SEO Writing Strategies for Graphic-Oriented Sites

Karon Thackston

by Karon Thackston © 2003
http://www.copywritingcourse.com

As a copywriter, I'd love to tell you that every site on the Web needs tons of copy. However, the simple truth is not all do. Many sites simply produce better sales when they use more graphics than words. Since search engines are hungry for words you simply have to use copy if you plan to get ranked high. Quite a dilemma, isn't it?

So what do you do if you're a graphic designer, if you sell jewelry, or if you have another site that needs more pictures than copy? Don't despair. There are some strategies that can help you reach a happy medium satisfying both your visitors and the engines.

1. Use Descriptions - Place keyworded descriptions under each graphic on your pages. Just a sentence or two for each one can add up and give you enough room to achieve good keyword saturation.

2. Break the Copy Into Sections - Instead of having all 250-350 words of copy in one place, break your copy into small sections. For example, place a headline and three sentences at the top of the page, a few words under your bottom navigation bar, and a short paragraph above your "Order Now" link. The engines will find the words regardless of where on the page they are, but your visitors won't be overwhelmed by seeing all the copy in one place.

3. Don't Neglect ALT Tags - Don't abuse them, either! ALT tags (technically known as image alt attributes) are designed to give short descriptions of graphics on your page. They are read to those who can't see well (when they use special text-to-speech software). Abusing ALT tags by stuffing them full of arbitrary keywords or extremely long descriptions is frowned upon by the engines. However, feel free to assign a short keyword phrase that describes each graphic you have.

4. Go Below the Fold - Copy can always be placed "below the fold." This term is used to describe the section of your index page that is not visible when the page first loads. In order to see it, the visitor would have to scroll vertically. If you've designed your index page to be fully visible without scrolling, consider using the space below the design to insert your copy.

5. Use the Sidebar - If your site design uses a sidebar for the navigation links, use the empty space for short bits of copy. Even the statement "Order ________ Now" will give you one more instance of keyword placement.

6. Create Bulleted Lists - Many people don't perceive lists as copy. For this reason, you can use bulleted lists (or numbered lists) where traditional "sentence" copy wouldn't work. Tip: Instead of creating a list that reads:

We meet all your ____ needs by:

�offering the lowest price.
�providing first-rate service.
�shipping your order in just 24 hours.

Create a list that reads like this:

At ABC Company, we offer you:

�the lowest price on ______.
�first-rate service. Ask us any questions you have about ____.
�shipping of your _____ in just 24 hours.

See the difference? More keywords in the same amount of copy.

If you use a little creativity, you can get enough keyword saturation in your copy without it cluttering up your site. This is sure to please both the search engines and your site visitors.



Copy not getting results? Let Karon write targeted, SEO copy for you. Visit her site at http://www.marketingwords.com, or learn to write your own copy at http://www.copywritingcourse.com. Don't forget to subscribe to Karon's free ezine at http://www.marketingwords.com/ezine.html



Pasadena California Antiquing
David G. Hallstrom, Sr.

The city of Pasadena, California may be a relatively small city (population under 150,000), however, due to it's proximity to downtown Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley and the San Fernando Valley as well as it's extremely popular "Old Town" shopping area and being the home of the Rose Bowl, it recieves a disproportionately large number of visitors every day.


While the citizens of Pasadena enjoy an income that is well above average, there are numerous other areas surrounding the city, such as Encino, Flintridge, Glendale, La Canada, La Crescenta, San Marino, Sierra Madre, etc., where many of the residents also have disposable income high enough to be able to afford the purchase of fine antiques.


Due to the foregoing many excellent antique dealers and shops have opened establishments in the city. Here you will find fine early american, spanish colonial, european, oriental and most any other type of antique furniture, accessories, jewelry, etc. you could wish for.


For a listing of Pasadena antique dealers that deal in real antiques, not used furniture, so called "estate jewelry" or other lesser quality items see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com/antiquedealer.html. Most of the dealers that I spoke with have been friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. Several have buyers that travel the world in order to locate top quality pieces for their clients. Many were even willing to refer me to other establishments if they were unable to supply me with what I was looking for.


For more information about the city of Pasadena, California see http://pasadena.usacitydirectories.com, a directory of links to city of Pasadena, California guides and directories listing hotels, restaurants, churches, physicians, attorneys, information, resources, services, things to do, places to go, art galleries, service organizations, auto dealers, nursing homes, convalescent hospitals, antique dealers and more.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information

The Best Gifts

Arleen M. Kaptur

Malls are everywhere - in every town, city, village and nook. They house thousands of storefronts and assorted units. The products they stock are numerous and the array is mind-boggling.
There are items for the home, clothing, jewelry, plants, furniture, and gift assortments to pick and choose from. All these offerings lack one very special component - a personal touch. There is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing a ready-made item - we are not all carpenters, gardeners, and artists. All people are not gifted with the same talents and abilities. We are unique and what we produce or create is a shadow of ourselves. But mass-produced items are nameless, and machines will never add that very "special" touch that makes a gift item or home decor piece something that reflects the person who bought it, the person it is intended for, or the lifestyle it is to be a part of.

The key to all this - the best option, of course, is to make an item for someone else yourself. If you sew, quilt, write, or draw you have the potential of dispersing treasures that are not duplicated, but are a memory in the making.
With time restraints and family and job commitments, many times making "things" yourself is out of the question, or basically impractical.
So, what does a person do then - simple, add a "touch" to whatever you buy whether for yourself or someone else. Look at your purchase as a base, a canvas that is incomplete and needs a little "help" in becoming a beautiful gift or addition to your home.
Just adding a ribbon, or ornamental "pick" that matches the Holiday Season or a touch of nature, such as a dried flower or leaf arrangement, will allow your purchase to cross over to "special".
There is a coldness to just buying something, wrapping it up and handing it to someone. Take the time, just a moment or two, and write a short verse, a favorite saying, sign a book with a date and the occasion, etc. A simple, affectionate "touch" that will add so much value to whatever it is you are giving or placing in your home. a quick tuck here or there, a touch of glitter, or sparkle, and you have a "work of art", a symbol of friendship, or a token to hold near to the heart.

You are blessed with imagination and creativity. It is your own special style - it is an outward gesture of who you are and what you want to convey. Use this precious endowment - otherwise, even imagination will tarnish and lose its shine. It is, however, very easy to bring it back, to instill new life in creativity, and to put your personal "stamp" on everything that crosses your path.
Holidays are especially great times to start a journey back to taking a "cookie cutter" environment and placing feeling, friendship, and love in all you do for yourself, family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.

This Holiday Season give a little of yourself in gift items, decorating selections, and simple touches that show that you cared enough to take the time to personalize, or add "love" to everything. Even mealtimes are potential moments to show how blessed you are to have a family member, a friend, or someone you care about. A simple garnish or a colorful napkin and it is no longer a "time to eat" - it is a moment to share food, fun, and laughter.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 October

Author of many books, cookbooks, articles, and Holiday newsletters:
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.arleenssite.com
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving

Fashion After 40
Diana Pemberton-Sikes

With so many designers and trends targeting the svelte body
of the twenty-something, is it possible to look fashionable
as the years pass and your body begins to tell the tale?

