How The Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health

When was the last time you consumed soda? Most likely, it wasn't that long ago. You may even drink several cans or bottles each day. In the U.S, carbonated soft drinks are a huge business. Every year, they generate more than $50 billion in annual sales.

Two companies - Coca-Cola and PepsiCo -- dominate the soda market. They are in a constant battle for the market share of the product - a conflict known as the "Cola War." Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually for advertising. Not surprisingly, the companies are always looking for new markets. And, increasingly, they are directing their attention to adolescents and children.

For decades, schools have allowed soda to be sold in on-site vending machines. So, generating income for schools from the sale of soda is not a new policy. However, in the early 1990s, pouring-rights contracts emerged. These put a different spin on the sale of soda in schools. And, over the years, they have increasingly gained in popularity.

In return for the exclusive sale of one-company's product, pouring-rights contracts give school districts large lump-sum payments and extra payments and/or gifts over a period of five or 10 years. The contracts provide additional incentives for consumption levels that surpass quotas. So, they tend to encourage the consumption of higher amounts of soda, even by the youngest students. In one of the most extravagant contracts, a 53-school district in Colorado, gave up its Pepsi vending machines and signed an $8 million, 10 year agreement with Coca-Cola that included cash bonuses when sale targets were exceeded and a new car for a senior with high grades and perfect attendance. But, even the smaller contracts tend to be generous. The goal is to create brand loyalty among young people - a loyalty that could continue throughout their lives. Without a doubt, administrators in cash-strapped school districts have a litany of reasons to be enticed. But, adherence to the contracts may be taken to extremes. For example, a Georgia student was suspended when he wore a shirt with a Pepsi logo to a student government-sponsored "Coke Day" rally.

So what is contained in a typical soda that may be found in a school vending machine? A 20-ounce screw-top plastic bottle of soda has 275 calories. While there are other ingredients such as flavorings and caffeine, the soda is primarily sugar and carbonated water. High in calories and zero in nutritional value, it is the quintessential "junk food." The Center for Science in the Public Interest refers to soft drinks as "liquid candy." Since the bottles have screw-tops, the liquid may be sipped throughout the day, thereby bathing the teeth with sugar and upsetting dentists. While it is unclear how many sodas a typical student might drink in one day, one is not a bad guess. Just one a day means 1925 empty calories per week. Heavy users drink more than one soda per day. Children who begin drinking soda when they are still young tend to increase the amount they consume through adolescence into young adulthood. Many children drink more soda than juice or milk. While juice and whole milk contain about the same amount of calories as soda, they contain useful vitamins and minerals. Juice and milk are far better nutritional options.

Although the relationship cannot be proven conclusively, soda consumption correlates with obesity. Children who drink sodas take in more calories, are fatter and have worse diets than those who don't. If you need to lose weight, start by replacing sodas with water, fat free or 1% milk, or 100% juice (but not too much).

Copyright © 2005, by Weight Loss Buddy Press

Career Book Review - 101 Secrets To Career Success by Rashika Fernando - A Holistic Employment Model

Current U.S. unemployment reigns at roughly 9.5 percent, with at least 14 million jobless Americans. Statistics show approximately 5 applicants for every one available job. Economists predict a multi-year experience of higher than usual U.S. unemployment. Today's global marketplace is restructuring employment opportunities. It's challenging. Now, having the perfect resume and knowing the answers to "tough" interview questions no longer guarantees a job. Many who are working feel unfulfilled, desiring to change careers; yet hesitate for a variety of reasons. 

Following is the first of three articles summarizing "101" career books published by Course Technology. A different author highlights what it takes to achieve career success in the 21st century for each book. Here, it's businessman Rashika Fernando. His new book is entitled 101 Secrets To Career Success.

Fernando sports an impressive corporate career, working primarily in Global Finance. His message transcends the corporate world, addressing careers in general, whether you're employed or unemployed. "101 Secrets" offers a holistic approach to employment, integrating both your personal and professional presence. In today's marketplace, the more these two worlds converge, the happier you'll be. Fernando's 101 career secrets are dispersed among 17 succinctly written chapters, providing an expedient, enlightening read. Following are highlights from four chapters.

Purpose/Meaning. Fernando asks, "Why do you live and go to work?" Each one of us has a purpose in life, waiting to be discovered, he writes. Once we know our purpose in life, everything else falls into place. He believes our overall happiness includes these elements: 1. Be happy with the life that we have. 2. Ensure the continuation of life. This would include procreating, or aiding future generations by volunteering, adopting/sponsoring orphaned children, etc. 3. Enhance life by donating to causes, offering comforting words to someone facing a difficult challenge, etc.

Finding our purpose can be a long journey, unique to our being. Ultimately our career choices should make us happy while getting paid to do it. Combine a mission with your purpose; believe in it and execute it. To act on your purpose, you need a strategy. It allows you to connect high-level dreams into actionable plans. Career Success Secret: "Wanting to understand your life's purpose is the biggest step forward you can take towards success."

