Archive for August, 2008

Conquering and Controlling Massive Locust Plagues

Sunday, August 31st, 2008

We have all heard the saying; Divide and Conquer, yet when it comes to one of the greatest threats which is made by another species to mankind’s civilization and existence is it really possible? Can we in fact stop a Locust Plague and if so how? Well perhaps we can use sound to control their flight paths and steer them away from farmland and villages? But how you ask?

Well, why not attempt to steer them, divide them, section them out in diamond grids and use AFF Grid system to do it, or a possible variation or modification of this;

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?showtopic=906

You see it is not as if we do not have the technology it is too many people are not Renaissance Men, who can bring the different technologies together to use as one for an obscure or previously unconsidered application is all:

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=bf9f173fbf23f10bb27b634b596cd0f5&showtopic=94

http://worldthinktank.net/wttbbs/index.php?s=bf9f173fbf23f10bb27b634b596cd0f5&showtopic=230

Sounds like a plan but will it actually work; that is to say can we actually split them off into smaller groups which we can control and spread them out and allow them to lose steam. Locusts swarm because they become too densely populated or so they say. If we spread them out again, will they stop? Hard to say and even harder to do, but if we use sound waves can it be done? Consider all this plan in 2006.

Lance Winslow - EzineArticles Expert Author

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

The Island of the Sun

Friday, August 29th, 2008

Cyprus is and island that is well know for many centuries of great traditions, but what it is best known for is its spectacular climate, which has made it a very popular destination for Europeans, with over 2.4 million visiting its many resorts. The island receives over 330 days of sunshine a year, which has given it the name The Island of the Sun. With plenty of travel agents providing Cyprus holidays and low cost airlines such as Easyjet offering routes to Paphos and Larnaca, it has never been easier to get there.

Cyprus attracts tourists from all over the world, but the majority come from Europe. Affluent eastern Europeans and Russians have also joined the crowd in recent years. The British Armed Forces have long has a presence in Cyprus. With quick and easy access to the Middle East, this is likely to be the case for some time to come. The impact of this on the surrounding area is that Cypriots have grown used to, and in turn, now cater for the Brits. From English being spoken everywhere you go, to driving on the left side of the road. No doubt the similarity to the UK makes us Brits feel more at home, but in a more favourable climate.

Much of olden Cyprus is giving away to culture that is more eclectic and less traditional. However, this side of Cyprus, that continues to attract millions of tourists year after year, is only one aspect of the island and is concentrated around the tourist hotspots of Paphos, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Fortunately as you venture off the beaten track, your are soon reminded of the character that has made this island a popular destination for millennia.

A trip well worth taking is into Cyprus largest mountain range, the Troodos Mountains. In the heart of the mountains you will find the Kykkos monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1998. Housing art and exhibits on ancient Greece, the monastery has the twin function of being a museum for visitors and a practising monastery lived in by worshiping monks. If you are a wine lover, there are treats in store for you. A daytrip to the Troodos Mountains can be a welcome change from the beach and with overnight accommodation available in many of the authentic villages dotted about; you might want to spend a few days here sampling another side of Cyprus.

Deciding on the Greatest Fast Broadband Offer

Monday, August 25th, 2008

When potential customers are researching the high speed internet access landscape browsers could feel dazed. The internet market is full to the brim with internet providers supplying many high speed packages with ultra fast internet speeds and download limitations.

Internet users might well wish to research every high speed internet business directly to find out what high speed broadband packages the firm give, speeds they provide and the company’s conditions and terms. If you want to view this high speed broadband information in 1 site clients may wish to look at a broadband comparison site.

If you yourself already have a fast broadband corporation and desire to use a different firm then nothing should stop you from trying a different company, especially if a saving is to be made. High speed broadband comparison corporations might be able to guide browsers through the procedure and what steps may be taken.