Absolutely!

In fact, with a little ingenuity and sleigh-of-hand, it's
easy to be fashionable and stylish regardless of how many
candles are on your birthday cake.

Now let's be frank: unless you work out religiously, you
probably don't have the same body at 40, 50, or 60 that you
did at 25. Time, gravity, and pregnancy all take their toll
on the female body, as does menopause. And when you mix a
mature body with fashions obviously made for a younger
person, it can lead to self-doubt, frustration, and
confusion.

But it doesn't have to be that way. Getting older also
means getting wiser, and like a fine bottle of wine, you're
improving with age. So you don't have the same body as
those twenty-somethings you see in magazines or on TV. So
what? Would you REALLY trade everything you've learned
since your twenties for the body you had back then?
Probably no sooner than you'd like to re-live puberty,
thank you very much.

So how can you be fashionable without wearing all those
body-conscious clothes so en vogue these days? By
remembering the "3 C's" when you dress: clean, classic, and
coverage.

CLEAN

Clean lines create a clean silhouette which makes the body
appear more youthful by skimming the trouble spots instead
of calling attention to them. Complicated cuts, seams, and
details usually call for a killer body to pull off, so if
you haven't got it, steer clear of those styles.

CLASSIC

Classic styles are called classic because they remain in
style year after year. Why? Because they look good on so
many bodies! Sheathes, A-line skirts, flat front pants -
all tend to flatter a variety of shapes. What's more,
because they remain in style year after year, classics are
easier on the budget than trends.

COVERAGE

Covering appropriately is the key to aging gracefully. If
your upper arms, thighs, and d�colletage have all seen
better days, it's time to cover them up a bit instead of
sharing the wear-and-tear with the world. Now I'm not
talking about draping yourself in a tent for the rest of
your life. Far from it. I'm talking about wearing short
sleeves instead of going sleeveless, Capris instead of
shorts, and modest necklines instead of plunging necklines.

Now I know that covering up the parts that used to turn
heads and draw envy can be tough to take for some women.
Which is precisely why beautiful jewelry and fine fabrics
are the revenge tools of choice for many well-dressed
mature women.

So your bustline isn't as perky as your twenty-something
daughter or granddaughter. So what? Add a beautiful
necklace and draw envious glances from women of all ages.
Don't have the same backside you did as a teen? Encase it
in a fine fabric and see how many men go out of the way to
hold the door open for you. People will look where you
focus their attention, so use that knowledge to redirect
their interest to the parts you want them to see.

Or, as actress Cybil Shepard once said, "I like to flaunt
what I have left."

Don't flip through fashion magazines and bemoan the fact
that you don't look like the models. Instead, look at the
various fashion elements to determine what will and won't
work for you. Are printed scarves all the rage this year?
Grab a few and be trendy. Are mini skirts the style of
choice? Pass and bank your money.

See how easy this is?

"A woman has the age she deserves," Coco Chanel once said.
You don't have to go under cover and dress "like a little
old lady" just because that's what your mother or
grandmother did. You're your own person.

If you remember to dress in clean lines and classic styles
and cover appropriately, you can still be fashionable - AND
draw long, lingering glances from handsome men -- whatever
your age. And if THAT doesn't make you feel like a
blushing girl again, then honey, nothing I can say will!


Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a wardrobe and image
consultant and author of "Wardrobe Magic," an
ebook that shows women how to transform their
unruly closets into workable, wearable wardrobes.
Visit her online at www.fashionsavvy.com .

The Race for Number Eight

Ted Bauer

In any type of normal world, the race for the No. 8 seed in either Conference wouldn't matter at all, save for adding some interest to the final third of the season. In the East, the No. 8 crew will probably draw the Miami Heat in round one, facing off against the inside-outside twosome of Shaq and D-Wade, who are poised to bring a big golden trophy to South Beach. It won't be pretty.

The picture's a bit different in the West, though --- the battle for the No. 8 slot is a tighter affair, and there's interest from close NBA watchers. Granted, the last team in draws either the Spurs or the Suns, and both are going to be hard to knock off. But --- let's say Steve Nash's injuries continue to nag at him. Let's also take into account that playoff basketball slows down and focuses on half-court sets. The Suns suddenly seem beatable, right? The Spurs are a bit tougher --- they thrive in half-court sets, and they're the definition of consistent.

Still, let's say the Lakers get the No. 8 seed --- a possibility we'll investigate. The Lake Show has reached 4 of the last 5 Finals --- granted, with a vastly different chemistry. But Kobe is still a rare player. Let's say Minnesota gets in just under the line --- they were the No. 1 seed last year, and possess arguably the league's most game-altering player in Kevin Garnett. And if the Nuggets --- a young, eccentric mix of quality players --- get the nod, they might have enough firepower to run a full series with either San Antonio or Phoenix.

Since the No. 8 seed in the West could, theoretically, knock off a potential No. 1, we decided to investigate who's most likely to come out as No. 8 in late April. We evaluated only the Lakers, T-Wolves, and Nuggets, because let's be honest --- as good as the Clippers have played this year, do you honestly see them anywhere near the NBA Playoffs? We thought so.

Each team is assigned 3 (highest), 2, or 1 (lowest) points in four different categories: Personnel, Coaching, Remaining Schedule, and Intangibles. Scientific, no?

Personnel:
The Lakers have Kobe, who is arguably the best player in the game. He's struggled without a presence in the middle (no offense to Chris Mihm-), and there's serious strains on his image following the rape trial and tumultuous breakup of the championship run Lakers. Beyond Mr. Bryant, though, Los Angeles doesn't have much. Caron Butler was promising as a rookie, but hasn't done a ton since then. Lamar Odom is the second key to this team --- he needs to play at the level he's capable of playing at, and he hasn't been doing that. He goes in the tank more than Vince Carter claims he went in the tank in Canada, especially against higher-level foes.

The Timberwolves have an amazing team on paper. Garnett, the reigning MVP, can beat you every which way. Sam Cassell is an experienced, showstopper point guard, and Latrell Sprewell can still score in buckets. Wally World gets injured, sure, but he's got game. The problem is, the entire team has underachieved this year, which creates a need for big games from Trenton Hassell and others. That shouldn't be necessary given this squad, especially when Sprewell is playing for 14 million per (even though he's apparently below the poverty line).

The Nuggets are good all-around. We're still waiting for Camby to tear something, and Nene has been on the injured list since Valentine's Day. Carmelo Anthony has slumped a bit in his sophomore campaign, and he doesn't play defense much at all. Earl Boykins has become a star here, regularly pacing the team in scoring, and Andre Miller --- who must be with his 19th NBA team by now --- seems to have acquired the poise of a true floor general, leading this team pretty well on most nights. K-Mart has been energized by the recent hire of George Karl.

Points: Nuggets 3, T-Wolves 2, Lakers 1

Coaching:
Who's Frank Hamblen? He's not Rudy T. He's not Coach K. He's not Phil Jackson. In sum, he's probably not good enough.

