Consumer Quartet

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of publications in print and on the web looking for articles on topics relating to the needs of their audience or clientele. By sharing your expertise you will develop trust, connection and credibility that simply cannot be achieved through advertising.

In today’s internet landscape you don’t even need a source to send your articles. Adding articles to your own web site provides information for current and potential clients, as well as improves your site’s ranking on the net. With the increasing number of marketing sites, search engines determine ranking by the amount of informative content.

An added benefit of articles — writing helps you hone your message and address the key health issues of your niche market.

So where to begin?

The simplest way to begin writing an article is to break it into three key ingredients. You want to provide information, incorporate attention getters and create easy reading.

PROVIDE INFORMATION

The purpose of an article is to provide information, tools and/or resources for your niche market. Different than a promotional piece, where the goal is to market you and your services, an article addresses a specific issue or concern. Adding a 50-75 word bio slug with a web link at the bottom of the article is a great place for information about you. The article itself should address the issue, not promote how wonderful you are.

Many of my clients ask “how do I find out what information my niche needs?”

• Ask your clients. By writing about the specific concerns of your clientele, you can build your community through your commitment to address their needs.

• Make a list of the common issues your patients face.
• Address trends (lifestyle, health or seasonal factors that impact your reader)

Message: Write with a goal in mind. Create more than just a “how to” list; incorporate a message for your patients. The goal of a good article is to enhance learning AND provide actions your reader can implement to change their life.

• Be personable. Using jargon distances you from your reader. As you shape your message speak to them in language they can relate to on issues that have immediate relevance.

• Choose engaging examples that highlight your message.

• Keep the content relevant, focused and succinct.

INCORPORATE ATTENTION GETTERS

Title: Draw people in with your title and hook them into the message. Browse through magazines and notice what titles engage you. Then adapt your own.

Stories: Stories draw your reader in. Keep your writing “alive” by incorporating active language and be sure that it highlights your message.

Statistics: Statistics or other “data” demonstrate your credibility on the topic and also expand the learning for your reader.

Tips or tools: Keep them simple and doable.

CREATE EASY READING

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to structure your article for easy readability. Once you are clear on your message and the information you want to provide, write clearly and concisely.

By blending prose with bullet points for tools, you allow your reader to skim for useable tools while connecting with you on a personal level.

• Use headlines and subheads to help your reader scan for information

• Incorporate bullet points
• Use numbered lists
• Use bold highlights sparingly

Length: Different publications seek varying lengths, but the current “general rule” is 500-700 words for a web article. Newspaper editorials are typically 500 words. Some e-zines request 1,000 words. It is key to adhere to their requirements.

• Write short, direct sentences.

• Segment your paragraphs to aid quick readability.
• Use engaging, descriptive details and examples.

• Write less. (Web documents are shorter than their hard copy counterparts)

• Edit, edit, edit. If you do not need it, cut it.

Allow yourself to write a “shitty” first draft. This is possibly the most important step in piecing together the article. Let your ideas flow onto the page. Afterwards, go back and hone your story, your tips and your message.

And remember…just like anything new, you will have a few drafts before you find your voice, your rhythm and your story. Share it with friends. Ask for input from respected colleagues. And before you know it, you will overcome the “fear of the red pen” and you will begin to enjoy sharing your expertise.

Carolyn helps healing practitioners and creative entrepreneurs build successful businesses using their authentic strengths. Through one-on-one coaching and fun, dynamic workshops, Carolyn offers key outreach skills to grow a thriving business. She also offers practice building lectures, workshops and seminars for associations, schools and organizations. To find out how Carolyn can help you build your business, check out her articles at http://www.thecoresource.com.

Treadmills are exercise machines that allow the user to walk or jog without moving any forward distance. The basic design of a treadmill consists of a conveyor belt that rotates horizontally in one direction as the user tries to walk or jog on it in the opposite direction, i.e. forward.

Health experts are much in favor of using treadmills. Walking and jogging have long been considered the best forms of exercise. Combined with a healthy diet, these exercises can help a person lose weight and gain stamina. Treadmills are designed to allow a person to walk or jog anytime, in the comfort of home. Treadmills can be adjusted for speed so that the user may be able to enjoy a leisurely walk or a brisk sprint. They can be used at any time, no matter what the weather is like.