When potential customers are looking for the finest deal price should not be the primary deciding factor. Tons of broadband firms will punt an astonishingly low entry deal to grab possible customers over to them. When broadband packages are unusually low in price please make sure you learn what broadband speed the broadband firm will provide, what download allocation you will be provided with and also the terms of the internet contract. The download limits is key as various companies will often charge you yourself per GB that surfers go over, so if your internet package has an 8 Gigabyte download allocation and you download ten comedy movies that month, you are more than likely to have downloaded 10 Gigabytes (i.e. 1GB per movie) – that is 2GB’s more than your internet allocation, and that is two GB worth of internet downloads the organisation can bill over and above your monthly package charge.

When selecting the leading deal please furthermore check whether or not the company will charge a connection fee and if there are any charges associated with being supplied a wireless router. The above further costs will all mount up and you yourself will be left with little savings when compared to other internet packages. Discover which BT broadband deals are in your area and what deals they offer.

Thankfully, internet comparison businesses might well flag up any extra costs and broadband users can make an informed and impartial decision.

Mass Market Laptops for Gaming Are Here

Sunday, August 24th, 2008

I remember an era where laptops for gaming were a niche thing. The units were circulated in small qty’s but each systems had a high profit margin. They were the kind of notebook computers desired by everyone but the expense was just too much. They were pretty much desktop computer replacements and the fastest, best laptop you could obtain. I think they would provide us with an idea of what’s to come but nobody would really buy laptop computers for gaming at that time. I think things are already changing though and will continue to because the global brands are all coming into the market.

I bet they could class it as a top end notebook and make tons of cash on these particularly with their economies of scale. As the profit potential on standard notebook computers have gotten so tiny, producing specialized gaming laptop computers is one strategy to regain a higher gross profit. In my view well known brands can employ leverage to convince prospects to buy laptop computers regardless of the price. I am wondering what the the counter from smaller retailers will be. I am already noticing some price drops. This one time premium technology is basically going to be aimed at everybody now. I reckon the ignorant automatically feel safe by purchasing from a brand they are familiar with.

The excitement being produced concerning the new branded gaming laptop computers is making people perceive them as being the best laptop computers in history. This is possibly the one service that smaller competitors can offer which the bigger ones can’t. I can determine the ability of getting to customise the notebook computer to be an important purchasing decision. Prospects of this type are generally highly in the know concerning the technology at hand, and so are able to do spec for spec comparisons. In my opinion I think consumers care more about the speed rather than design.

From a buyers position this is all a great situation. This should act to make the latest technology even more attainable for the customer. I write that a bit hesitatingly however as the notebooks business is a pretty fast paced market. High prices should continue and be normal with the latest laptop computers is what I am guessing. Strong Competition typically pushes companies to do more and give greater value so that sounds hopeful.

How to Write a Sizzling Sales Letter, Part 1

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

When you sit down to write a sales letter to your prospects, it can be difficult to know just where to start. Regardless of the purpose of your letter, it has to accomplish several things:

  • capture the attention of the reader
  • speak to the reader’s individual needs
  • give good reasons why your prospect can trust you
  • communicate your offer succinctly and clearly
  • encourage your prospect to act now

And furthermore, it has to have sizzle. In other words, it needs to grab your prospect’s attention and appeal to them emotionally so that they want to respond.

Here is my step-by-step guide to writing a winning sales letter:

1. Establish your letter’s main purpose.

First of all, what do you want to achieve by sending out a sales letter? Be specific.

Do you want to generate leads? Sell your services or products outright? Use your letter as a “get to know you” device for prospects who have been referred to you by trusted colleagues?

Second, what is your offer? Any time you contact prospective clients, you need to have something to offer them. It’s a busy world, and your prospects are barraged with too much information as it is. So simplify their lives by narrowing down what you are marketing to them in a way that is easy to follow.

If you’re a life coach, perhaps you would be giving away a half-hour coaching session as an introductory offer.

Do you want your prospect to contact you regarding her upcoming consulting needs? Your offer might be a special report on how to get the best results from your consultant. Giving away information is an excellent way to show your expertise without having to sell your services outright.

If the latest version of your software is about to launch, you might send current-version owners a letter offering an inexpensive upgrade if they act quickly.