Kevin McHale probably shouldn't have pulled the plug so soon on Flip Saunders. Saunders was a great coach, and a playoff upset this year would have re-invigorated his team. Now, McHale's got himself on the bench. Let's consider other 1980s Celtics as coaches --- ML Carr, Danny Ainge, Larry Bird. Moderate successes, yes, but are any still coaching? There's a reason why- eventually, they all underachieved. Putting an underachiever with a group of underachievers probably isn't the best mix-

George Karl is a savvy veteran coach. You can say all you want about his conspicuous lack of jewelry, but he's won 60 games twice. The Nuggets have never won 60 games. The Nuggets have been on fire since he got the job from Michael Cooper by way of Jeff Bzedlik, recently winning six in a row. 'Melo's game is more diverse, more guys are getting quality minutes, and the team seems to play with a confidence and unity previously lacking. Karl was the right addition here, even counting rumors that he might be looking to ship Anthony away for his fear of playing tight defense.

Points: Nuggets 3, T-Wolves 2, Lakers 1

Remaining Schedule:

The Lakers, who are 20-11 at Staples Center, play only 10 of their remaining 23 games at home. In addition, they go on a road trip next week which features games at Dallas, Washington, Philadelphia, Miami, and Indiana. They end the season with relative cream puffs Golden State and Portland, but play three consecutive games right before that against Phoenix, Sacramento, and Dallas. All of those games are at home, but are still tough draws.

The Timberwolves, only 17-14 at home this year, play only 9 of their remaining games at Target Center, and their last two home games are against Seattle (on pace for 59 wins) and San Antonio (on pace to win the West). In addition, they have road games at Phoenix, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Dallas sprinkled throughout their final month and a half.

The Nuggets are 18-9 at Pepsi Center this year, and play 14 of their final 23 contests at home. In the final month, they do travel to Minneapolis, but they also get 2 games against the Hornets --- the worst team in the league --- and also play Portland and Golden State, both in the Mile High City. The Nuggets also draw the Grizzlies twice in the final three weeks. While the Grizz are playoff-bound themselves, it's a favorable match-up for a streaking Denver squad.

Points: Nuggets 3, Lakers 2, Timberwolves 1

Intangibles
Kobe needs to reach the playoffs as a No. 8 seed, score 50 points every night, and off the No. 1 team in the West. In some ways, it would help restore his credibility and erase notions he can't do it without Shaq. Also, it might help Frank Hamblen not become an assistant again next year.

The Timberwolves need to prove their 2003-2004 campaign was no joke, and some of their contract year players could benefit from the extra playing time and bigger stage of the playoffs.

The Nuggets are young, and aren't expected to do much besides make the playoffs. They have a determined team and a determined coach, but aside from Anthony keeping pace with LeBron (who's probably going to make the playoffs this year), the team doesn't have a ton to prove right now.

Points: Lakers 3, Timberwolves 2, Nuggets 1

The Final Score:
Nuggets 10, Timberwolves 7, Lakers 7

Karl's bunch is streaking, all right --- straight into a first-round date with the best of the West.

Ted Bauer writes for http://www.hoopsavenue.com

Celebrating the ME in MumME
Peggy Porter

Copyright 2005 Peggy Porter

Another Mother's Day is upon us. A day in which our loved ones bestow us with handmade gifts, breakfast in bed, supper out and sometimes even jewelry!!! It is a day for our family to show how much they appreciate the job we do.

I remember after my first child was born, I developed this deep respect for other mothers and immediately felt connected to all of them. I felt a bond that only strengthened the further into motherhood I went.

So on this very special weekend, I want to honor, not only my own mother, but all mothers. You hold a very special place in my heart and I know first hand the challenges and rewards that we experience on a daily basis. Motherhood is several professions rolled up in to one; nurse, teacher, housekeeper, referee, cook, manager and many more. The pay is poor but the benefits are the best.

My wish for all mothers is that you don't wait for the one day of the year before YOU recognize the contribution you make in the lives of others. It is so important to appreciate, on a daily basis, the job you do. We often second guess our mothering ability. We focus on the times we lost patience instead of the times we didn't. We count the times we yelled instead of the times we said I love you. We fixate on the mess of the house instead of recognizing that the time spent reading with the kids was a better decision.

As this Mother's day rolls around, sit back and enjoy every second of the love and appreciation bestowed on you. It is a day to relax and reap all the rewards of motherhood. When this occasion passes however, make a point to keep that appreciation and love flowing from within you. At the end of your day, recognize the contribution you have made. Focus on what you gave to your family, not what you didn't. Value your own self worth as a person and a mother. Honor yourself daily with a few words of encouragement or another act of self-care. Take time for you. Celebrate the ME in MumME because she certainly is someone to celebrate. Cheers!!!


Peggy Porter is a nurse, Wellness Coach, and author of YumME MumME Makeover-How to Balance Womanhood and Motherhood by Nurturing the Me in MumMe. If you are a Mom and want to start creating a healthier balance in your life, go to www.seekingbalance.ca and register for Peggy's free monthly teleclass and Ecourse! For more info you can also email peggy@seekingbalance.ca or call 506-832-0117.

Reciprocal Links - Are They Still Effective?

John Calder

© 2004, John Calder
http://www.TheEzine.net

Recently there has been talk that Google has discounted reciprocal linking as a factor in their ranking algorithm. For webmasters who don't know, reciprocal links are just traded links - web site A links to site B, and site B in exchange links to site A. Often the term "linking partner" is used instead of reciprocal link. In the past, it seems that reciprocal links have played an important role in how a site is ranked in search results. It was an indicator from the webmaster that the other site was of value to their visitors.

Once marketers caught on to this, various software was developed that would help automate the process. As webmasters started freely swapping links with every other webmaster, this diluted the value of having reciprocal links in place. Google caught on to this, and apparently has now downgraded or completely removed this type of linking as a ranking factor.

Should marketers continue to pursue reciprocal links? Are they worthwhile? It probably depends on

1) why you want the links, and
2) which sites you want to trade links with.

Although reciprocal links may not be as useful for search engine optimization anymore, they can still bring you traffic. After all, your link is on other sites that also receive traffic, and it's only reasonable that you'll get some percentage of that. There's no cost, other than possibly some software to automate the linking process, so it probably doesn't hurt anything as long as you don't overdo it.

Also, rather than trading links with anyone and everyone who will do so, consider limiting your reciprocal linking only to sites that are on-topic, or related, to yours. For example, if you run a bicycle site, it's reasonable enough to trade links with other bicycle sites, travel sites featuring cycling vacations, skateboarding and inline-skating sites, and so on. It probably wouldn't make sense to link to a jewelry site though.

The best advice is to keep your reciprocal links on-topic, exercise some restraint, and make sure they provide value to most of your visitors.