Treadmills may be manually or electrically operated. In manually operated treadmills, the belt moves when the person begins pacing on it. Hence, the belt moves along with the person, but in the opposite direction. The faster the person moves, the faster the belt will also move. Electric treadmills are much more sophisticated. They have machine controls which can adjust the speed of the belt. The person has to move to keep up with the machine, rather than vice-versa. Electric treadmills also have many other features, like displays for speed, time, heartbeats, etc. People with heart ailments can monitor their heartbeats and exercise accordingly on electrical treadmills. There is a provision for a strap that can be attached to the chest of the person to record the heartbeat.

Manual treadmills are much cheaper than electric ones. Manual ones cost just a few hundred dollars, while the price of electric ones ranges from $1,500 to $6,000. The price depends on the quality and sturdiness of the treadmill, the displays it has and also the artificial intelligence that it uses. High-end treadmills can even alter their speeds as the user begins to tire.

However, treadmills have their drawbacks. Jogging indoors is boring compared to jogging in open parks. Treadmills occupy a lot of space in the house. The treadmill itself is about 5 feet by 2 feet in floor area, and space around the treadmill must be kept empty to protect oneself from injuries if there is a fall. Plus, a treadmill is unsafe around toddlers.

Yet the treadmill is widely found in almost all gyms as well as many homes. They are the number one choice for fitness buffs. It is highly recommended for those who wish to burn off their excess calories or strengthen their legs without having to leave their homes or gyms.

Treadmills provides detailed information about treadmills, treadmill reviews, best treadmills, used treadmills and more. Treadmills is the sister site of Big Muscles.

The word cheap is a rather subjective word, because living room furniture that seems cheap to one person may be considered expensive to another. On the whole, the main reason one opts for cheap living room furniture is because one is on a tight budget, and cannot spend too much on living room furniture.

When buying cheap living room furniture, it will usually be secondhand furniture. It will be the furniture one person is selling to buy new living room furniture. So logically, the best place to look for cheap living room furniture will be secondhand shops. It is college students and the first-time buyers who usually buy cheap living room furniture for their home, to make their living room comfortable.

Another good place to look for cheap living room furniture is in consignment shops. This is the place where private owners sell their used furniture. These shops have become more and more popular, with the increase in the demand for cheap living room furniture. The inventory here will be unique, with only single pieces of furniture being sold, so there is no chance of someone else buying the same piece. It is always better to get to know the manager of a consignment shop, as he will then tell you when the sort of cheap living furniture that you are looking for comes in. Sometimes the cheap living room furniture may not look good or attractive at first. However, a little refurbishing will make it look more appealing. There are also some people who enjoy painting old furniture. After painting, this cheap living room furniture then becomes attractive and beautiful, to brighten up the living room.

Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course, these youngsters are also playful, naughty and mischievous as well. Perhaps that’s the reason why people are attracted to them, as they entertain us with their peculiar antics and curiosity. Cats and dogs have been found to relieve humans of stress and make great companions at home. Of course, choosing between a cat and a dog is totally a personal choice.

Why should we get a kitten then? Well, for one thing, they are cute and adorable and are less active as compared to dogs. They recognize us as their masters but do not overly show their enthusiasm like dogs. That’s why they make you work for their affection all the time, instead of the other way around.

Kittens are small in size and therefore easy to carry around. This makes it easy for you to take your cat around in your car or when you need to take your cat with you outside. However, cats and kittens have tendencies to seek ways to escape from your home and therefore this may prove to a problem if your cat keeps trying to make its way out of your house. With this, many owners let their cats roam in and out of their houses, and most of the time, their pets return home on time for dinner. Sometimes, they even bring home their own prey for dinner.

Kittens and cats bury their own waste in the sand box, so that you don’t have to take after them, unlike dogs. They can be trained to use the sand box which you just need to have a change of sand once in a while. On the other hand, kittens also each much less than dogs, and therefore cost less in maintenance. They are usually non-aggressive, and will be less likely to bite anyone. However, they may get irritated with human behavior and sometimes may want to be left alone. With this, they can scratch with their sharp claws if they are not happy.

