7 Tips In Buying The Perfect Prom Dress by Bill Urell
Your prom is likely going to be one of the most memorable nights of your life. So, you want to wear an equally-memorable prom dress for your special night. Just as you will remember your prom night for the rest of your life, others who attend the prom will likely remember what you wear. It is critical that you find the perfect prom dress that will cause you, your date and everyone else to catch their breath. This article will give you 7 quick tips to buying the prom dress of your dreams.
Tip #1: Begin Looking Early
Start looking for your prom dress a few months before the event. Not only will you be able to leisurely take your time looking, you will also have less competition for the perfect dress (when you finally find it!) and have plenty of time for fittings and alterations.
Tip #2: Start With Magazines
Looking through magazines is an excellent way to get ideas for your prom dress. You can see what the dresses look like when worn by models. Also, you can easily tell what elements of a dress you like and dislike. Cut out the pictures of the dresses that spark your imagination and take them with you when you begin visiting the stores. Ask the people working in the stores about the styles in the pictures. They can give you great advice about which styles will work and which will not.
Tip #3: Try Them All
Every prom dress will look differently when you wear it than it looks in a picture or sitting on a hanger. Your body type and your individual curves will often dictate whether a dress will look stunning or frumpy. Try as many dresses on as possible to get a good idea of what elements of the dress work with your body style and which do not. Encourage the salespeople to give their insight.
Tip #4: Talk To Your Friends
The last thing you want to experience is walking into your prom, excited to get the evening started and seeing a friend wearing the same dress you are wearing. Start talking to your friends about dresses long before the event. You can easily coordinate your styles if you start talking about it early. Many prom dress shops also have registries. This can help you avoid wearing the same designer prom dress as someone else.
Tip #5: Shoot It And Take Notes
Buying a prom dress is often like buying a new perfume. After trying on a few, you may begin to forget the things you like and dislike about each dress. Take a small camera with you when shopping. Ask a salesperson to take a quick picture of you in the dress. By doing this, you can take a few notes and easily remember which dress you liked most, where you tried it on and how much it costs.
Tip #6: Watch Your Mouth
You want to look good on prom night. So, try to watch what you eat during the months leading up to the event. This is even more important if you buy your prom dress early. You want to be able to fit in your dress and look stunning at the same time!
Tip #7: Surf For Savings
You can often find excellent bargains for prom dresses online. You may see the same dress that made you drool at the mall on the internet for significantly less money. It pays to do a little research online.
Buying a prom dress can be a hectic and stressful experience as the event draws closer. But, if you follow the tips above and plan your steps carefully, you can find the perfect prom dress that will make everyone around you (including your date!) gasp at how great you look.
About the Author:
Prom Dress Perfection has the absolute best and latest information on your prom and prom dresses. We feature write ups and reviews of the latest designer and discount prom dresses. Visit: http://promdressperfection.com/
Tip #1: Begin Looking Early
Start looking for your prom dress a few months before the event. Not only will you be able to leisurely take your time looking, you will also have less competition for the perfect dress (when you finally find it!) and have plenty of time for fittings and alterations.
Tip #2: Start With Magazines
Looking through magazines is an excellent way to get ideas for your prom dress. You can see what the dresses look like when worn by models. Also, you can easily tell what elements of a dress you like and dislike. Cut out the pictures of the dresses that spark your imagination and take them with you when you begin visiting the stores. Ask the people working in the stores about the styles in the pictures. They can give you great advice about which styles will work and which will not.
Tip #3: Try Them All
Every prom dress will look differently when you wear it than it looks in a picture or sitting on a hanger. Your body type and your individual curves will often dictate whether a dress will look stunning or frumpy. Try as many dresses on as possible to get a good idea of what elements of the dress work with your body style and which do not. Encourage the salespeople to give their insight.
Tip #4: Talk To Your Friends
The last thing you want to experience is walking into your prom, excited to get the evening started and seeing a friend wearing the same dress you are wearing. Start talking to your friends about dresses long before the event. You can easily coordinate your styles if you start talking about it early. Many prom dress shops also have registries. This can help you avoid wearing the same designer prom dress as someone else.