John Calder is the owner/editor of The Ezine Dot Net. Subscribe Today and get real information YOU can use to help build your online business today! http://www.TheEzine.Net

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Denim Is Big This Season - Dress It Up Or Down
Sher Matsen

For all you denim lovers, like myself, this is the season for you to shine. Denim is big this season. Denim has become a fashion statement of its own. No longer are we limited to boot cut, low rise, or relaxed fit jeans. It has come into its own - we can have denim hats, tops, belts, skirts, and even shoes. So wear denim with the attitude it deserves.

Many celebrities are really utilizing denim - they're dressing it up with embroidery, lace, fur, jewelry, accessories. What ever the heart desires. Dark denim, light denim, stone washed denim, colored denim - all good to go this season!

The gals can dress it up with pearls, the guys with a tie. Crystal or rhinestone jewelry will make you dazzling! Add some long fun beads, a chunky necklace, or an armful of bangles. Don't forget to accessorize. Add a hat, a belt, or how about suspenders just for kicks. Add a fitted blazer to that denim skirt, add some heals to your favorite pair of jeans. Try a pair of the ever popular wedge shoes with any of your denim items.

For women with small waists and wider hips Joe's jeans has a new jean line called "Honey Jeans" They are designed so they don't gape at the waist. They accomplish this by making a two part waist band which give them more of a curve. Low rise jean that truly fits the feminine form. Check them out. They run around $148.00 a pair and can be found online.

Paper Denim has grown in popularity and offers great body fits - Super low rise, low rise, x-low slash pocket, and x-low flare. As well as the trouser and boot cut if your looking for something different.

Marc Jacobs has a form fitting dress that is ever so sexy. Add a light cardigan for those cooler evenings and you'll look sensational.

There are a host of denim designers and manufacturers offering jeans of various cuts, mini skirts, bustle skirts, form fitting dresses, flowing dresses, capri pants, denim shirts, vests, hats, denim belts, denim shoes, the list goes on and on.

If you want to get some great ideas of what you can do with your denim I recommend you visit Misssixty.com Very interesting and informative site!

Denim is durable, wearable, comfortable, and now more than ever fashionable. So enjoy your denim and dress it up or down to whatever the occasion. Be certain to accent it with your favorite jewelry and have fun! Make your fashion statement!

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry,and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

40 Days and 40 Nights in the Wilderness with Venus

Nancy R. Fenn

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

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

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

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

Well, these are very good questions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking to Start a New Business? Consider the Personalized Products Industry
Nancy Wurtzel

Looking to launch a new consumer products business that makes and markets gifts? Why not consider a niche that has grown dramatically over the past few decades and still shows signs of continued expansion? The market has your name written all over it -- the personalized products industry.

In the U.S. today, there are more than 100,000 businesses selling personalized gift products with annual sales of at least $27 billion, and these numbers are continuing to increase.

Why is the personalized gift market considered such a rapid growth industry? Several forces are at work currently driving the personalization market.

1. The Economy: The U.S. is just coming out of an economy slump and recession. During tough economic times, consumers often look for added value when they make discretionary purchases. For example, when shopping for a gift, price conscious buyers look for a selection that will make an impression and be lasting. Consumers perceive that they are getting both when they purchase a personalized product. In general, buyers are actively seeking personalized gifts, and this activity and interest is moving the industry forward.

2. New Technology: Advances in technology have made a wider variety of products available and much more affordable. For example, machines that personalize towels and clothing once cost thousands of dollars and weigh hundreds of pounds. Now, a much smaller, cleaner, quieter, computer-driven piece of equipment can produce the same quality goods -- but at a fraction of the price. And, if manufacturing upfront costs are less, products become more affordable.

3. Product Selection: Since technology has made production easier and cheaper, there has been an explosion of personalized goods and gifts. Gifts range from the inexpensive and predictable to the upscale and highly innovative. Most gift stores offer some personalized gift selections and there are now many stores, websites and even mail-order catalogs with literally thousands of consumer choices.

4. Stand-Out Gifts: Personalized gifts are memorable. For instance, parents will always remember who gave their newborn a charming personalized picture frame, but can't recall who sent the expensive outfit that baby outgrew in a few weeks. A personalized present is also a great choice for the "person who has everything."

PERSONALIZED HISTORY
The personalized gift market is primarily a U.S. phenomenon. Its roots can be traced back to our early American history when silversmiths practiced their skills by engraving family names or initials on one-of-a-kind silver trays, bowls and jewelry.

As the country expanded westward, saddle and gun makers would occasionally personalize their wares, while wood artisans used their talents to create uniquely decorated trunks with family names or crests.

These early personalized items were always made to order and available only to those who could afford to pay the price -- which was, at that time, a very small percentage of the population.

Not much changed until the late 1950s when mass production brought the "pre-made" personalized gifts to middle America.

Suddenly, every local corner drug store offered displays of inexpensive pencils, key chains and jewelry featuring names like Linda, Mike, Tom, Cindy, Mary and Dave.

However, most of these personalized items were considered cheap imported gifts aimed at kids and teenagers. And, if you had an unusual name, you were out of luck because all these novelty products were pre-made at the factory with the most common names of the day.

While there are still many of these low-ticket items available today, the personalized products industry has grown and evolved over the past forty odd years. Probably the biggest change that has moved the industry forward has been advances in technology.

Lower costs for machinery means that it's now possible to have personalization equipment in decentralized locations rather than one central processing plant. Additionally, personalized gifts that once would take weeks to obtain can now be created in a matter of days or even minutes. Consequently, gifts that once had a long ordering lead time, are now almost impulse buys for today's busy consumer.

Computer-driven technology also has made literally thousands of personalized gift choices in a variety of price ranges available to the consumer.

BUYING AND SELLING
What type of companies sell personalized gifts? Major catalogs, countless ecommerce sites, upscale department stores, specialty boutiques, general dry-goods retail storefronts, drug store chains and thousands of small entrepreneurs.

What types of personalized items are consumers buying? Almost anything can be personalized, so the choices are many.

Just pick up a catalog and you will find robes for adults and kids, fine crystal, quilts, keepsake gifts for newborn babies, expensive gifts to mark a graduation, wedding or anniversary, a variety of clothing and even furniture. Visit a local retail store and you will find stationery, jewelry, wall art, T-shirts, mugs and dinnerware, glasses, picture frames and much more.

Why are these gifts so attractive for so many sellers? Any retailer will agree that a personalized gift means a little more effort up-front, but in the long run fewer returns. Plus, these products often carry a higher price point -- and therefore profits -- making these gifts very attractive.

AMERICANS LOVE PERSONALIZED GIFTS
While you may find some personalized gift items in other countries, you will not see the same wide range of products that are found in the U.S. Why has the personalized gift market thrived here at home?

It's really pretty simple according to those who study consumers. Americans -- young and old alike -- love to see their names on a product because it makes them feel special and unique.

And, American consumers are always looking for products with a slightly different spin, and this, too, is accomplished by purchasing a personalized product.

Faith Popcorn, who studies and reports on nationwide trends, has coined the word "egonomics" to describe the personalized product phenomenon. Other trend forecasters agree that the personalized gift industry is here to stay and will continue steady growth as more products are brought to market in response to consumer demand.