The important thing here is to figure out 1 main offer for your letter. Just 1. Keeping it simple will make it easier for you to write the letter to begin with; plus, your readers will easily grasp what you’re asking them to do as well.

What is most successful for your prospects will depend on how well you …

2. Give the people what they want.

Who will be receiving the letter? Outline the types of prospects you’ll be contacting.

Then list their individual needs based on what you’re selling. This will help you determine not only how to appeal to your readers’ emotions, but also lets you figure out how many different messages you have to have to reach your targets.

For example, if you’re a real estate agent wanting to market to prospective buyers in a ritzy neighborhood, as well as to less financially able individuals who are looking for homes in a more upscale neighborhood than their own, you’re going to be writing 2 different letters, or at least 2 different permutations of the same letter.

Why? Because the wealthy prospects already have established themselves and are looking for downright luxury in their new homes, whereas the latter group wants to find a home in a more comfortable neighborhood where their kids can play outside safely and go to good schools. (The well-off prospects pretty much take these aspects of home-buying for granted, though they are still important benefits.)

Ask yourself:

  • What do my prospects need that I offer?
  • What do they want?
  • What do they desire deep down inside?
  • What do your prospects fear will go wrong if they buy?
  • How can you put their fears to rest?
  • Why should they choose you (from their perspective)?
  • What would make them absolutely thrilled with what I am selling?

In other words …

“What’s in it for me?”

Your prospects are concerned about their own needs and no one else’s, and they’re not out to do you any favors, so your job is to show them what only you can can give them.

If you keep in mind both the rational and emotional needs and wants of your prospects, you’re already a step ahead.

3. Structure your letter properly.

Although the structure of your letter is important, steps 1 and 2 lay the foundation for everything else to do with your letter. So make sure to work through the above-mentioned steps prior to getting started writing.

What’s the right structure for a sales letter? The good news is that every good sales letter has several elements in common:

  • a headline, or Johnson box
  • a salutation
  • a powerful opener
  • an easy-to-follow internal structure that guides your reader from one point to the next
  • a solid offer
  • a P.S.
  • credibility boosters

In Part 2 of this article, I will go through all the particulars of each element to ensure that your next sales letter is perfectly persuasive. See http://AvenueEast.com/saleslettertutorial.htm for the full sales letter tutorial.

EzineArticles Expert Author Jennifer McCay

Copywriter/marketing strategist Jennifer McCay helps individuals and small businesses turn their expertise into marketing success stories. She is the publisher of the Avenues to Marketing Success Newsletter, which delivers tips to help you rev up your small business marketing. To subscribe and receive a FREE special report on 7 ways to improve your sales copy, head to http://AvenueEast.com

Article Writing: Commandment No. 2

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

Don’t rehash what’s already out there!

With some many articles on any given topic you’ll find that a lot of things come up again and again, so what you really need to do is set you self apart from the crowd. There’s really no point rehashing the same old stuff as everyone else you’ll never stand out from the crowd.

Put in the time to do the research. You’ll find that the best article and the ones that get passed around or recommended are the ones that are up to date, what’s happening today
in your given field… What’s the newspapers talking about it?.. What’s your target audience talking about in the forums?… What problems have they got?… What are they looking for? A lot of people come to the internet to find an answer to their problems, and will probably go for the free help first. I know sometimes free advice is usually worth what it costs “zilch” but this is where you can make a difference by providing good quality content.

From working on the internet you really have no excuse for not being able to do some research on your topic, type into your Google box and away you go. It may seem like a bit of hard work for only an article but this is what will set you apart from the rest of the herd. You may find that you find so much on your topic that you cant fit it into 1 article, so why not spread it over a group of articles and do a top 5 or 10 things (like these articles.) you may not be found on the first article you’ve written but with a collection of 5 or 10 related articles circulating you’re name is going to be read about over and over again and you’ll find that you’ll grow in reputation and start to be associated with your given field.

Break free from the herd today and make a name for yourself, visit http://www.barryjmcdonald.com and post your article with us.