Career/Life Strategy. Arguably the best chapter in the book, "Strategizing Your Career and Life" emphasizes the importance of planning. Strategy is the approach you take to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It brings choices into action. There's no formula for strategy, as each of your goals is unique. We strategize every day on a simpler level (mapping out a travel route, daily To-Do lists, etc.) Achieving big dreams is difficult and complex. Strategy brings our dreams to the level of other day-to-day realities. While there's no strategy formula, there is a Strategic Planning Framework: Definition-write down the problem to solve and the goal, which serves as a reference point for planning. Data/Analysis-record what you already know about the problem or goal, analysis you've done, or any assumptions. Strategy-devise your approach to obtain the goal. Tactics/Resources- identifies the smallest details of your plan, Monitoring- review progress in your plan. Career Success Secret: "It is very important that you make a choice rather than hiding behind analysis."

Being Proactive. Proactive people actively participate and anticipate various diversions in their plans, influencing the change towards their goals. Being proactive creates better quality of results and better quality of life. Any quest for success will include competition. Anticipate and plan for inevitable competitive situations. On your journey towards success develop the ability to see what will happen in the next several years. "You can always see the signs of tomorrow today," says Fernando. Regarding the workforce, anticipate continual technological advancements. "Give up what you already know, to learn what you don't know." Career Success Secret: "Being proactive builds your confidence."

Networking. Our success depends on our relationships. To be successful, we need to learn the art of networking and feel comfortable doing it. Networking is essentially being a good friend to others. Our existing contacts and friends are our most powerful network we have. Networking provides friendship, emotional support and encouragement. Connecting with other people helps you realize your own accomplishments and the value that you add. The best reason to network is the wealth of opportunities it provides you. Career Success Secret: "Networking is a matching process whereby your strengths are matched with new opportunities, increasing your chances for success."

Amidst anemic job markets and media stories featuring the distress, we can only direct our own lives. If you're dissatisfied with your career or frustratingly unemployed, read "101 Secret's" Chapter 4: "Controlling Your Destiny." The global marketplace presents an evolving employment landscape. Old industries fade to reveal new career opportunities. Experiencing career success in today's marketplace requires a paradoxical selfishness. Only by engaging in relentless introspection (regardless of age), with a goal to integrate both your personal and professional being, can you best contribute to society. Fernando's holistic approach to career and life offers steadfast advice in today's tumultuous world.

Complement Fernando's message with Jay Miletsky's "101 Ways To Successfully Market Yourself," and Carol A. Silvis's "101 Ways To Make Yourself Indispensable at Work," to jump-start your career, whether employed, unemployed, seasoned or novice.

To view the Table of Contents for 101 Secrets To Career Success, visit http://rashikafernando.com/Book_Details.html.

If You Don't Have An Out-Of-Debt Consolidation Plan, Rest Aassured You're Under The Influence!

No matter how bad your finances may be - no matter how hopeless things may seem, if you have a well thought out, auto-debt consolidation plan, you can become debt free faster than you realize. You are about to learn strategies which will deliver you from the bondage of debt, and keep you debt free for the rest of your life.

In the last 50 years or so, the credit industry has come full circle. No longer is it just a convenience made available to those who couldn't pay cash, but is a full grown multi-billion dollar industry which strives to keep you in debt so they can get richer. The easy payment plan, although is an attractive alternative to better your lifestyle, the fact remains that it is not a true debt consolidation, so you have to be careful.

It seems that every possible advantage available is being taken by the "easy payment plan" to keep you permanently in as much debt as you can possibly pay. It is the result of a well executed plan by financial institutions! If your credit rating is good, new strategies are being devised to get you deeper in debt. Once you are into your limit, they seem to work to keep you in debt for the rest of your life...

Although debt consolidation is a great tool to ease financial burdens, the key is to mentally condition your-self to never fall victim to this kind of entrapment again. Without a plan to stay out of debt after you've consolidated, if you chose that route, you will continually fall back into debt.

" ...the borrower is always servant to the lender"

Debt consolidation is becoming an increasingly popular debt management tool used to help people get a handle on their debts. The principle of debt consolidation is simple: Take out one low cost debt consolidation loan to pay off all of your creditors, leaving you to handle just one loan repayment amount per month at a manageable rate to suit your personal finances.

Free debt consolidation advice is available from a variety of sources, including the Internet. But finding free debt consolidation advice specific to your circumstances is not always that easy, with some free debt consolidation sources giving apparently contradictory advice on debt consolidation matters. But, regardless of the approach you take to debt consolidation there are some basic rules that you should all follow to insure that the debt consolidation product you end up with is right for your situation.

First and foremost, figure out what you owe. Make a list of all your credit cards, store cards, finance agreements, bank loans, and even your bank overdraft protection. This should include the name of the cards, account numbers, line of credit, balance owed, due date, and interest rate.

You are going to be asked about your proof of income, and your other expenditures, such as mortgage payments or rent, monthly expenditures for food, utilities etc. This should include a column showing all monies coming into you household on a monthly basis and another column showing all expenses that are going out each month. You'll need to factor in new purchases on credit cards, store cards, and other purchases that haven't shown up on your records yet. DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST!