Nancy Wurtzel is the founder and owner of All About Baby, an ecommerce site located at http://www.allbaby.com. All About Baby specializes in personalized and memorable gifts for children as well as interesting and helpful child-related site content. Ms. Wurtzel has over 20 years of marketing and communications experience. She consults with small businesses seeking to enter the marketplace or grow their existing ecommerce business.

ONLINE PHOTO SHARING: NOT JUST FOR FAMILY AND VACATION PHOTOS

Valerie Goettsch

You may have joined the photo-sharing craze to share your family vacation photos, but have you thought about other uses for photo sharing?

Here are just a few ideas:

Scrapbooking:
Show off your creative projects. You can design scrapbook pages and enhance them with clipart using software like Paint Shop Photo Album or FotoFinish and then upload them to a photo sharing site for everyone to enjoy.

Hobbies:
Perhaps you belong to a cross-stitching club or the other end of the spectrum, a motorcycle or classic car club. You can share your best cross-stitch projects or pictures of you with your Harley or '57 Chevy with other club members.

Class Reunions:
What better way to share reunion photos with former class members across the miles than in an online photo album, so all can view and reminisce.

Arts and Crafts Portfolio:
Do you design jewelry, paint or make woodcarvings or other crafts to sell? A digital photo gallery is a great way to show off your pieces, and you can add your own captions, prices, etc.

Genealogy:
If you are in charge of recording your family's history, organize old family photos in a digital album to share with distant family members. Chances are, old photos will need some repair for cracks, fading, spots, etc. You can easily repair photos yourself using photo software like Photoshop Elements or Paint Shop Pro.

School Events:
Create an online album for pictures of football or basketball games, proms, graduation parties and other school events to share with classmates.

Weddings:
You can design an elegant photo album and let those who couldn't attend the wedding see the bride walk down the aisle and "virtually" experience the conga line at the reception. Weddings were made for photo sharing!

Rubber Stamping Designs:
A photo gallery of your rubber stamp creations is a great way to showcase them for fellow stamp artists.

Okay, you get the picture. Use your imagination and you'll find dozens of opportunities for sharing your photos.

PHOTO SHARING SITES AND SOFTWARE
The next step is how do you do it? That's easy too. With the digital camera craze comes a proliferation of photo sharing sites and software. The top sites include Ofoto, Shutterfly and Snapfish, which give you simple, free software so you can make basic edits such as adjust the contrast, crop and remove red-eye. You can quickly upload your images to their website and put photos in different albums, name the albums and add captions. Then you just email your friends the link to your album. The good news is it's free; the down side is that some sites limit the number of photos you can share. These sites, of course, will also print your photos for as little as 22 cents each and mail them to you; those who view your albums can also order prints.

There are some great services dedicated to photo sharing that offer unlimited photo storage space for a nominal fee. These include Pixagogo, which is a web-based service for sharing, organizing and storing your digital photos inside instant albums that can be viewed by anyone you want. It's an easy way to share photos with others, and an excellent means of backing up valuable photos or publishing illustrations on a web site or a market place. For a $5 monthly membership fee, you get unlimited secure storage of your original images of any size for as long as you want. Pixagogo's features include easy drag & drop photo uploading, the ability to create elegant online albums and full screen slide shows, share selected album links with family and friends via a simple email link, and a self-organizing photo timeline. You can also order prints on Fuji paper at competitive prices.

There are also several inexpensive software applications for photo sharing on the web, including FotoFinish and the SendPix sharing feature of ACDSee 6.0. With both programs you can email photos directly from the application at sizes you specify. FotoFinish also gives you 20MB of free personal web space to upload and share your albums or individual photos. ACDSee lets you share up to 50 photos in an unlimited number of albums on their server at no charge for up to 30 days. It also has an HTML photo album generator so you can create web page photo albums to upload to your own site.

Whatever method you choose, sharing your pics on the net is a great timesaver with lots of opportunity for creativity.


Valerie Goettsch publishes the digital photography website http://www.digitalphotos101.com featuring reviews of photo editing and album software and digital photo printing services.

Protect Your Eyes with a Wide Variety of Sunglasses Available Online
Valerie Giles

Besides being a wonderful complement to your wardrobe, sunglasses (including discount sunglasses and designer styles), also play an important function in protecting your eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Protecting your eyes with sun glasses is just as important as protecting your skin. UV (ultraviolet) light consists of three bands of light to include UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA light hasn't been proven to lead to any eye disorders but the eyes should still be protected from it. UVB is the most damaging of the three as it will burn skin and damage the eyes, possibly leading to cataracts and UVC is said to be of little worry. When purchasing sunglasses it is important to find a pair of sun glasses that has at least ninety eight percent UVA and UVB protection to ensure your eyes are getting the best protection.

Never have there been so many sunglasses designs, styles and colors to choose from whether you are shopping for discount sunglasses, children's sunglasses, designer sunglasses, replica sunglasses, prescription sunglasses or sports sunglasses the choices are endless. Whatever sunglasses you do have in your collection you'll want to be sure they are good quality eye wear that protect your eyes while looking great.

Purchasing sunglasses can be an exciting and overwhelming experience given the vast array of styles, designs and colors of sunglasses frames and lenses to choose from. Some of the popular trends in sunglasses today can include; preppy look sunglasses with semi-rimless styles made with metal and zyl; sports optics sunglasses with special lenses to filter out blue and red light while allowing green light excellent for enhancing a golfers vision on the green; vintage look plastics with metal trims, visible studs and openwork designs, available in sunglasses styles that are large, square or with rounded corners; sunglasses with jewelry touches, rhinestones and facets and magnetic sunglasses clip-ons for prescription wearers.

You'll want to start early when it comes to protecting your children's eyes from UV (ultraviolet) damage, especially as they are more than likely to spend a lot of time playing out in direct sunlight. There is a wide variety of sunglasses styles to choose from with plenty of designs similar to the sunglasses worn by adults. With popular designs to include oval sunglasses, rectangular sun glasses, round sunglasses, cat eye sunglasses and geometric sunglasses shapes along with plastic frames styled like the popular adult sunglasses. It's always a good idea to let your children choose their own sunglasses as they will be more likely to wear them.

Another popular trend in sunglasses is that of designer sunglasses, with most clothing designers having a line of sunglasses designs. Whatever look you may prefer; whether it be feminine, urban, simple or conservative, there is sure to be fashion sunglasses to complement your lifestyle. For anyone who appreciates the look of the designer sunglasses but cannot afford the price that goes along with them, there is a wonderful selection of designer replica sunglasses that offer a much more affordable alternative.

For prescription eyewear users who usually wear clip-on sunglasses there are many prescription sunglasses choices today. Clip-ons are wonderful sunglasses accessories but can be easily misplaced, whereas prescription sunglasses can be worn outdoors anytime without having to look for and keep handy your clip-ons. It is now possible to find basic to high prescription sunglasses, bifocal sunglasses, presbyopic sunglasses and progressive sunglasses lenses. The prescription sunglasses are also available in most of the trendy designs, styles and frame colors as regular sunglasses with the exception of some of the wraparound sports sunglasses that have a severe curve in the lenses. Sunglasses lenses can be made in many materials to include high index, polycarbonate and regular plastic with glass lenses rarely being used.