Kittens can’t be trained. They just won’t listen. That is why you will not need to send your cat to cat school to be trained. This will also mean that you don’t have to spend money getting your cat trained. Cats and kittens also do not bark and therefore are suitable for apartment or condominiums where they won’t even wake up the neighbours.

One thing about cats is their nature to wander around their neighborhood which may get them into trouble sometimes. With this, they may get knocked down by a car or be involved in accidents. Apart from this, cats also can get sick, especially when they wander outside and eat material from outside the home. You will then need to pay for your cat’s medical bills, although it will not cost you as much if you were to have a dog.

Finally, kittens do not need you to exercise them like dogs. They don’t need to be taken out for walks and they don’t make demands on you as well. They live their own lives, but do need to be pat once in a while. If you are a cat person, you will definitely understand them! See or add your cute pictures of cats and kittens at http://www.cutelittlekittens.com

About the Author: Mary Majorda of California has lived along with kittens since as long as she can remember. She got her 1st kitten at the age of 2 as a birthday gift from her dad and since then she hasn’t parted from cats and kittens. Besides having a family of a husband, 2 kids and 4 kittens, her love for them has pursued her to become a vet.

Source: www.isnare.com

Free printable baby shower invitations are a great option that
you can turn to to save money when planning a shower. The
Internet offers free invitations (in image format of .jpg or
.bmp file extension) that you can download to your computer.
Below is a guide on how to use them.

-At the webpage, click the link to download a file or a group of
files (zipped) containing the baby shower invitation design.

-With the help of a picture-viewer software, open the file. If
you downloaded a group of files, you may need to unzip them to
show the individual files and choose one that is suitable for
your baby shower theme.

-The common invitation card size is a fourth of a letter-sized
paper. However, most printable invitations are laid out using
the full letter-sized paper for one card. Such is the case
because the page is divided into four equal parts, and
eventually folded to form a -sized invitation card.

-Looking at the page, some layouts have a demarcation line to
divide the page into the four parts. If the one you downloaded
does not have a dividing line, don’t worry, you can still
assemble it easily.

-The upper left portion of the page is the front of the card.
This is where the main design of the card is placed. You may
notice it is inverted as laid out and when printed. This is
normal, as it will become upright after assembly.

-The lower left portion of the page is the left inside of the
card and is blank in most cards.

-The lower right portion of the page is the right inside of the
card. In some sites, the free baby shower invitations would have
poems printed on this part. Others leave it blank to allow you
to add the details of the party.

-The upper right portion of the paper serves as the back of the
card, where the website address where the card was downloaded
from is printed.

-To assemble the card, fold the paper crosswise in half and then
fold again in half, reducing the paper into a fourth of the
original size. At this point, the inverted printed design has
become upright and assumed the front of the card. For a tidy
assembly, glue the edges of the card together.

If you are more computer-savvy, you can customize what you have
downloaded. In this case, use free photo-editing or desktop
publishing software. With the help of the software, add text to
any part of the card or add other pictures in tune with your
baby shower theme. Give the invitations a paid-look by printing
the details of your baby shower, instead of writing them by
hand. Just make sure to keep the credits at the back, as this is
still mostly the website’s work and not your own.

Here’s one last tip to add zing to your free invitation: use
special paper instead of white bond paper. There are a variety
of letter-sized specialty paper of different textures, colors,
thicknesses and scents! To complete the custom-look, buy
matching envelopes.

Whether you are holding a formal, elegant dinner or a laid-back,
unfussy brunch, add excitement to your baby shower without
spending a fortune. Use free printable baby shower invitations
to fascinate your guest while anticipating the arrival of your
bundle of joy!

Most people around are worried about one part of their body - the ever-increasing bulge in the stomach. World Health Organization has recognized obesity as a disease that has epidemic proportions in the society, which in turn created the need for abs dynamics.