After you've managed this, then approach two to three different consolidation companies, preferably banks. Stay away from finance companies if at all possible, as they mostly take high risk customers who have a lousy credit record, and make their money on excessively high interest rates. Then you must discipline yourself to never get in debt again. Learn how.

There are ways of getting out of debt, without consolidating, by using strategic debt reduction techniques!!!

Premier League Preview: Wigan Vs Fulham

Premier League match time comes to the DW Stadium on Saturday, January 15, with Wigan set to host Fulham in match week 23.

The first leg game between the sides hosted by Fulham at Craven Cottage on October 30, went 2-0 in the hosts' favour. Dempsey scored both the goals, the first on the half-hour and the second a minute before the interval.

The Cottagers dominated throughout in what was a clinical performance, and the battle remained even initially, with neither team ready to concede space in midfield, until Fulham decided on a flank attack. They got immediate results when Salcido found Dempsey with a cross.

Wigan were beaten by a better team on the day, and missed James McCarthy in midfield owing to injury. They were beaten to the ball by Hughes' wards, and clearly lacked  a right winger to counter Fulham's flank charge.

Where there was a frenzy to Fulham's intent before the break, they eased the pace somewhat in the second half.

Head to head, in the last 11 league matches played between the sides, Fulham have established a 4-2 lead over Wigan.

Nineteenth-placed Wigan have won just 2 of 11matches hosted this season, while drawing 5 and losing remaining 4. Placed 14th in the points table, the Cottagers have won just one of their 10 games on the road, while drawing 5 and losing 4.

Wigan have won just 2 of their 10 games while losing 3 and drawing the rest. Fulham have done worse, losing 5 and drawing 3 while also winning 2 of their last games in the league. But importantly, Mark Hughes' squad have won 2 of their last 3 games and have some momentum going for  them ahead of Saturday's game. Their last win in match week 22 was a 3-0 thrashing of West Brom at home.

In contrast, the Latics' last win came four games ago. Their game in match week 22, away against Bolton, ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Current form favours Fulham, but Wigan are capable of neutralising that advantage in front of their home fans.

Wigan had the following men in their starting eleven against Bolton: Kirkland, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Caldwell, Stam, Figueroa, Thomas, Watson, Cleverley, McArthur and Rodalegga. Diame, Pollitt and McManaman featured as substitutes.

Fulham's starting eleven against West Brom comprised Stockdale, Pantsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Baird, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Duff, Dempsey and Kamara. Gera, Johnson and Riise were used as substitutes.

How to Make Money Buying and Selling Domain Names - 5 Part Series

Back in May of this year I talked about wanting to and the world of domaining. I finally did and for the last six months I've been tracking how I've been buying, and recently selling domain names. I've done decent at it, making a 65% return on investment, and thought I would write about my foray into domaining in a 5 part series titled Domaining for Beginners.

Part I - How to Make Money Buying and Selling Domain Names

Part II - My 65% ROI in 6 Months Buying and Selling Domain Names

Part III - How to Get Started Buying and Selling Domain Names for Profit

Part IV - A Simple Method to Get a 130% APY Investing in Domain Names

Part V - What is the Future of Buying and Selling Domain Names for Profit

My domaining skills are decent, however I must warn you, there are a lot more people making a lot more money, buying, selling and parking domain names. I'm just here to give you a primer on what I've done and how it's worked. Take what you will and use it or toss it. I don't claim to be an expert, I just feel like sharing my small success.

Domaining in the sense of strict investing in domain names and squatting on them is simple. You buy a domain name that receives traffic, type-in or referral, and you park the name with a site that provides the layout, the advertising and the tracking of all this action. I'm going to stick with this simplest form of domaining because it involves the least amount of work. Also I'm going to use the word domaining rather than squatting because there are a lot of negative connotations that go along with domain squatting and I'm not trying to perpetuate negativity with this business.

Type-Ins and Typos

The first type of names you can get are type-ins. They can be broken down into two basic categories. One is someone typing in the wrong spelling of a domain name, or Typo, and the second is a real dictionary word or phrase that is better known as the real Type-in.

Typos The typos are the ones that most people (non-investors) despise because they are trying to get to a page they know exists, like a newspaper, or a famous blog, and someone has registered a common typo error and has parked that name with a service which we'll get to later. There are also some investors who dislike certain typos, but really where do you draw the line?

Typos are some of the riskiest domain investments and proper research and guesstimation is essential to limiting you risk. Prices are usually strictly based on earnings for several reasons. First typos are difficult to predict because one day a website can be all the rage and the next day it can tank, or vis versa. Two, there are sometimes is trademark issues with typos which from my limited experience and searching of the forums, no one is too certain about. But you must always be weary of the Cease and Desist Letter (C&D).

Also, there are people who park names that have nothing to do with adult content using adult content words, thus display adult content advertisements, which in my opinion is wrong. Most parking services will quickly remove your account from this so a lot of people don't practice this. However, that's not to say that people aren't redirecting their names to adult sites. I don't recommend this practice and it's just not an honest way to make a buck.