Tip #5: Shoot It And Take Notes
Buying a prom dress is often like buying a new perfume. After trying on a few, you may begin to forget the things you like and dislike about each dress. Take a small camera with you when shopping. Ask a salesperson to take a quick picture of you in the dress. By doing this, you can take a few notes and easily remember which dress you liked most, where you tried it on and how much it costs.
Tip #6: Watch Your Mouth
You want to look good on prom night. So, try to watch what you eat during the months leading up to the event. This is even more important if you buy your prom dress early. You want to be able to fit in your dress and look stunning at the same time!
Tip #7: Surf For Savings
You can often find excellent bargains for prom dresses online. You may see the same dress that made you drool at the mall on the internet for significantly less money. It pays to do a little research online.
Buying a prom dress can be a hectic and stressful experience as the event draws closer. But, if you follow the tips above and plan your steps carefully, you can find the perfect prom dress that will make everyone around you (including your date!) gasp at how great you look.
About the Author:
Prom Dress Perfection has the absolute best and latest information on your prom and prom dresses. We feature write ups and reviews of the latest designer and discount prom dresses. Visit: http://promdressperfection.com/
Child Poverty by Poverty March Campaign
Child Poverty is the greatest calling facing humanity. Will humanity think of this children as distractions? So far history has judged us on the wrong side of the issue.
Anything and everything done in the name of eradicating has not worked so far. The next question is are we going to keep on tackling this issue with the same intensity and techniques that has not served their purpose so far?
Many people think of world hunger and poverty as a part of life.
Could you imagine your own child, niece, sister, or close friend starving to death? Poverty is the ultimate punishment hungry kids are paying for a crime they did not commit.
We all share some form of blame. Simply because everyone can do his or her part. How? Start by searching a reputable foundation or charity and learn more about it (like whom they help, and how they help). Then if you can afford it, start by giving a dollar or two or three or a hundred.
Do not assume for a second, that giving is someone else's responsibility. Bend the way your mind works and thinks about Hunger and Poverty.
There is a great deal you can do about child poverty if giving money is not your choice of attacking this issue. You can write to your government to put the pressure on, you can volunteer your time, you can join a movement like Poverty March ( a virtual online march that is free to join and only needs putting your name saying that you are a member of the poverty marchers, it's a fresh and new way of asking for a change in the progress we're making on eradicating poverty) Be the change you want see in the world.
Child Poverty Facts that can be a food for your thought: 27,000 - 30,000 children die every day
That is equivalent to:
• 1 child dying every 3 seconds • 20 children dying every minute • A 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring almost every week • An Iraq-scale death toll every 15 to 35 days • 10 -11 million children dying every year • Over 50 million children dying between 2000 and 2005
Child poverty and hunger is an issue that should be tackled and faced with a ferocity that is unparalleled. So are you just going to think about how this was an interesting article, or are you going to contemplate about your next step on what and how you can help to bring about change and awareness?
About the Author:
Poverty March Campaign- is a campaign for millions around the to hold hands with someone around the globe and march side-by side. Child povertyand child hungeris going to be stopped by individuals
Anything and everything done in the name of eradicating has not worked so far. The next question is are we going to keep on tackling this issue with the same intensity and techniques that has not served their purpose so far?
Many people think of world hunger and poverty as a part of life.
Could you imagine your own child, niece, sister, or close friend starving to death? Poverty is the ultimate punishment hungry kids are paying for a crime they did not commit.
We all share some form of blame. Simply because everyone can do his or her part. How? Start by searching a reputable foundation or charity and learn more about it (like whom they help, and how they help). Then if you can afford it, start by giving a dollar or two or three or a hundred.
Do not assume for a second, that giving is someone else's responsibility. Bend the way your mind works and thinks about Hunger and Poverty.