Survey has shown that, the sedentary lifestyle of people and poor eating habits are the major causes for obesity. With the tight work schedule, that we have it is imperative that we do not get the time or the energy to workout or exercise daily. Besides fast foods like burgers etc., contain high calorie content. In addition to that, we do beer and alcohol binging at social parties. Thus, having lifestyles like that for a few years and we end up with a huge belly.

However, society is gradually becoming health conscious. To decrease the spread of obesity at an alarming rate people have started to exercise regularly to get abs dynamics working. However, no society can progress without its share of the evils. There are several myths that have come about regarding losing excess weight.

One of the most popular one is the myth of a fad diet. People go on crash dieting courses just in the hope of losing weight. However, on the contrary they not only fail to lose weight but also harm their body. Besides companies, through their marketing and advertising skills sell many easy-to-lose weight products that promise to burn off the flab in the stomach region with no effort.

Not to long ago my water heater went out. Just like that you think all is well then whamo a small leak appears. I was faced with a decision, fix it myself or call the plumber. Well after getting several estimates ranging from $1500 to $2500, I decided to do it myself.

It’s really not that to hard to repair plumbing. In this article I will give you some pointers to help aid you in this endeavor. And hopefully spare you from the high cost of paying for a plumber. Nothing against plumbers but this project is doable.

Steps it will take:

1) As soon as you realize that the old water heater has to go start draining it. It can take several hours to drain. Remember to turn off the main water valve and open up all of the faucets to eliminate any pressure. if it’s a gas unit make sure that you turn off the main gas line in the house and if it is electric turn off the breaker. Think safety first.

2) Try and purchase the same unit. This will prevent you from adding pipe and new valves.

3) Size up the job and disconnect the tank from the water pipes, gas line or the electrical connection. If it’s gas you will need to disconnect the flue as well. Save all parts in order to match them up when you purchase your supplies.

4) You will need to have on hand plumbers tape, small gas torch, solder, flux, plumbing sandpaper, pipe cutter, gas tape (to seal gas line) and maybe some pipe glue. Ask the sales person at the hardware store for a more defined list.

Once you have disconnected the tank remove it from your work space. Do a thorough measurement of the remaining pipe for reference when you go to the hardware store. I will be honest with you, you might need to make a few trips back to the store. Once you get the new tank, slide it into place to line up the plumbing.

If you bought the same unit it should line right up, if you were unable, you will need to remove or add length to the existing piping. This may require you to splice together copper with plastic, don’t let this scare you the hardware store will have all of the necessary parts.

If you need to add copper pipe make sure that you clean the old and new pipe by using sandpaper, inside and out. If it’s not clean the solder will not flow into the joint. Another tip is to not over wrap the mail threaded pipe with tape, this can cause a leak. Twice around should be enough. Also, don’t over tighten it.

This may sound complicated but trust me, if I can do it, anyone can. Just take it slow, ask questions from the hardware specialist and go online for more instructions. One last item, if you have a gas unit your county or city may require an inspection. The inspector will verify that the gas connection is right and that the angle of the flue is right. Don’t take a chance with gas, make the call to have someone come out and inspect your work.

Your should be able to complete this job for $500 or so and the tools and supplies will be available for when your dishwasher goes out. Good luck.

Dennis Watson - Just helping others succeed.

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You Can Do That - Blog =>http://www.you-can-do-that.blogspot.com

Ronald E. Hudkins, U.S. Army, SFC, Military Police Corps. (Retired) and President of American Industry Maintenance (AIM), LLC at AssetProtectNow.com addresses the importance of estate planning regardless of age.

Young people just starting out in life may think that estate planning is not a high priority. However, according to a leading expert in the field, it’s never too early to consider how vital this step is to prudent financial planning. Ronald Hudkins of AssetProtectNow.com offers advice on the subject.

“When just starting out, perhaps there are more worries about the immediate needs,” Hudkins said. “Eventually, goals blossom into actually preparing for the future and a comfortable living standard. The idea of immortality is more the thought than any possibility of death. With the longer life spans enjoyed in these modern days, there just may be some benign measure of reality there. However, writing a will is not just a concern for seniors, the young and everyone in between; it is a legal matter, which must be an important part of financial planning.”