Polarized sunglasses are another popular choice when it comes to selecting the right sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses are ideal for water and winter sports where water and snow can increase the reflective glare. Polarized sunglasses are excellent for boating, fishing, water skiing, snow boarding, driving, golfing, cycling, motorcycling and jogging available in sunglasses and goggles styles. With polarized sunglasses absorbing approximately ninety eight percent of reflective glare they offer glare free vision. The polarized sunglasses are available in a wide variety of designs, styles and colors to complement whatever sport of activity you might be participating in.

The selection of sports sunglasses and performance sunglasses have never been better with sunglasses to not only protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but sunglasses to enhance your sports performance. Sport optics sunglasses with special lenses are available to filter out blue and red light while allowing green light to come through, thus increasing the contrast on the golf green allowing golfers to see the subtle lines and breaks in the green without squinting. There are also sports sunglasses with specially tinted lenses for tennis which allow you to better see the tennis ball. You can find sports sunglasses in an excellent variety of designs, styles and colors also available in goggle designs great for skiing or snow boarding. Sports sunglasses are made of impact resistant polycarbonate substrate and the lenses are usually made with an antireflective, UV and glare reduction coating on the back of the lenses for added safety and protection.

With so many wonderful discount sunglasses to choose from your sure to have at least a few pairs in your collection. When shopping for sunglasses it helps to know in advance what sunglasses frames look best on you. Whether you need there are sunglasses to complement every face shape, lifestyle and preference.

Valerie Giles owns and operates Eyewear-4U http://www.eyewear-4u.com, an eyewear site featuring fashion eyewear, sports eyewear, prescription eyewear, discount sunglasses, contact lenses and accessories. The accompanying article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Design Your Own Beautiful Wedding Ring

Donna Monday

It used to be that if you wanted to buy a nice custom-made wedding ring, you'd have to visit some fancy high-end jewelry store and be willing to part with a large portion of your wedding budget.

Well that's still the case for some people, but thanks to our modern times it's now possible for you and anyone else who wants a custom wedding ring to create a unique diamond wedding ring from the comfort of your own home.

Oleg Cassini will have nothing on you as you sit in your chair sipping a soda looking at the various wedding ring photos that your favorite online jewelry store makes easily available.

You will quickly see that it's easy to design your own wedding ring online. The first thing you want to look at when you set out to build your own wedding ring is the setting. You'll have your choice of wedding ring settings in various metals like: gold, white gold, sterling silver, and platinum. While studying the stylish settings, be sure to check your ring size for accuracy in purchasing a comfortable fitting wedding ring.

Next, you'll want to select the right diamond to fit your setting. The common diamond cut shapes are: round, pear, emerald, princess, marquise, oval, radiant, heart, and Asscher. You will probably take a while just studying all the attributes of the various diamond shapes and sizes. Of course, you can always choose to purchase the setting online and then take it to your local jeweler to have it fit with a diamond.

You are the designer extraordinaire! You are not bound by what someone else thinks you will like. So, go ahead and feel free to create your own wedding ring. There's nobody else to please but you.

And you will just love the results.


Copyright 2004
Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com


Diamond Solitaire rings - The Ultimate In Engagement Rings
Peter Leigh

There are no better rings to seal your engagement than diamond solitaire rings. The ultimate in diamond rings, diamond solitaire rings are the only ring for the woman who wants the best in wedding jewelry.

What is a diamond solitaire ring? Simple. A diamond solitaire ring is a ring with one diamond. That's all. Just one diamond. Nothing else to distract from that one magnificent stone.

Why are diamond solitaire engagement rings the best engagement rings? Well firstly because they are a diamond ring. Diamonds are the best of all jewelry stones available to the serious jewelry buyer. And there are a lot of other stones out there. All sorts of colored stones, diamond copies, diamond simulants and so on. Most of them beautiful stones.
But none of them are diamonds.

Why are there so many diamond copies, man made diamonds? Because diamonds are the best, and it is the best that is copied.

Your engagement ring is one of the most important buying decisions you will ever make. Think about it. What else can you buy that will be with you for life?

Your house? No, not really, most people keep a house for a few years and then move on. Your car? Never!

Is there anything? I can't think of anything that is more enduring than a diamond solitaire engagement ring. Nothing else that goes through life with you. So if it's that important then get a good one. Once you've got it then it's too late to change your mind.

And why diamonds? Why not some other type of beautiful jewelry stone?

Diamonds represent the ultimate. The best. There is no better jewelry stone than a diamond, and no more expensive. By buying a diamond you're saying "only the best for us". You're making a commitment that you are prepared to spend some serious money on the one most important and enduring purchase you will ever make. Your diamond solitaire ring.

And why a solitaire ring? There are lots of beautiful rings with diamonds. Thousands of styles, a whole world of choices. Why choose a diamond solitaire ring?

Just because that's what it is. A solitaire. You are getting the biggest diamond for your money. One that stands out. One that people will admire.

There are some beautiful three stone diamond rings. Magnificent rings. But not solitaires. Three small diamonds just don't cut it like one large one.

Diamond engagement rings have a long and proud tradition. The giving a diamond engagement ring to a woman as a symbol of a promise to marry began in 1477 with the engagement of Archduke Maximillian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy. The Archduke selected a diamond engagement ring and his decision has been copied ever since.

It was even said then that cupids arrows were tipped with diamonds which imbued the couple with the magic of love.

Diamond solitaire rings encapsulate that magic of love.

Diamond engagement rings have a symbolism from centuries past. They are the ultimate in engagement rings. And diamond solitaire rings are the ultimate in diamond engagement rings.



Find out more about Diamond Solitaire Rings as well as many other types of Diamond Rings including Diamond Engagement Rings at Peter's website Delectable Diamond Rings. © 2005 Peter Leigh.

Anti-Terrorism Business

Paul Siegel

Why do terrorists hate us so much that they are willing, even
eager, to die while inflicting upon us tremendous strife and
devastation? Many are asking this question. Most answers I hear
are related to religion, ethnicity and perceived victimization.

All these, no doubt, play a role. But I believe that the main
cause of terrorism is resentment. Most terrorists come from extremely
poor countries. They see how we in rich countries live, and are
resentful. Resentment turns into frustration and eventually despair.
A despairing person is easy prey to radical fanatics.

If resentment is the cause, reducing resentment should decrease
the number of terrorists and thus help win the fight against
terrorism. How do we do this? We need a multi-prong strategy.
But for people in business, the answer is: By building an anti-terrorism
economy featuring anti-terrorism businesses. What will anti-terrorism
businesses be like? They will enshrine the concept of helpfulness
and apply it in a big way to individuals and companies in the
poor countries of the world. This is not idealism. This is a
practical way for business people to fight terrorism while at
the same time strengthening their own bottom line.

Resentment Breeds Terrorism

In the free world we have the richest countries in the world.
Their peoples have mastered the arts and the sciences. They have
developed sophisticated technologies, products, systems and services
that fuel their vibrant economies. They have produced millionaires
and billionaires. They live in big houses and have a plethora
of gadgets to reduce drudgery, keep them mobile, and supply entertainment.
Life is good!