Type-Ins

The other type of Type-in is the real type-in. Names that are naturally typed in that contain real "dictionary" words or word phrases. Things like Candy, Songs, kitchensupplies, and a lot more. These are the names that are worth a lot more than their earnings because you can always get someone who wants to come along and buy a catchy 2 word phrase that is will to pay you way more than what you are earning on the name.

Natural Type-in, real spelling names, are also much better for search engine rankings. Most search engines will rank names containing the same and real spellings of searchers keywords higher than random or misspelled domains with similar keywords. Although your content can be strong enough to pull in many searches (just look at ebaumsworld) you'll have an easier time with real words relating to your site topic.

These are the names that most domainers strive to get to because they are the safest investments, especially if they are getting natural type-in traffic. You can earn money while you wait for someone to want to start a site based on your parked name.

Referral

The next type of domains are those domains that have a lot of referrals to them either through searches or backlinks. Since backlinks usually aides in searches I won't break this grouping down but I will say that there are a lot of type-in names that have never been developed with content that are still number one in Google search results.

The others are sites that have been developed before and are now parked. They used to have great backlinks, still possibly have indexed pages and page rank and are for sale as undeveloped sites. These are names that you must be careful with because a lot of links to these pages may disappear.

Webmasters clean up their links all the time and if they link through and see a site is now parked they'll loose the link in second, guaranteed. With that lost link you may loose a lot of your traffic. These should only be bought at the right price.

Now you may think, well I can just list my parked names in forums, on websites and build links that way. Wrongo, if you read the Terms and Conditions to most parking sites you'll read that you can only have natural type-in or search traffic. No referral that wasn't natural prior to ownership is usually standard. Now you can't help it if the name had links previously and starts out with a lot of traffic. But if you build traffic the wrong way, parking sites will get you!

Domaining Isn't a Bad Word

I want finish up Part I by saying domaining isn't a bad word. Think of it as owning a piece of real estate in cyberland. My thoughts are that parking a site is providing the user, who might type-in naturally or via the typo, with ads that provide them with sites that may or may not be of service. Most of the parking sites get their ads through Google and these are the same ads that people have plastered all over their websites in optimal places for you to exit their pages from.

The reason most people frown upon it is because it's a really easy way to make money and they're just mad they don't have patience or technical know-how to get into it. But as I'll show you in the next part, I don't spend a lot of time looking for and buying domain names and I was able to make 130% APY in 6 months!

Putting to Win Product Overview

Putting to Win is an eBook and video instruction package. I have been unable to learn the identity of the writer other than he is a European PGA Tour player. He recently was able to qualify for the tour because of improvements he made to his putting.

He presents what he learned during his year of work in search of better putting. From reading the greens to hitting a two footer, everything is covered.

The videos serve as a continuing putting lesson and the eBook comes with a membership to the video site.

I think "Putting to Win" is a good value for the money. I have personally spent a small fortune on golf lessons, plus several times the product cost on lessons specifically for my putting. For the 77 buck spent you couldn't take a one hour lesson from the local PGA professional at my home course.

It will not instantly turn you into Tiger Woods on the green. What it will do is give you the tools you need to improve the consistency of your putting on a day to day basis. Still, most of what is shown will take some practice time.

On the other hand, there are a lot of things you can use right away. The tips on green reading will help with your next round. Especially if that round is being played on a strange course.

So all in all, Putting to Win serves it purpose well for those it is intended to help. It is a well done, professional looking and feeling product that will help anyone willing to put in the time to putt better.

Stag Night - Poker Night

The blinds are getting higher as are the risks. Should you push it all-in now or wait just for another second. The player opposite you is smirking and laughing softly, he knows that there is more riding on this than just a bit of cash. You swallow your pride, make the play and; he calls. The flop comes down followed by the turn and the river which seem to you like a century of time has passed and the clock has ceased turning, leaving a spot of sweat affixed to your brow. The cards fall and you're safe, for now. For this is a poker game with a little more spice. It is a Stag Night poker game and has penalties, forfeits and other sorts of embarrassing nasties dashed throughout the game couple with serious volumes of alcohol.

So why not book a venue in which to hold this special Stag night poker tournament which will be an event to rival even the World Series of Poker, well almost. As I have said, it needn't just be for a small pot of money because then that would just be a conventional poker game and not half as fun. You want this stag night to be different, something to talk about for years and not just another drop in the ocean. Therefore, up the ante if you will by adding extra stipulations to get the laughter and the drinks flowing. For instance, every time you fold a hand you take a generous sip of your beverage.

If you knock someone out you can designate a penalty or forfeit for that person to undertake, whether it be for them to drink their pint of beer in one go or something more sinister. With all of these extra features being injected into your game, you can't fail to have a good, fun and maybe messy time with everybody getting equal treatment but hopefully the Stag will be bearing the brunt of most of it; it is his day after all.

Furthermore, why not travel like the true poker VIPs you are by arriving at your favourite casino in the comfort of your own sleek, stylish and beautiful black or white 8-seater limousine. You can arrive to the astonishment of the other casino-goers like the pros do on the various poker related TV shows, with your shades on, adorned in your best suits and meaning business, only to shock everyone with your little knowledge of the game and the weird and wonderful way you have adapted it to add that twist to your Stag event.