There is a great deal you can do about child poverty if giving money is not your choice of attacking this issue. You can write to your government to put the pressure on, you can volunteer your time, you can join a movement like Poverty March ( a virtual online march that is free to join and only needs putting your name saying that you are a member of the poverty marchers, it's a fresh and new way of asking for a change in the progress we're making on eradicating poverty) Be the change you want see in the world.
Child Poverty Facts that can be a food for your thought: 27,000 - 30,000 children die every day
That is equivalent to:
• 1 child dying every 3 seconds • 20 children dying every minute • A 2004 Asian Tsunami occurring almost every week • An Iraq-scale death toll every 15 to 35 days • 10 -11 million children dying every year • Over 50 million children dying between 2000 and 2005
Child poverty and hunger is an issue that should be tackled and faced with a ferocity that is unparalleled. So are you just going to think about how this was an interesting article, or are you going to contemplate about your next step on what and how you can help to bring about change and awareness?
About the Author:
Poverty March Campaign- is a campaign for millions around the to hold hands with someone around the globe and march side-by side. Child povertyand child hungeris going to be stopped by individuals
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Morality Isn't Free by Troy L Parrish
Morality isn't free, or least it shouldn't be. The discussion of morality certainly isn't a new discussion (Adam Smith wrote about it is his well know work The Theory of Moral Sentiments in 1759). In his work he discussed the idea that what makes us moral is our ability to empathize with one another. The ability to identify with the feelings of plights of others, the theory states, makes us moral in terms of how we define right and wrong. Since we can understand how someone else might feel, this helps us to also feel what would be right or wrong in terms of how our behavior would impact those around us. We don't steal because this would be taking something from someone else and hurt their feelings and deny them the fruit of their labor. An article in Reason Magazine (Nov. 21, 2007) reports on neurological findings from brain imaging studies that indicate that indeed, people do react to the actions and situations to others in areas of the brain that are often associated with right and wrong and moral reasoning. The researchers suggest that this is evidence that we as humans experience a part of our morality as a result of our biology. The article goes on to state that the moral compass that we have is a part of our inborn wiring, much like the capacity for speech.
Another article, this time in Time Magazine (Nov. 20, 2007) discusses a similar concept, suggesting that while the ability to empathize may be inborn, there is the need to shape that moral compass, much like the ability to speak. The research in this case suggests that we have the ability to empathize but that we empathize much more easily with people that we can see in front of us than people that are removed by a great distance of some type. That's why it is almost a compulsion to help someone who is down and out that we know but can easily trash the mailer requesting that we contribute money to help a family in another continent.
Science seeks to understand things by reducing them to their simplest component, it's most basic parts. By doing so, science tries to isolate one component and study that component in it's relationship with to particular variables and thereby hopes to understand it. By nature such complex systems such as morality are not easily defined by science since such complex systems are more than simply the sum of their parts, even if you can define all of the parts associated with morality, and it is fair to say that morality is more than the codification of our ability to empathize. Morality often extends to doing what is right, even if it costs you something or is unpopular.
Morality is more than empathy, it is also driven by ideals. The student who stands in the path of tanks in Tiananmen Square is not driven so much by empathy as he or she is by ideals. A comrade who sacrifices his life for his buddies is driven by an ideal, a split second decision made based on what is the right and noble thing to do in that situation not a decision made by a person who visualizes his friends being hurt and killed, then feels empathy then acts. The ability to be philanthropic across continents and oceans suggest ideals in addition to empathy. Morality is a grand and complex concept because it is has been shaped not only by empathy (an emotional state) but by ideals as well.
Unfortunately, our morality appears to be increasingly shaped not by an interest of others nor an extrinsic set of ideals. Our values seem to be influenced by the idea that our choices and decisions should be acceptable as long as we can make them work. If no one is harmed, then it should be OK to be engaged in the behavior in question, a more utilitarian view of morality. The ongoing debates over social issues very much reflect this very issue. Stem cell research, cloning, religion in the public square and the definition of family are some example of the debates that reflect the core issue of just what is morality, what is right and what is wrong? Has morality changed? Or is the concept of what is right and wrong fluid, to be defined by popular culture? Should morality only be constrained by the impact our behavior would have on those immediately around us? Or should our morality be driven by higher principles?