In contrast, people in poor countries, are not too gainfully
employed, live in thatched or mud huts (if they have a home at
all), don't have enough money to buy food, and are subject to
floods, disease, AIDS, and brutal neighbors. Life is fiendish.

The rich countries have perhaps 15% of the Earth's population.
Yet they produce 88% of the users of the Internet. Many of the
remaining 85% of the people in the world have never used a telephone.

Religion is not the primary cause of terrorism. Poor, frustrated
people turn to religion for solace. However, there is a limit
to the amount of solace they may get if they have nothing to
eat. So they become radicals. They become terrorists. What do
they have to lose? They become martyrs.

How to Reduce Resentment

There will always be some resentment of rich and powerful people
and of rich and powerful nations. But the amount and intensity
of resentment may be reduced greatly if poor people and countries
become more prosperous.

Yes, rich countries have established the IMF and the World Bank
to help the poor countries. But every time these financial institutions
offer a loan it comes with such tough conditions that rarely
can a country abide by them and still grow its economy.

The trouble with these financial institutions is that they are
based on the principle:

> The rich should help the poor

The implication is that the rich know best what to do and how
to do it. They feel superior because they are helping these inferior
people. For poor countries to be made more prosperous we must
use the following principle:

> The rich should enable the poor to help themselves

Instead of making plans, allow them to make their own plans.
Instead of teaching them how to do things, set up an environment
that enables them to learn. Instead of selling them sophisticated
technology, help them develop their own technology.

Anti-Terrorism Economy

Build a world economy that fights terrorism by making the economy
as inclusive as possible, thus enabling poor countries to grow
and prosper. This will produce more optimistic people, people
less eager to become terrorists and martyrs.

Take a look at our recent economies;

1 - INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY - We had an industrial economy only
in rich countries. Poor countries were used primarily to obtain
raw materials for use in industrial products for the rich. Colonialism
subjugated and impoverished poor countries further.

2 - NEW ECONOMY - Some called it the Information Economy. I
called it the Learning Economy. But again, primarily the rich
were part of this economy. Poor countries, who were hungering
for information and learning, did not have the wherewithal to
participate.

The main focus of companies has been on serving the rich market.
The reasoning has been: Rich people have money to spend, so let
us dream up gadgets and services to sell them. They forget, however,
that poor countries represent a vast untapped market.

Globalization has been touted as a boon to all. But in practice,
Globalization has meant the ascendance of multi-national corporations,
not the growth of many small companies in all countries.

So I think we should start building an

3 - ANTI-TERRORISM ECONOMY - The purpose of this economy should
be to replace terrorism candidates with peace candidates, illiterates
with doctorates, and starving nations with booming nations. This
can be done by infusing our efforts toward Globalization with
the spirit of helpfulness:

> Globalization with a Local Face

Anti-Terrorism Business

An anti-terrorism business markets to the world, not merely to
rich countries. It does its marketing by following the 3 principles
of Helpfulness Marketing:

1 - LEARNING - Help poor countries learn. They need to learn
about agriculture, small business, and about AIDS. We talk a
great deal about distance learning. Why not go the distance to
poor countries?

2 - COOPERATION - Help them build their infrastructure, so
they may use the Internet. Leap frog their telephone systems
to wireless technology. The poor need wireless for fundamental
learning tasks, not for talking to their refrigerators, as the
rich are planning to do.

3 - COMMUNITY - Make the poor part of your community. Form
alliances and partnerships. Work together on common projects.

Anti-Terrorism Business Examples

Examples of anti-terrorism businesses do exist. Here are 3:

1 - NOVICA - http://www.novica.com - This company travels all
over the world in search of local crafts: ceramics, jewelry,
paintings, clothing, games, sculptures, music, dolls, basketry,
lacquerware, etc. Beautiful items from developing countries are
offered for sale. Novica makes a fair profit and so do poor artisans.

2 - RAINTREE - http://www.rain-tree.com - Raintree works in
partnership with indigenous Amazon tribes to develop sustainable
resources to advance their income as well as the income of Raintree.
According to Raintree, the following statistics show the gain:

Raising Cattle $ 60/acre

Timber $ 240/acre

Sustainable Resources $2400/acre

The sustainable resources they work on are medicinal plants,
from which Raintree obtains all sorts of pharmacological products.
Raintree is stopping the destruction of rainforests, increasing
the income of indigenous people, and making a good profit!

3 - WORLD E-INCLUSION - http://www.hp.com/e-inclusion - Hewlett-Packard
is investing a billion dollars to search for "local knowledge"
and "creative genius" all over the poor areas of the world. The
company wants to help the developing countries develop. It says
it will choose projects based on the needs of local people, develop
them in partnership with local people, and offer sustainability
and fair value. HP plans to do well by doing good.

It is instructive to quote Carly Fiorina, CEO of HP, with regard
to the World E-Inclusion program:

"HP has always believed that we can do well economically and
do good socially at the same time. In other words, invent for
the common good. We believe World e-Inclusion is a great example.

As part of a long-term HP effort to find new revenues one, three,
five and ten years down the line, World e-Inclusion targets the
4 billion people that are seldom, if ever, served by traditional
information technology companies. By providing people with the
social and economic opportunities of the new information economy,
World e-Inclusion is setting the stage for tremendous growth,
both for HP and for developing countries."

Hooray for HP! It is a model for the rest of us.

Summary

Fight terrorism by reducing the number of poor people that fuel
terrorism. Reduce resentment and despair by building an anti-terrorism
economy consisting of anti-terrorism businesses like HP, that
aim to use the principles of Helpfulness Marketing - LEARNING,
COOPERATION and COMMUNITY - to bring prosperity to the poor as
well as to themselves.

Paul -the soarING- Siegel is a provocative Internet speaker and
author of HELPFULNESS MARKETNG, an ebook stressing learning,
cooperation and community. Learn about it at http://www.learningfountain.com/.
Subscribe to newsletter, LearningFOUNT, by sending blank email
to: mailto:LearningFOUNT-subscribe@topica.com.

Endless Beach Wedding Themes
Cindy English

If you are considering a beach wedding, the ideas are as endless as your imagination!

One thing about choosing a beach wedding theme is that it allows you total creative freedom. Depending on the time of day, the beach can set the mood. At sunrise or sunset, it is a place of serenity, beauty and romance. Mid-day, it is the hub of excitement, activity, and fun. By nature, a beautiful scene has already been set for you. There is no need for many decorations! Are you planning an intimate wedding with just a few guests? Let the beach help you set the stage for your romantic wedding ideas with a dawn or dusk seaside ceremony. The sunrise or sunset will provide a spectacular background for your wedding photos.

On the other hand, if you want to "tell the world" and have a large gathering of people, consider a mid-summer day "beach-side bash" or fantasy beach wedding that includes your guests. That's the fun part of a beach wedding - your guests can participate. Everyone has fun!

Here are a few ideas to get you started...