If you require a bigger or a vehicle with more of an impact to herald your arrival why not enjoy the fantastic experience of riding in a black Hummer limo or 35 Limo Jeep. With the myriad of features within such as beer on ice, laser lighting, leather seating, DVD players and plasma screen TVs you can't fail.

The Yin and the Yang of Markets

I am reading a fantastic book on trading, first published in 1924, by Richard D. Wyckoff, titled "How I Trade and Invest in Stocks & Bonds". Although most of the examples in the book pertain to stocks, the insights into the nature of trading are relevant no matter what instrument you choose to trade.

I am particularly drawn to the authors' appreciation of the ebb and flow nature of markets and how this perspective can be used to great effect.

"It is difficult to over-emphasize the importance of studying the technical position, particularly when making a speculative commitment. Many people may say, "What is a weak or a strong technical position?" My reply is, in brief, that a stock is in a weak technical position on the bull side when it has been purchased and is held by a large number of outside speculators; when most of these are looking for a profit; when the price of the stock has advanced to a point where no further buying can be stimulated for the time being. It stands to reason that when buying power is exhausted a stock must decline, no matter how strong its finances, management or earning power."

"On the other hand, a stock is in a weak technical position on the short side when the bears have exhausted their ammunition by selling all they can afford and when the buying power of investment and speculative purchasers is such that it resists the pressure of the bears; in other words, when demand overcomes supply. The weakness in such a position is found in the fact that all those who are short are potential bulls; they must, sooner or later, cover their commitments in order to close their trades. They do not wish to remain short indefinitely.".... "Bears, after they have sold short are an element of strength, not of weakness."

Perhaps the nature of all markets is best described by the Chinese Yin Yang symbol.

In every bull move, and in every bear decline, are the seeds of their own destruction.

Product Launching - Keep Your Eyes Wide Open

So you've developed a product and you have high hopes for the success of this venture. Those who have tested the product love its design and function and you're excited about what the future might hold.

The truth is you have had several individuals ask if they can place a link to your site from theirs. Initially you are amazed at the response and readily agree. After all, this will help with link building strategies. It may surprise you to learn that I think your marketing vision may be too small.

If you have enthusiastic support from the start you might consider making their enthusiasm something to be rewarded.

Encourage those who are most interested in the initial launch to consider becoming an affiliate. This revenue sharing program will allow them to derive a portion of each sale of your product generated through their affiliate link.

We could all use some extra help when we either launch a business or a new product. Seek out those who may be most supportive and reward their loyalty.

Affiliate programs are the backbone of so many sites, but they aren't reserved only for big companies with lots of money. The growth of smaller businesses can be accelerated when affiliates pick up the torch and shine a light on your product.

I've come across some products that simply have such an extreme cool factor I am surprised there aren't more affiliates. It could be the site hasn't been very aggressive at recruiting affiliates or they aren't optimized for proper marketing visibility.

Affiliate revenue programs are a great way to improve your marketing impact. It also gives you the opportunity to reward those who believe enough in your product to refer their guests to your primary business site.

Launching your product will likely be recalled as a significant personal and business milestone. Using affiliates from the beginning can actually provide a sense of support and greater networking opportunities.

When affiliates are presented with residual payments they will likely remember both your product and your willingness to involve them in the success of your business. In so many ways your success becomes their success and when they thrive so do you.

Look for marketing potential in everything. When someone is especially enthusiastic about your product launch you should ask if you could use his or her glowing words as a testimonial. If someone has a problem with your product step in and quickly remedy their concern whenever possible. Leave them satisfied that you cared as much about them after the purchase as you did when the transaction was taking place.

If someone comes up with a unique use for the product ask them for more details and then pass it along to visitors giving full credit to the one who originated the information.

When you allow others to share in your success they will often reward you with loyalty and tremendous word of mouth advertising. People are often treated badly enough in certain transactions that finding someone that sells a quality product and really cares for the customer is worth getting excited about.

A product launch provides multiple opportunities for marketing and networking. Keep your eyes wide open.

Latest Fashion Trends in Unique Handbags and Purses

If you're looking for something a little different, there are literally thousands of beautifully crafted unique handbags and purses available for purchase online. If you're tired of the mass-produced offerings you tend to find at the mall, the online handbag, purse and fashion accessory market is an exciting and exotic new world.

The variety of unique handbag and purse designs keeps getting bigger, better and more innovative all the time, but as with every kind of fashion accessory, interesting trends emerge with every new season. Here is a brief rundown of what's coming in unique purses and handbags in 2006.

Cloth Purses

Cloth purses are very casual fashion items, so colorful fabrics and whimsical patterns are the strongest trend. If you love bold colors and striking contrasts you'll have a great time shopping for cloth purses this season.

A cloth purse is mostly a spring/summer fashion accessory, so expect to see warm colors, and light breezy cotton or nylon fabrics. Fresh, summery patterned fabrics with flowers, fruits and ladybugs are always popular.