Social liberals and conservatives both seem to be idealistic when discussing their respective concerns, of what should and should not be. Social liberals would have us contribute our wealth to social programs and work to level the playing field for all concerned. They would have us constrain our use of resources in order to protect the environment. And they would have us make these sacrifices for individuals that we do not know and may never meet. Social conservatives would have us stick with more traditional values, despite the growing cry from some quarters for change it the way we define what is acceptable. They would have us constrain our behavior despite the fact that they cannot always demonstrate how our behavior would harm directly someone else. It is clear that we as human beings believe that our morals should be driven by principles larger than our own self interests, that they should be governed by extrinsic values that transcend our own situation and even our own time period. That some values are indeed timeless. As a result, there is a time in which to be moral is to truly make self sacrifice. There are those that have given their lives in the service of others because of their conviction of morals. Out of that conviction has developed a love for those they serve.
But just as there has been shining examples of this type of morality there has been countless examples of entire civilizations that have crumbled due to corruption. The rise and fall of the Roman empire serves as a marvelous example of the damage that is done when hedonism becomes the primary driver behind personal choices. The road to such moral decay certainly includes a stretch of road governed by relative truth and morality. When we begin to seek to justify our morality by the ability to make it work we set the stage for justification in self indulgence. There is no question that this is progressive, moving us down a road towards a morally bankrupt culture. While we hold to ideals of values and morals that are timeless and transcend us, we also clamor for morals that allow us to indulge our appetites, morals that really cost us very little. But in the end, after chip by chip, our morals have been completely reshaped and then they are not morals at all they are simply justifications we place on our behavior to mend our wounded conscience. The real morality that we hold as a virtue cost us, personally and collectively. If we are to continue to be a moral people, we must first recognize that morality transcends us. Then we must embrace the truth that morals also cost, and we should be willing to pay. Morality isn't free, never has been, never will be.
About the Author:
Check out our website, Boys Behavior. Boys Behavior is a site dedicated to Boys and those who have or work with boys. With helpful articles, tips book reviews, links to other sites and an interactive blog, there is sure to be something you will find helpful and valuable. And, he is always giving away free stuff. So give us a visit and let us know what you think. http://boysbehavior.thehomeschoolorganizer.com
Another article, this time in Time Magazine (Nov. 20, 2007) discusses a similar concept, suggesting that while the ability to empathize may be inborn, there is the need to shape that moral compass, much like the ability to speak. The research in this case suggests that we have the ability to empathize but that we empathize much more easily with people that we can see in front of us than people that are removed by a great distance of some type. That's why it is almost a compulsion to help someone who is down and out that we know but can easily trash the mailer requesting that we contribute money to help a family in another continent.
Science seeks to understand things by reducing them to their simplest component, it's most basic parts. By doing so, science tries to isolate one component and study that component in it's relationship with to particular variables and thereby hopes to understand it. By nature such complex systems such as morality are not easily defined by science since such complex systems are more than simply the sum of their parts, even if you can define all of the parts associated with morality, and it is fair to say that morality is more than the codification of our ability to empathize. Morality often extends to doing what is right, even if it costs you something or is unpopular.
Morality is more than empathy, it is also driven by ideals. The student who stands in the path of tanks in Tiananmen Square is not driven so much by empathy as he or she is by ideals. A comrade who sacrifices his life for his buddies is driven by an ideal, a split second decision made based on what is the right and noble thing to do in that situation not a decision made by a person who visualizes his friends being hurt and killed, then feels empathy then acts. The ability to be philanthropic across continents and oceans suggest ideals in addition to empathy. Morality is a grand and complex concept because it is has been shaped not only by empathy (an emotional state) but by ideals as well.