How to Build a Deck – 5 Considerations for Building a Wood Deck

Sunday, August 17th, 2008

How to build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can create the perfect transition between your home and your backyard. How to build a deck planning and construction should result in a wonderful place to go to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you are going to have your deck built by a professional or do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires proper planning and design.

Here are five basic considerations for building a wooden deck:

1. Choose Your Deck Type – there are several types of decks you can have for your home. An outdoor patio deck can be attached to your home. A convenient location for your outdoor patio deck could be attached to the family room or kitchen. How to build a deck that is a destination deck? A destination deck would be typically be located in a special place with a view and would not connected to your home. You might have a winding path that would lead to the destination deck. How to build a deck that is a connector deck? A connector deck is several smaller decks of any shape or size connected to each other with pathways.

2. Consider Your Deck Activities – when building a wood deck, will your deck be a place to grill and barbecue? Are you going to have parties and entertain family and friends? Is your deck going to be a quiet place for lounging reading or enjoying your favorite beverage? Will you have a luxurious hot tub on your deck? To increase privacy, will you have landscaping, plants or trees around your deck? Take some time and think through how to build a deck that will perform the way you want. Go online and buy a good book on planning and building a wood deck.

3. Decide Your Deck Size – if your house and backyard is smaller and you won’t entertain large groups, you likely don’t need a large deck. Too large a deck can actually make the house appear smaller. Keep it simple, but add an angle or two to the deck design if you want. When building a wood deck, you can divide the deck into two areas – one area for lounging and sunning and another section for cooking and dining.

4. What Deck Materials Will You Use – if you will be building a wooden deck, there are several structural parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that extend below the frostline if you’ll have freezing winters. If your deck will be on sandy soil, you may need to build larger footings that will support the deck posts or beams.

The posts can be 4″x4″ lumber which is generally strong enough to support the deck. If your deck is above ground, you may be required to use 6″x6″ structural posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally on the posts and will support the deck joists. Deck joists will be spaced horizontally every 12″, 16″ or 24″ and will support the decking boards. The decking boards are the floor of your deck that span from joist to joist.

5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional – unless you live in a very rural area, there will probably be building code requirements, permits and inspections needed when building a wooden deck project. Contact your local building official to see what is required in your area. One major advantage to having qualified professionals help is that they understand the legal side of how to build a deck and can help ensure building code requirements are met.

One of the best ways to understand how to build a deck is to view wood deck plans that have been built many times. Seeing attractive deck plans can give you deck building ideas that will simplify your planning and design.

Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing

Learn more about how to build a deck, locate good deck books, see wooden decks plans and search for deck professionals in your area. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com – a popular website for homeowners.

Relationship Help: Do You Know What Kind of Eggs Your Partner Loves?

Friday, August 15th, 2008

My husband and I just re-watched the Julia Roberts movie, “Runaway Bride.” Remember when Richard Gere said to Julia, “You don’t even know what kind of eggs you like.” Apparently neither did any of the men she had left at the alter. Communication is essential for a long-lasting, happy relationship. It’s easy the first six months when those hormones run wild, but after that, you have to actually do some WORK to keep the relationship going.

Runaway Bride reminded me of how lucky I am to have the most awesome and loving husband in the world, but, I’ve noticed in my practice as a naturopath and medical intuitive, that most people are not as lucky in the relationship area as I am…and their body shows it with the byproducts of emotional distraught through rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, cancer and lots of other manifestations.

So, how do you build a great relationship? I have worked on that over the years (this is my fourth and last marriage.) This is an exercise I share with many of my clients that has saved some marriages, nurtured others, and has benefited all who have completed it.

My theory about relationships is that there are certain patterns we cannot change. To get along and flourish, we need to understand that:

1) Men and women are just different.

2) We each have some male and some female tendencies.

3) We are here to work through lessons, so sometimes it just helps to know what your soul contract is with your partner. I like muscle-testing as a technique to determine how many lifetimes you have spent with each other and what those lessons are that you came here to focus on. It helps to put things into perspective (or not for those of you who don’t believe in reincarnation!)