Also very fashionable is the clever and practical reversible cloth purse. You can literally turn the purse inside out to reveal the alternative fabric pattern, so you have two purses in one.

Monogrammed handbags

Monogrammed bags and purses never really go out of style, and this season we'll see a huge range of colors, shapes sizes and styles.

A strong upcoming trend is leather sling hipster handbags with elegantly embossed initials or a name. Soft leather is a beautiful fabric for handbags because it's durable, always very stylish, and it goes with everything. Sling handbags are very comfortable to carry, and perfect either for business or as a casual accessory.

Monogrammed tote bags

Tote bags are the most casual fashion accessory of all, and perfect for the beach, for picnics, or for a little shopping. Monogrammed tote bags are also great for kids to carry their school books or gym clothes, and having their initials or name printed on the bag means they won't lose it.

Soft cotton canvas is the classic fabric for tote bags, and we'll see an abundance of canvas tote bags this season.

The big trend for monogrammed tote bags will be big initials, printed across the whole side panel of the bag in big, bold colors. A single first initial of your first name as a monogram has a casual, whimsical kind of feel.

Dog purses

Everyone loves dogs, which is why the fashion for handbags, tote bags and purses decorated with a full panel photo of a gorgeous dachshund, poodle, beagle, yorkie or dalmatian just keeps getting stronger and stronger every year. Dog purses are a great gift idea for anyone whose best friend is their beloved hound.

Custom-made dog purses are also becoming more and more popular. You can have your own photograph of your dog printed onto a handbag, so your bag, like your dog, will be truly one of a kind.

Photo purses

Photo purses are simply ultra-cool, and the most individual and personal of fashion statements. You can have your own photo of anything you like printed onto a purse or handbag, like a special person in your life, your cat, dog or bird, or even your car.

A very trendy idea is to use a romantic old photograph of a relative as a model for your photo purse, so you can cherish their memory wherever you go.

Initial purses

Initial purses are a fashion accessory with a personal touch, and they make wonderful gifts. You can have just about any kind of purse printed, embroidered or embossed with a single initial or set of two or three initials in a wide variety of styles.

As for handbags, leather will be a big trend in the upcoming season for purses. We'll see lots of small leather purses with a comfortable sling shoulder strap, elegantly embossed with two or three initials.

Cigar box purses

Cigar box purses are another strong trend for the coming year. They're literally made from a wooden cigar box, fitted with a clasp and a handle, and embossed with an artistic or photographic image.

The most fashionable cigar box purses are decorated with advertising images from the glamorous 1920's and 30's. European advertising artwork from that period has a particularly elegant and alluring style, so we'll be seeing a lot of Cinzano, Cognac and French Perfume labels on cigar box purses.

Hobo purses

Hobo purses can be cool and casual for shopping, or groovy and glamorous to go with evening wear.

Casual style hobo purses come in suede or leather, and soft colors like pastel pinks, beige, cream and white are very much in vogue.

A new look for hobo purses which is on the way in is a small purse in a gold or silver mesh fabric, or even ultra-glamorous sequins and rhinestones. These purses are a new take on the traditional evening purse, and make an eye-catching alternative.

Clutch handbags

Clutch purses and handbags have an elegant, streamlined look, but they're the perfect size to carry all those little necessities.

The big look for clutch purses and clutch handbags in the coming year will be all glamour. Shiny metallic gold, silver, bronze and platinum shades will be the strong colors of the season, in soft suede leather.

If You Desire A Rewarding Career, Consider Medical Office Training

When people typically think of the health care industry, they often think of only doctors and nurses. However, there are many more people in the industry that allow the entire system to operate properly. These individuals hold important jobs that require them to be efficient and well trained. Most of these individuals have received medical office training.

The daily operations of hospitals, clinics, or doctors' offices, would be unable to operate smoothly with the behind the scenes staff that support them. These individuals allow the doctors to do what they are trained to do and that is to treat patients. One of these behind the scenes positions is that of the Medical Office Administrator. Anyone who wants chooses this as a career will need to have the proper qualifications and relevant experience within the health care industry.

The industry is rapidly growing by leaps and bounds all over the world. By 2014, it has been projected that the industry will employ the largest number of people than any other industry around the globe. In all branches of the health care industry, medical support staff is in high demand. Working in the health care field often means earning a considerable income, great health insurance coverage, and the growth of the field often leads to job security.

Many colleges and universities offer a full training program that allows an individual to acquire many skills in the health service filed. These programs will provide the student with the skills and qualifications that are necessary for a viable career. They will also prepare the student to obtain an entry level position in a hospital, doctor's office, or clinic where they can utilize these skills.

This career choice is considered to be a highly professional administration career. It involves providing customized support to other individuals. This in the individual who oversees the general needs and patient related issues in a health care related office. It is important for the professional administrator to have a supportive and caring nature if he or she desired to work in the health care industry. Therefore, individuals who enjoy helping others will definitely be satisfied by choosing this type of profession.