Unfortunately, our morality appears to be increasingly shaped not by an interest of others nor an extrinsic set of ideals. Our values seem to be influenced by the idea that our choices and decisions should be acceptable as long as we can make them work. If no one is harmed, then it should be OK to be engaged in the behavior in question, a more utilitarian view of morality. The ongoing debates over social issues very much reflect this very issue. Stem cell research, cloning, religion in the public square and the definition of family are some example of the debates that reflect the core issue of just what is morality, what is right and what is wrong? Has morality changed? Or is the concept of what is right and wrong fluid, to be defined by popular culture? Should morality only be constrained by the impact our behavior would have on those immediately around us? Or should our morality be driven by higher principles?
Social liberals and conservatives both seem to be idealistic when discussing their respective concerns, of what should and should not be. Social liberals would have us contribute our wealth to social programs and work to level the playing field for all concerned. They would have us constrain our use of resources in order to protect the environment. And they would have us make these sacrifices for individuals that we do not know and may never meet. Social conservatives would have us stick with more traditional values, despite the growing cry from some quarters for change it the way we define what is acceptable. They would have us constrain our behavior despite the fact that they cannot always demonstrate how our behavior would harm directly someone else. It is clear that we as human beings believe that our morals should be driven by principles larger than our own self interests, that they should be governed by extrinsic values that transcend our own situation and even our own time period. That some values are indeed timeless. As a result, there is a time in which to be moral is to truly make self sacrifice. There are those that have given their lives in the service of others because of their conviction of morals. Out of that conviction has developed a love for those they serve.
But just as there has been shining examples of this type of morality there has been countless examples of entire civilizations that have crumbled due to corruption. The rise and fall of the Roman empire serves as a marvelous example of the damage that is done when hedonism becomes the primary driver behind personal choices. The road to such moral decay certainly includes a stretch of road governed by relative truth and morality. When we begin to seek to justify our morality by the ability to make it work we set the stage for justification in self indulgence. There is no question that this is progressive, moving us down a road towards a morally bankrupt culture. While we hold to ideals of values and morals that are timeless and transcend us, we also clamor for morals that allow us to indulge our appetites, morals that really cost us very little. But in the end, after chip by chip, our morals have been completely reshaped and then they are not morals at all they are simply justifications we place on our behavior to mend our wounded conscience. The real morality that we hold as a virtue cost us, personally and collectively. If we are to continue to be a moral people, we must first recognize that morality transcends us. Then we must embrace the truth that morals also cost, and we should be willing to pay. Morality isn't free, never has been, never will be.
About the Author:
Check out our website, Boys Behavior. Boys Behavior is a site dedicated to Boys and those who have or work with boys. With helpful articles, tips book reviews, links to other sites and an interactive blog, there is sure to be something you will find helpful and valuable. And, he is always giving away free stuff. So give us a visit and let us know what you think. http://boysbehavior.thehomeschoolorganizer.com
How an Immigrant Spouse Can Become a U.S. Citizen by Dean Novosat
Immigrating into the United States is not as easy as it used to be. Just 10 or 20 years ago, it was simple to cross the border and gain citizenship into the United States by filling out the proper forms. Immigration laws have really gotten a lot more strict, however, and in order to become a citizen of the United States and is often necessary to hire an American immigration attorney to guide you. This will not only help you to be able to gain entry into the United States without too much difficulty, it will also help you to be able to avoid any pitfalls that might slow down the process along the way.
One of the easiest ways to become a citizen of the United States is to marry a citizen of the United States. This doesn't ensure, however, that you are going to be a citizen of the United States without any problems. What it does say, is that if you marry this person for a reason other than becoming a citizen of the United States you certainly will be able to apply for citizenship. Along with that, you will have plenty of forms that you will need to fill out either as their fiance, before you are married or as their spouse after you're married.
A few of the regulations that are necessary in order to become a citizen of the United States will be covered by the American immigration attorney for you. This is a great help for those who are not able to speak English as their native language as some of the regulations can get quite lengthy and wordy in nature. They will help you to make sure that you are compliant with all of the immigration laws and that you have all of the forms filled out properly and sent off to the proper places. This will ensure that you are able to go through this process with the least amount of problems necessary.