The state probate process is one solid reason to complete a will, according to Hudkins. In rough terms, as much as 6% of an individual’s total (gross) assets (or more) go to probate fees and associated costs.

“The last thing someone would want to do is lose control of their assets to the court system,” Hudkins said. “Unfortunately, putting off what you know needs to be done now - planning and implementing an estate plan - could result in just that.”

Asset distribution laws vary from state-to-state, but generally a married person’s possessions go first to the spouse and children, should there be any.

“If you are single, then most often your possessions would be passed to your parents, if they are still alive,” Hudkins said. “Should your parents be deceased, then the order of succession is usually to the siblings (brothers, sisters), then to other living family (relatives) and finally, to the state. The state is highly capable of absorbing and liquidating assets.

“By no means is it being said that various wills are the answer to a complete estate plan. A will alone, specifically will not control who gets ‘joint property’ (such as a home you and a spouse purchased together), or possibly, bank and brokerage accounts and 401(k)s or IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) for which you have designated a beneficiary.”

Simply put, a last will and testament is the main piece of a basic estate plan that does not require a substantial amount of legal fees for its creation.

“Putting together a well-thought-out plan that provides for you during incapacity as well as after your death is essential,” Hudkins said. “Talk to an estate planning attorney about other legal documents such as a Medical Power of Attorney (proxy) for Health Care, a Living Will (Health Care Declaration), and a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs.

“You are never too young to need a will. If you end up in a hospital in a coma, you need someone in a position to make personal, medical and financial decisions for you. Should you have an untimely death, the key to planning ahead is to have a written plan so your wishes will be carried out exactly as you so designate. Without a written plan, there is probate, family feuds, extended agonies and other unpleasant possibilities.”

About Ronald E. Hudkins

Ronald Hudkins is a retired military police enlisted member who was assigned as a staff researcher. He was responsible for compiling, writing or conducting reports, studies, statistics, reviews, plans, inspections, lessons and numerous other tasks deemed essential to operational efforts. His actions allowed superior, peer and subordinate commands, their designated leaders and staffs make vital and logical decisions. The ability to identify, analyze and propose solutions is a trait he still exercises. For additional asset protection and estate planning needs he suggests his Web site: http://www.AssetProtectNow.com

America’s colleges and universities no longer have enough room to accommodate all the qualified students who apply. As a result, schools are forced to reject far more applicants than they accept. The goal of admissions committees is to weed out the qualified masses and fill their halls with resourceful, well-rounded acceptable students. In today’s highly competitive college admissions process, knowing how to present a student to be acceptable not only substantially increases the chances of being admitted, but is an essential factor for success after college.

No one knows exactly how every school goes about the acceptance and elimination process, and no two schools follow exactly the same guidelines. However, it’s safe to assume that they go about their arduous task something like this:

First, the admissions committee assembles around a large conference table. Everyone is handed a huge pile of folders containing student transcripts, applications, essays, and countless letters of recommendations. No more than 15 to 20 minutes is likely spent on any one applicant! They then begin to eliminate unqualified students - those deficient in the numbers.

Next, they look for professionally prepared applications with thought provoking, interesting, and grammatically flawless essays. They are most impressed with student resumes dating back ten years, detailing academic life, extra curricular activities including community service hours, and a cleverly written special essay, perhaps entitled, “Why I Must Attend The University of…” Admissions committees are ever on the alert for uniquely talented students in the arts, or those having demonstrated exceptional athletic potential. These factors all weigh heavily in the final decision.

You cannot give birth to an acceptable student, nor can you adopt one, and I’ve never seen one listed in any mail order catalogue I’ve ever read. Acceptable students are made, not born, by families determined to see their children successful in life. To create one; to insure pre-high schoolers have every possible advantage to succeed and go on to their college of choice, the stage must be set early in preparation for the high school years.

If the student’s home is a circus, and not conducive to studying, it’s time for some major changes. Students must have access to a comfortable place to study with virtually no distractions. A bare minimum of 1 to 2 hours each night should be devoted to schoolwork, and students should maintain a normal daily routine including a healthy diet and eight hours of sleep.