The administrator in a clinic or hospital is a very busy person. Working in this field will never be boring. Each day brings a new set of issues that need to be taken care of. One of the requirements of this type of careers is that the administrator becomes very active in the daily operations and activities in the clinic or hospital. The job comes with a lot of challenges that do not allow for much downtime.

There are many responsibilities that come along with being a Medical Office Administrator. Along with providing administrative and clerical assistant, the MOA is also responsible for maintaining the inventory, handling correspondence, arrange for patient testing and laboratory work, and assisting others with gathering the proper information to submit to insurance companies. They will also manage records, schedule appointments, and administer medications if necessary. They also speak with patients regarding medication, diet, and procedures.

Once an individual has successfully completed medical office training from an accredited school, they will have an advantage over others. Their training will allow them to pursue other avenues and gain more knowledge of the industry. With the right skills, knowledge, and experience, a Medical Office Administrator is a valuable asset anywhere they go.

7 Helps For Better Personal Health

Health is one of the important areas of our life. Others are religion, job or business with an adequate income, building a retirement income, and owning a house. But how important are these? They are important. So how does personal health fit into the picture?

Poor health in general does not allow full enjoyment of any of the items important. Specific health problems can be short time and interfere with life enjoyment. Long time specific health problems can be a never ending diminishing of life activities including work and other important areas.

At the same time one does not want to be deluded into frequent doctor visits when there is no real problem. At its worst it is called hypochondria. In less amounts it can be delusions caused by television commercials, and magazines ads.

Some pointers are:

1. Ignore commercials. If you believe you have a real problem, or daily routines are adversely affected by what appears to be real health problems, see your family doctor. At least you can then determine if the problem is real, whether it is an important problem or not, and relieve your mind, and be able to get on with your life. But do not allow commercials to cause you health worries, when in fact there may not be any.

2. Remember that there are few doctors will tell you to get lost. The basic attitude of doctors is to serve the patient. That is good. But realize that you are wasting your time and money and the doctors time if you do not have a real problem.

3. Physicals. At nearly every age regular physicals should become routine. Through these one can learn their general and specific health, whether any areas need attention and then acting on the best plans according to your doctor alleviate them, gain peace of mind even if there is a problem because then you know what it is and what you need to do to relieve it.

4. OTC Drugs. There are a multitude of over the counter drugs most of which you do not need. Aspirin is good, a cough medication may work for light coughs or colds. First one needs to determine with their doctor if they have a problem, and if yes, what is a good OTC remedy. Your doctor can tell you also, in general, what OTC drugs that are useful for you. Remember that you can become sick from too many or too much OTC drugs.

5. Prescription drugs. Doctors have a multitude of choices when prescribing a drug for a particular health problem. That is good, but remember a prescription drug can als cause you problems, and if one does notify your doctor and get a different drug.

6. Food. Good food is a critical part of good health. Take the time to learn healthy foods and then set your diet according to them. Your doctor's office can get you started learning what are healthy foods and those not good for you. And learn to read labels. Most grocery stores and restaurants aim to sell food, and not watch out for your health. Control of your diet is up to you. Exercise that control. Generally foods prepared at home are healthier than restaurant menus.

7. Exercise. If your life style is with little exercise then you probably need exercise. Walking up stairs a level or two is better than taking an elevator or escalator, and may prove faster. Parking away from the store or mall and walking to the store is good exercise. Mowing the yard with a walk behind mower is good exercise. The point is that there are many good exercises about in your daily life. A spa or gym is not necessary. However gyms do provide a community of people doing the same thing and that may appeal to you. Remember that toned muscles are good for they also represent heart exercise. Bulging muscles look good, but they can introduce health problems. Moderation is a good goal when exercising.

Every important area of life is better enjoyed when health is good. Pills may become a necessity, but they are not a substitute for good health. Doctors can be a big help, yet your health is up to you. If you have good health don't waste it. If your health is not where you would like then you need to get working on it.

Not Every Written Word Can Be Copyrighted

A common misconception about copyright protection is that it covers all types of ideas and their expression.

In fact, what can be protected is the description, explanation or illustration chosen by the author to express an idea or system. This expression is what is called "original works of authorship". (See title 17, section 102 of the U.S. Copyright Code.)

The statute clearly states that ideas and concepts cannot be protected by copyright. In addition, methods or systems are not protected. Section 17 clearly expresses this principle:

"In no case does copyright protection for an original work of authorship extend to any idea, procedure, process, system, method of operation, concept, principle or discovery, regardless of the form in which it is described, explained, illustrated or embodied in such work."

More specifically, copyright does not protect ideas or procedures for doing, making, or building things; scientific or technical methods or discoveries; business operations or procedures; mathematical principles, formulas or algorithms; or any other concept, process, or method of operation.

In addition, names, titles, and short phrases or expressions cannot are not subject to copyright protection. Even if a name, title, or short phrase is novel or distinctive, or if it lends itself to a play on words, it cannot be protected by copyright. The Copyright Office cannot register claims to exclusive rights in brief combinations of words such as:

o names of products or services, o names of businesses, organizations, or groups (including the name of a group of performers), o names or pseudonyms of individuals (including pen name or stage name) o titles of works, o catchwords, catchphrases, mottos, slogans, or short advertising expressions, o mere listings of ingredients, as in recipes, labels, or formulas. For example, when a recipe or formula is accompanied by explanation or directions, the text directions may be copyrightable, but the recipe or formula itself remains uncopyrightable.