If you met your fiance outside of the United States and you want to come into the United States in order to get married there are particular forms that you will need to fill out as well. An American immigration attorney will guide you through filling out these forms and also the regulations that show whether your marriage will be accepted by the United States for citizenship or not. Some of the reasons why they may not be accepted is because you knew your fiance for too little of the time, you did not get married within 90 days of entering the country or else it is illegal for the two of you to get married according to the laws in either the United States or their country.
If you want this process to go as smoothly as possible, hiring an American immigration attorney can benefit you in a number of ways. Not only do they know the ins and outs of immigration and gaining citizenship in the United States, they also have filled out the forms that need filled out many times. If these forms are filled out properly and sent into the proper people they will be streamlined through the process. If you fill them out yourself and they are filled out wrong, you will have delays upon delays in getting into the country.
About the Author:
By Dean Novosat. You can find all kinds of advice on how to become a U.S. citizen, get green cards, and fiance visas at http://www.immigran.com Spouse Immigration
One of the easiest ways to become a citizen of the United States is to marry a citizen of the United States. This doesn't ensure, however, that you are going to be a citizen of the United States without any problems. What it does say, is that if you marry this person for a reason other than becoming a citizen of the United States you certainly will be able to apply for citizenship. Along with that, you will have plenty of forms that you will need to fill out either as their fiance, before you are married or as their spouse after you're married.
A few of the regulations that are necessary in order to become a citizen of the United States will be covered by the American immigration attorney for you. This is a great help for those who are not able to speak English as their native language as some of the regulations can get quite lengthy and wordy in nature. They will help you to make sure that you are compliant with all of the immigration laws and that you have all of the forms filled out properly and sent off to the proper places. This will ensure that you are able to go through this process with the least amount of problems necessary.
If you met your fiance outside of the United States and you want to come into the United States in order to get married there are particular forms that you will need to fill out as well. An American immigration attorney will guide you through filling out these forms and also the regulations that show whether your marriage will be accepted by the United States for citizenship or not. Some of the reasons why they may not be accepted is because you knew your fiance for too little of the time, you did not get married within 90 days of entering the country or else it is illegal for the two of you to get married according to the laws in either the United States or their country.
If you want this process to go as smoothly as possible, hiring an American immigration attorney can benefit you in a number of ways. Not only do they know the ins and outs of immigration and gaining citizenship in the United States, they also have filled out the forms that need filled out many times. If these forms are filled out properly and sent into the proper people they will be streamlined through the process. If you fill them out yourself and they are filled out wrong, you will have delays upon delays in getting into the country.
About the Author:
By Dean Novosat. You can find all kinds of advice on how to become a U.S. citizen, get green cards, and fiance visas at http://www.immigran.com Spouse Immigration
Romantic Valentines Day Ideas by Nicole Nicholas
Valentines Day is quickly approaching, but are you having trouble finding romantic valentines day ideas? It seems that alot of couples are having the same problem. While we should be focusing on romance and love, we seem to be panicking, as we scramble to find the best romantic gift for our partners.But Valentines Day is meant to be a day to spend quality time with our partners. Not worrying about buying the right gift.For many couples, more time needs to be spent on expressing their love for each other, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Love is more complex than giving your partner flowers or chocolates. We shouldn't worry so much about the "perfect" gift. That is not what Valentine's Day is about. Its the little things that make Valentine's day special. Like cooking your partner dinner, decorating romantically with candles and dimming the lights, or running off with your partner on a romantic weekend getaway. Being creative and making it special are the most important gifts you can give. By finding meaningful things to do for your partner, thats how you will make this Valentines day truly spectacular.
Here are some romantic valentines day ideas you can use, to set you off on the right foot.