4) Relationships are where it’s at, no matter how “busy” we keep ourselves with our To Do Lists and jobs.

5) If you don’t learn it in this relationship, the lessons will be repeated until you “get it” through other relationships (take it from one who knows!) We are all angels in each other’s lives, to share certain lessons or be here to support each other.

6) And, finally…Love is all that really matters.

The Relationship Exercise:

Find out what really pleases your mate and commit to do at least three of these things on their list of 10-15 items each and every day to build up that emotional bank account.

Why? Because someday you will inadvertently make a withdrawal on that emotional bank account and you don’t want to be overdrawn! Emotional overdraws lead to divorce.

I guide my clients to download my relationships exercise http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/Coaching%20Corner/relationships1.htm and make one copy for each person in the family unit. The exercise includes one of my famous “no brainer” lists, which is a list long enough that you don’t have to think things up on your own…the perfect memory-trigger.

Post your completed lists on the refrigerator. It helps to keep you focused. Review the lists with each other once a day. It’s not what makes US happy we should be doing for our partners and family members, it’s what makes THEM happy. And don’t be pushing buttons when you know what severely displeases your partner. That is not playing fair. You will pay for it later because you reap what you sow.

© 2005 by Dr. Denice M. Moffat
This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Denice Moffat - EzineArticles Expert Author

Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1993. She has a content-rich website at http://www.NaturalHealthTechniques.com and free monthly newsletter.

Independent Professionals — Do You Have a USP?

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

The way the economy is today, we should, as independent professionals, be in demand and busier than ever – filling in those important spaces that have been created in so many companies. To make ourselves marketable, however, we must define what our USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is. What makes us special and different from everyone else out there? In this article, I share some ways to determine what your USP is and how to define it.

Start by making several lists. Because we are warned against “bragging” as we grow up, we seldom take the time to think about what makes us special and unique. Start your hunt for your USP by writing some lists:

  • What are my assets? These are talents and natural resources that we are born with – gifts granted you at birth. For example, you may have musical or artistic ability, a natural leaning toward numbers, athletic ability, dexterity, ease with people, and physical characteristics such as your height, weight, looks, smile, bone structure, etc.
  • What are my strengths and skills? These are the result of individual effort and interest (education, jobs we’ve held, and activities we have taken part in). Strengths and skills include measurable abilities.
  • What activities do I enjoy? What do you enjoy doing so much that the time just goes by so quickly that you are completely unaware of its passing? When we are in this state called “flow,” we are usually involved in activities that we not only enjoy, but also are good at performing.
  • When have I felt like a success? Pick incidents from your life when you have felt like a success (these don’t have to be huge successes in others’ opinions — just when you felt successful). Then, go back to the three previous lists, and note the assets, strengths and skills, and enjoyable activities at work when you felt like a success.

Start crafting a statement that defines what makes you unique and special. By reviewing your lists, you should now have a good sense of what makes you special and unique. Which of all of the words in your lists describe what make you perfect for the work you do for others? You may start with a long statement of two or three paragraphs. Include what clients and employers have valued about your performance. Ask, “In what ways have I benefited the people for whom I have worked?”

Edit your statement until it is short, snappy, to the point and describes your uniqueness. You should now have your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) in manageable form. The final step is to make sure that it not only describes what is unique about you, but also describes what you enjoy doing and who you enjoy being. You want to make sure that you are selling yourself for a life that you will love.

Start telling potential clients what you can do for them and why you are the unique person to do it. Share your USP in your marketing materials, at networking events, on your business cards, on your website and any other time when given the opportunity.

Just remember, that this whole process takes time and effort. It is an on-going activity, but will pay off by getting the work that you are the best suited for and also love.