* Be Cinderella with your Prince Charming. Have him place the "glass slipper" that fits on your foot as a symbol of your perfect union. You could hire a professional sand sculptor to build a beautiful sand castle as a background for your fairytale theme. Leave in a horse drawn carriage.

* Have a Pirate Wedding. Rent costumes and decorate with treasure chests fake gold coins and jewelry. Have a real treasure hunt. When you leave, sail off into the sunset.

* How about an "I Dream of Jeannie" beach wedding theme? Decorate with pretty, colorful bottles in the sand like the one she was found in. At the end of the day, disappear in a cloud of smoke!

* A Western beach wedding theme would be fun! Many beaches allow horseback riding. The reception could be a good old fashioned fireside "camp out" under the stars. Leave on horseback.

* Have a Rainbow Wedding. Create a rainbow to wed under out of brightly colored helium filled balloons tied together. Hold them down with the "pots of gold" at each end. Have everyone bring a colored umbrella to decorate the aisle with. Great back plan up in case it rains!

* Butterfly weddings are popular. Shades of yellow and orange with butterflies woven amongst the flowers in your tiara and bouquet would be beautiful. Use butterflies as boutonnieres for the guys.

* A Surfing theme would be neat. Of course surf boards and "The Beach Boys" come to mind here!

By the way...

Don't rule out you beach wedding ideas because you don't live near an ocean. The definition of a "beach" is - "the shore of a body of water, especially if sandy or pebbly". That includes lakes and rivers. For that matter, you may have a "beach" right by your swimming pool. There are no rules. Be creative!

It is your beach wedding...it can be anything you want it to be - wherever you want it to be! Most of all...have fun!



Cindy English is the publisher of:

Beach-Wedding-Themes.com
Beach wedding themes full of fun, fantasy and romance!

All-Florida-Beach-Weddings.com
Plan your wedding celebration in Paradise!

© Copyright 2005 by Cindy English

How To Clean Your Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings, sterling silver earrings, bracelets and pendants are some of the hottest fashion accessories today! Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. You know how beautifully sterling silver jewelry complements fashionable clothing and how it sparkles and shines; now here is the rest of the story.

Silver has been used since ancient times, but has not survived as well as ancient gold because it tarnished and decomposes. There have been times, however, when silver was "in"; we are going through such a vogue today.

Silver is the most common of the precious metals. Fine silver is pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Sterling silver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper, the alloy most often used. Silver weighs about half as much as gold, has greater flexibility, but is not as malleable, it has always been less expensive as well. A comparable piece of gold jewelry might cost four or five times that of a piece of sterling silver jewelry.

The current fashion trend toward black clothing has made silver jewelry more popular than ever. Silver likes to be worn; it stays cleaner & shinier through movement and friction. So sterling silver is a perfect accessory for today's fast paced lifestyles. Much like gold, sterling silver needs to be cleaned.

Care and Cleaning of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1.) For daily cleaning it is recommended to use a simple jewelry polishing cloth that is impregnated with special jewelry cleaner. These are widely available and are very easy to use. Store your cloth in a plastic zip-lock bag, and keeping your jewelry drawer or
armoire. It is a good idea to have one cleaning cloth for gold and one for silver.
2.) For a slightly more "in-depth" cleaning you may want to use a liquid jewelry cleaner.
3.) For cleaning badly tarnished silver, here's a neat little trick
a)Cover the inside bottom of a heatproof glass dish on bowl with a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up.
b)Place the tarnished silver in the bottom of the dish, contacting the aluminum foil.
c)Add 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda, and then slowly pour boiling water to cover the piece. The tarnish will gradually collect on the aluminum foil.
d)Remove your silver, rinse thoroughly, and polish.

Here are Some Tips for Greater Enjoyment of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1.) Are your silver chains all tied-up in knots? If so, here's a nifty little trick for straightening them out. Dust your chain with a little talcum powder and then try to unknot it. If the knot is stubborn, place a small drop of baby oil on a sheet of wax paper. Lay the knot in the oil and work it out with two pins; then clean the chain as instructed below.

2.) Always apply make-up, perfumes, oils or colognes before you put on your jewelry.
We hope you have enjoyed this special report. Please feel free to share it with your friends!

Sterling Silver Jewelry Today
Sam Serio

Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings, sterling silver earrings, bracelets and pendants are some of the hottest fashion accessories today! Sterling silver jewelry is enjoying an unprecedented popularity with today's fashion conscious public. You know how beautifully sterling silver jewelry complements fashionable clothing and how it sparkles and shines; now here is the rest of the story.

Silver has been used since ancient times, but has not survived as well as ancient gold because it tarnished and decomposes. There have been times, however, when silver was "in"; we are going through such a vogue today.

Silver is the most common of the precious metals. Fine silver is pure silver, which is seldom used for jewelry because it is too soft. Sterling silver is 925 parts silver to 75 of copper, the alloy most often used. Silver weighs about half as much as gold, has greater flexibility, but is not as malleable, it has always been less expensive as well. A comparable piece of gold jewelry might cost four or five times that of a piece of sterling silver jewelry.

The current fashion trend toward black clothing has made silver jewelry more popular than ever. Silver likes to be worn; it stays cleaner & shinier through movement and friction. So sterling silver is a perfect accessory for today's fast paced lifestyles. Much like gold, sterling silver needs to be cleaned.

Care and Cleaning of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1.) For daily cleaning it is recommended to use a simple jewelry polishing cloth that is impregnated with special jewelry cleaner. These are widely available and are very easy to use. Store your cloth in a plastic zip-lock bag, and keeping your jewelry drawer or
armoire. It is a good idea to have one cleaning cloth for gold and one for silver.
2.) For a slightly more "in-depth" cleaning you may want to use a liquid jewelry cleaner.
3.) For cleaning badly tarnished silver, here's a neat little trick
a)Cover the inside bottom of a heatproof glass dish on bowl with a piece of aluminum foil, shiny side up.
b)Place the tarnished silver in the bottom of the dish, contacting the aluminum foil.
c)Add 1 heaping tablespoon of baking soda, and then slowly pour boiling water to cover the piece. The tarnish will gradually collect on the aluminum foil.
d)Remove your silver, rinse thoroughly, and polish.

Here are Some Tips for Greater Enjoyment of your Sterling Silver Jewelry

1.) Are your silver chains all tied-up in knots? If so, here's a nifty little trick for straightening them out. Dust your chain with a little talcum powder and then try to unknot it. If the knot is stubborn, place a small drop of baby oil on a sheet of wax paper. Lay the knot in the oil and work it out with two pins; then clean the chain as instructed below.

2.) Always apply make-up, perfumes, oils or colognes before you put on your jewelry.
We hope you have enjoyed this special report. Please feel free to share it with your friends!


The Authors of the above Article, Sam and Tami Serio have been passionately involved with Jewelry and Gemstones for over fifteen-years. You are cordially invited to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com for a wealth of information about the fascinating world of Jewelry and Gemstones. Together they also shelter 20 abandoned and abused dogs & cats. A portion of their profits goes to the care and feeding of the animals.