* Recreate your first date
* Watch a romantic movie
* Cook them a candlelight dinner
* Give them a sensual massage
* Take them for a night time picnic
* Take them on a surprise weekend getaway
* Surprise them with a romantic bedroom makeover
* Go for a romantic photo shoot, and surprise them with the pictures
* Print off some romantic love coupons (see the link below for some free ones)
Just remember that the more creative you make it, the more memorable it will be. Try to make it a tribute to your love for them. Try to make this Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate your love and your relationship with your partner. That way no matter how you do it, this Valentine's Day you will be able to show them just how much you care.
For more romantic valentine's day ideas, go to http://www.simply-romantic-ideas.com/romantic-valentines-day-ideas.html
About the Author:
Nicole Nicholas is an expert at teaching couples the ways of romance. She owns and operates Simply-Romantic-Ideas.com, and prides herself on helping couples create romantic moments and occasions. Simply-Romantic-Ideas.com includes tips and ideas on everything romantic from gifts, travel, decorating, music, things to say, dating, poems, dinner ideas and more.
Here are some romantic valentines day ideas you can use, to set you off on the right foot.
* Recreate your first date
* Watch a romantic movie
* Cook them a candlelight dinner
* Give them a sensual massage
* Take them for a night time picnic
* Take them on a surprise weekend getaway
* Surprise them with a romantic bedroom makeover
* Go for a romantic photo shoot, and surprise them with the pictures
* Print off some romantic love coupons (see the link below for some free ones)
Just remember that the more creative you make it, the more memorable it will be. Try to make it a tribute to your love for them. Try to make this Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate your love and your relationship with your partner. That way no matter how you do it, this Valentine's Day you will be able to show them just how much you care.
For more romantic valentine's day ideas, go to http://www.simply-romantic-ideas.com/romantic-valentines-day-ideas.html
About the Author:
Nicole Nicholas is an expert at teaching couples the ways of romance. She owns and operates Simply-Romantic-Ideas.com, and prides herself on helping couples create romantic moments and occasions. Simply-Romantic-Ideas.com includes tips and ideas on everything romantic from gifts, travel, decorating, music, things to say, dating, poems, dinner ideas and more.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
How to survive your first Christmas alone by Annie O'Neill
Your first Christmas alone doesn't have to be terrible. Make sure that you plan what you are going to do well in advance and that you arrange to keep busy over the holiday period. Be organised and don't leave any spare time when you might brood.
Don't worry about what your ex partner is doing or who they are spending it with; make sure that you are so busy having a good time that it doesn't matter what they are doing. Don't let any negative feelings (anger, jealousy) about your ex get in the way of enjoying yourself.
Prior to the Christmas break take advantage of all the parties you are invited to. If you haven't got a company party or a networking 'do' to go to then why not throw your own party? You can even throw themed parties - why not go for fancy dress or I recently went to a chocolate party (http://www.chocolate-parties.com/index.php?p=home) and yesterday I met someone who arranges Body Shop parties (http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/page/athome). If everyone brings a bottle and a plate of food hosting a party doesn't have to be too expensive.
One of the options available is to go away on holiday. This is what I did the first year I was on my own. I packed my bags and flew to the Canary Islands with a friend. We had champagne by the swimming pool on Christmas Day and on New Years Eve thoroughly enjoyed the party that was laid on by the hotel with all the new people we had met. If you don't know anyone who is single why not try Buddies4Travel (http://www.buddies4travel.co.uk/) who can help you find a suitable travelling companion.
Alternatively, if you lead a hectic life, you could decide to spend the time on your own and have some quiet 'me' time. Stock up on your favourite foods, a good book and some classic DVD's and relax. A friend of mine did this a couple of years ago and she thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Don't forget to buy yourself a self-indulgent present such as a beauty treatment, a massage or a new outfit. If you really feel like splashing out why not have a colour consultation. I had this done for my birthday this year (www.maximisegroup.com) and I felt like a million dollars. You can find consultants all over the country at http://www.cmb.co.uk/directory.asp
If you have other single friends who are going to be on their own over Christmas you could get together and have a house party. Why not play some board games such as Scrabble, Scattergories, Trivial Pursuit or a Murder Mystery? You don't have to be a child to play games! If money is an issue make a pact not to buy each other presents or limit the cost of presents for each other and share the cost of the food and drink.