Chris King is a free agent, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, and fitness instructor. Chris has what she calls a “Portfolio Career” –many careers at the same time. If you wonder if you could handle and love having a “Portfolio Career” you will find a free assessment to take at http://www.creativekeys.net/portfoliocareertest.htm Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.freelanceliving.com You will find Chris’ business website at http://www.creativekeys.biz

Have Your Wedding In Paradise

Monday, August 11th, 2008

Southwest Florida is well-known for its wide sandy beaches, palm trees full of coconuts and warm winters. Did you realize that you can have a romantic sunrise or sunset ceremony right on the beach during the winter? Perhaps your dream is a garden setting, a gazebo, residence or yacht. It is your wedding your way in SW Florida.

As the Florida sun sparkles off the Gulf of Mexico , you are assured a fantasy wedding which is complimented by a spectacular tropical Florida sunset. Those wanting a tropical wedding in a lush garden or the extravagance accommodated by fine restaurants, resorts and hotels, will find it here in Lee County. Everything is at your fingertips. From formalware, entertainment, wedding photographers, jewelers, limousine service and caterers to wedding planners who can help ease the stress and professionally assemble your most cherished life event.

You and your loved one need only to visit the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court in any Florida county to apply for a marriage license. Both of you must have a valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, and your social security number. International visitors who wish to tie the knot in Florida must have a valid passport and a translator, if necessary, who has a valid U.S. driver’s license. No blood tests are required for a marriage license, and there is no waiting period unless you are already a Florida resident-then you must wait three days. Once you have the license, you can get married at any time within the next 60 days. After that, the license expires and you must get a new one.

Unforgettable weddings in the most beautiful tropical locations that Southwestern Florida has to offer. I have compiled a list of full service wedding planners and related services in our area for your reference below.

A Blue Moon Weddings – Capt. Orin Opperman
21301 S. Tamiami Tr. #320 Ste. 199, Estero, Fl
Phone: 239-433-5168
Web Site: www.apoccweddings.com

Always and Forever Weddings – Bob Mitchell
Phone:239-592-5807

A Perfect Beginning – Glory Williams
PO Box 101684,Cape Coral, FL 33910
Phone: 866-522-0022 (toll-free) 239-540-0538 Fax:239-540-9538
Web Site: www.aperfectbeginning.com

A Romantic Island Wedding – Deborah DeSelms
Phone: 239-489-2433, 1-866-620-LOVE
Web Site: www.romanticislandwedding.com

A Wedding Dream In Paradise
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Phone: 800-846-5683
Web Site: http://www.sanibelweddings.com

Berry Counseling and Wedding Services
Ft. Myers, FL 33919
Phone: 239-225-0278
Web Site: http://www.berry-counseling.com

Extraordinary Eventz – Lisa Reece
PO Box 413, Matlacha, FL 33993
Phone: 239-282-9526
Web Site: http://www.extraordinaryeventz.com

Florida Weddings Online – Consultant and Owner Sue Totterdale
Phone: 239-728-2592, 866-593-1684
Web Site: www.floridaweddingsonline.com

Intimate Island Weddings by Donna Sarafian
Phone: 239-472-2233

Latin Cuisine
Phone: 239-458-2074

The National Association of Wedding Professionals -Contact: Sue Totterdale
Phone: 239-728-2592
Web Site:www.Nawp.com

Tween Waters (my personal favorite – this is where I was married in November)
Phone: (866) 893-3646

South Seas Resort – Kristin Lawrence
Phone: 800-524-7601
Web Site: www.south-seas-resort.com

Sundial Beach Resort – Cara Holcomb Phone: 800-992-8836
Web Site: www.sundialresort.com

Wedding Vows by Earth, Air and Sea – Jannette Adams (Notary & Captain)
Phone: 239-542-8744
Web Site: www.floridaweddingvows.com

Weddings by the Sea – Patricia Slater
Phone: 800-808-2163 or 239-472-8712
Web Site: www.sanibelcaptivaweddings.com

West Coast Ministries of Southwest Florida
Phone: 239-278-3003
Fax: 239-277-7012
Web Site: www.dickrobertsstudio.com

One call will do it all for your dream wedding in our tropical wedding locations. Get a taste of the Tropics on the Gulf of Mexico.

Sandra Canfield is the owner of SMC Connection
http://www.smcconnection.com