Ideally, college-bound students should not be left alone without supervision for long periods of time, certainly no longer than 24 hours! They should not spend more than 15 hours each week on non-academic activities, and would be ill-advised to regularly burn the midnight oil. The benefits of a good night’s rest cannot be overstated.

All students should begin by electing to take courses with college in mind. By the time they enter the 12th grade, they will have created the right posture to make admission committees stand up and take notice.

Four years of the core subjects are what all colleges are most interested in, unless the student has a special ability as an athlete, vocalist, musician, or artist. English, Math, a Foreign Language, Science and History make up the core Grade Point Average (GPA) or CGPA. There is also the Honors Point Average (HPA) which includes Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Electives such as Art, Physical Education, Music and Computer Programming are of less importance and should only be taken in conjunction with the core subjects.
Students should take as many Honors and AP classes as possible. The risk/reward ratio comes into play here. Colleges are looking for students who take risks and challenge themselves academically and otherwise. The bonus for earning an ‘A’ or ‘B’ or even a ‘C’ is that it adds extra points to the GPA and gives the student that all-important edge in admissions.

Receiving an ‘A’ in a non-honors class is not as impressive as earning a ‘B’ in an Honors or AP class. It demonstrates that the student took a risk and therefore a greater accomplishment is perceived. Admissions officers are as impressed by the challenge taken as they are with the result.

I’m certainly not suggesting that any student become stressed out by taking classes they are not capable of doing well in, or working beyond reasonable limits. However, for families with an exceptionally bright child, it is highly recommended that they take as many advanced courses as they can comfortably handle. An outstanding academic record has always been and is still the greatest bargaining chip.

Students should also pursue extracurricular activities such as clubbing, not to be confused with staying out all night partying. Membership in the Debate Club, Student Council, Key Club and the like is one of the absolute necessities to becoming a well-rounded, acceptable student. Even more beneficial, the student should hold office or take on a leadership role in as many of these clubs as possible. Leadership demonstrates taking a risk and assuming responsibility.

Even students who are super athletes need some diversity, as sports alone is not enough. Students need to avoid the impression that they are one-dimensional, and do whatever is necessary to portray themselves as multi-faceted.

Early on, students must also begin to accumulate community service or volunteer hours. However, don’t confuse extracurricular activities with volunteer work. I define extracurricular activities as in-school participation. Community service takes place outside of school, i.e. scouting, working for one’s house of worship, working with AIDS and/or Alzheimer’s patients, seniors, hospice, involvement with the handicapped, and environmental work such as cleaning up beaches or highways.

By participating in volunteer work with financially, emotionally and/or intellectually challenged people, students demonstrate their compassion and empathy for others, and this will make them shine with admissions officers. Working with those who are less fortunate also gives the student a much broader idea of how life is outside their own environment.

Every college-bound student needs an edge in the admissions process whether they apply to Harvard or their local state college. Competition is fierce, and the painful truth is - no one really cares about any student’s education except the student and their family. It would be ill-advised and unrealistic to expect any favors or kindly ‘ole educators to bend over backwards to ensure the success of any student. Academic achievement is rarely an accident, and creating the acceptable student is the sole responsibility of the student and their family.

This is one of a series of articles by college admissions and financial aid expert, Reecy Aresty, based on his book, “Getting Into College And Paying For It!” For further information or to contact him, please visit www.thecollegebook.com.

For almost three decades, financial advisor & lecturer Reecy Aresty, has helped thousands of families to protect their assets, increase their wealth, and reduce their taxes. During the 1980’s, he turned his attentions to the complex world of college admissions and financial aid. By the end of the decade, he was already saving his clients thousands of dollars on a college education!

He has authored, “Getting Into College And Paying For It,” also available in Spanish. Filled with trade secrets and insider information, it offers solutions for high school and college families guaranteed to give students the all-important edge in admissions, and parents countless legal ways to reduce college costs.

In 2004 alone, Reecy saved families hundreds of thousands of dollars! He has become a major factor in obtaining affordable, quality educations for America’s students. In doing so, he has restored the faith people used to have in one another by proving that there are still people who care, people who can be trusted, and people who actually do what they promise - and get results!

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