Another option is to volunteer to work for a charity over Christmas. Why not help provide lunch for the homeless or visit a lonely elderly person? These websites provide some ideas about how you can help. http://www.timebank.org.uk/volunteer_christmas/ or http://www.do-it.org.uk/magazine/features/news/christmas2006
If you have children you should communicate with your ex about the arrangements for the holiday well in advance. Reassure the children that you will be OK while they are spending time with your ex, that you have plans and will not be sad or upset. Ensure that they are happy with the arrangements that have been made for them.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
About the Author:
I am a Divorce Coach. I work with people to redesign their lives after the breakdown of a long-term relationship.
Ten Secrets to a Successful Divorce is a practical step-by-step guide designed to help you to start redesigning your life right away. And it's yours free just for visiting my website - www.newhorizons-divorcecoaching.co.uk
If you found this article helpful you might like to visit my blog - http://lifeafterdivorce.wordpress.com/
Don't worry about what your ex partner is doing or who they are spending it with; make sure that you are so busy having a good time that it doesn't matter what they are doing. Don't let any negative feelings (anger, jealousy) about your ex get in the way of enjoying yourself.
Prior to the Christmas break take advantage of all the parties you are invited to. If you haven't got a company party or a networking 'do' to go to then why not throw your own party? You can even throw themed parties - why not go for fancy dress or I recently went to a chocolate party (http://www.chocolate-parties.com/index.php?p=home) and yesterday I met someone who arranges Body Shop parties (http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/page/athome). If everyone brings a bottle and a plate of food hosting a party doesn't have to be too expensive.
One of the options available is to go away on holiday. This is what I did the first year I was on my own. I packed my bags and flew to the Canary Islands with a friend. We had champagne by the swimming pool on Christmas Day and on New Years Eve thoroughly enjoyed the party that was laid on by the hotel with all the new people we had met. If you don't know anyone who is single why not try Buddies4Travel (http://www.buddies4travel.co.uk/) who can help you find a suitable travelling companion.
Alternatively, if you lead a hectic life, you could decide to spend the time on your own and have some quiet 'me' time. Stock up on your favourite foods, a good book and some classic DVD's and relax. A friend of mine did this a couple of years ago and she thoroughly enjoyed herself.
Don't forget to buy yourself a self-indulgent present such as a beauty treatment, a massage or a new outfit. If you really feel like splashing out why not have a colour consultation. I had this done for my birthday this year (www.maximisegroup.com) and I felt like a million dollars. You can find consultants all over the country at http://www.cmb.co.uk/directory.asp
If you have other single friends who are going to be on their own over Christmas you could get together and have a house party. Why not play some board games such as Scrabble, Scattergories, Trivial Pursuit or a Murder Mystery? You don't have to be a child to play games! If money is an issue make a pact not to buy each other presents or limit the cost of presents for each other and share the cost of the food and drink.
Another option is to volunteer to work for a charity over Christmas. Why not help provide lunch for the homeless or visit a lonely elderly person? These websites provide some ideas about how you can help. http://www.timebank.org.uk/volunteer_christmas/ or http://www.do-it.org.uk/magazine/features/news/christmas2006
If you have children you should communicate with your ex about the arrangements for the holiday well in advance. Reassure the children that you will be OK while they are spending time with your ex, that you have plans and will not be sad or upset. Ensure that they are happy with the arrangements that have been made for them.
Have a very Merry Christmas.
About the Author:
I am a Divorce Coach. I work with people to redesign their lives after the breakdown of a long-term relationship.
Ten Secrets to a Successful Divorce is a practical step-by-step guide designed to help you to start redesigning your life right away. And it's yours free just for visiting my website - www.newhorizons-divorcecoaching.co.uk
If you found this article helpful you might like to visit my blog - http://lifeafterdivorce.wordpress.com/
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