For more information about copyright protection, contact the author of this article. For details, see information below.

© 2004. All rights reserved. Impact Coaching International(TM). You may copy or distribute this article free of charge as long as it is kept intact and sent in its entirety including copyright notice and full information about contacting the author, Rosemary Hauschild.

Learning to Play the Guitar

Playing the guitar is something many children want to do. Children play with toy guitars and have make believe bands and give performances for their parents. While toy guitars are not actually the true thing, it's helping the children learn the rhythm and timing of their guitar playing and it's just plain fun for them. Read more information about it below.

Learning from a professional is a very good way to perfect your talent. Teachers will help the students learn the proper form and techniques required for a good guitar player. Helping to keep you on track and focused, you also will not lose interest in learning to play the guitar which sometimes happens when you're teaching yourself.

Practicing effectively is another helpful tip. Sometimes when you're practicing, it's just play. Other times when you are practicing it needs to be disciplined and effective to learn a new cord or just perfect your technique. Knowing what you need to learn and practicing just that will help cement the knowledge into your mind as well as training your hands and fingers to do what is needed.

Once you have perfected your talent, teaching others is a good way to perfect a little more. Teaching beginners what you have learned and how you have learned it not only reinforces your knowledge but assists with the up and coming talents of your students.

Doing research about the history of the guitar and how they are made helps you understand why they work the way they do and why they sound the way they do. There are many styles of guitars and many different materials that they are made from. Understanding the different sounds created by the different materials will help you decide which sound you want to use.

Practicing your skill without your guitar is another way to improve your skill. Visualizing and hearing in your mind what it sounds like helps you to be more confident in your play. By concentrating 100% on what you need to learn, your focus and concentration is totally focused, helping you learn the skill.

Make sure you are taking frequent breaks during your practice sessions. Stepping away and clearing your head helps you to avoid frustration and makes concentration easier and more effective. The longer you practice without a break, the more likely you are to make mistakes and begin to get frustrated with the practice.

Learning other types of music is also helpful when playing the guitar. Learning an instrument such as a piano or violin, then applying that knowledge to your guitar playing helps you to perfect your skill as well. Because the technique to play is different and the music is organized differently, you get more creative play techniques for the guitar with other music.

Recording yourself playing and then listening to it later will improve your playing as well. Whether you hear something that needs improvement or you just want to get a critique of your playing, recording yourself helps with both of these things.

How to Get Efficient Self-Storage

If you have any type of undesirable goods available or in case you're probably going to be away for a significant amount of time, chances are you're considering self storage. If you are, then you're probably hunting for a dependable solution. In this particular article, we research at how one can search for that.

Private vs. Professional

The first thing a lot of people think about should they be making plans for self storage is whether they can get away with leasing another person's garage instead. The thing is, although it may be considerably less costly to do there are lots of problems with that. Not enough protection for one thing and also the chance that in case something occurs in that person's life, you will probably find yourself being forced to get a new location for your possessions in a rush! That is definitely not stable and it's perhaps not a good choice if you are looking for something long term.

Security

The next significant criteria for efficient self-storage are that it needs to be protected. You intend to be sure that the premises itself provides enough security (security alarms and access control for instance) and that they allow you to employ your own personal locks. You do not prefer to use somebody else's lock as you have no idea who may have access to your things as you will do! Visit the facility you're interested in for your self-storage requirements in person to determine whether it features a high enough degree of security prior to deciding.

Reputation

These days, it looks like you can find self storage establishments popping up everywhere and you might be lured to go for anything that is closest and inexpensive. Nevertheless, self-storage facilities equally close down continually therefore you really have not a clue if a new self-storage establishment will be around in one year or maybe a month's time. It is better to select an established corporation which you know will be around as long as you need them to store your stuff.

Insurance

One more big aspect in selecting a self storage facility is insurance. You will definitely like to find out what kind of insurance the company you are looking at offers and also if it's going to deal with all of your belongings for just about any situation. Any self-storage facility that does not offer at least some kind of insurance policy upon your things probably does not possess sufficient safety and that must be a big red light!

The Facility Itself

As soon as you have checked out all the basics, it is time to have a trip to the self-storage facility itself to see what exactly they are generally providing as a portion of the package.

Examine the areas that they happen to be leasing - are they weather resistant or perhaps will leaking roofs destroy your possession? Do they have loading facilities and also equipment? Are they efficiently staffed and do they work during convenient hours? The last thing you want to do is to utilize a storage facility that does not provide reliable services or even benefits that you require.

With regards to self-storage, it's sometimes wise to get out of the really bargain, too good to be real offers out of the picture. That's simply because you usually get what you pay for and if that means losing your things then it is actually worth coughing up a bit more for a significantly better company's services. That having been said, even the better self-storage businesses available hold competitive charges so do your research before choosing and you will definitely have no hassle eventually.