SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis is one of the most common and the most used techniques in business, and is what you'll most likely be taught in your very first week in business school - that's how important it is. So what is SWOT Analysis? First of all, the word 'SWOT' is the shortened version of the four principles that make up SWOT Analysis. These are 'Strengths', 'Weaknesses', 'Opportunities' and 'Threats'.

You would usually be said to 'do a SWOT Analysis' of your own business to find out each of these four things, as once you know exactly where you stand in the marketplace and as a company you can make better decisions for the future and for the good of the business.

While this model is extremely basic and is probably a tad too simple for most companies, it can be extended so that it fulfils the needs of bigger businesses. In addition to this, it's a great way for those that are new to business to start looking at things from a different angle and with a new mindset (hence why it is taught so early on in business school). Often students will be asked to pick a business or company of their choice and to do a SWOT Analysis on them.

The main reason that a company would do one of these is if something is going drastically wrong. For example, their profits may have suddenly dropped, or they may be steadily losing their share of the market. These problems, if not dealt with properly can lead a company to bankruptcy, so it is important to identify what is wrong early on so that you can change your strategy to deal with it quickly and effectively.

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The Perfect 25th Wedding Anniversary Party For Your Parents

So where to begin? First and foremost, you need to decide whether you are hosting a big get-together or a small intimate gathering. This decision should be based upon what your parents are most accustomed to and what they prefer. If you do not know, do some sneaky investigative work and find out. Secondly, you need to decide whether or not to have a traditional or contemporary anniversary party.

A traditional anniversary party usually adheres to the yearly material used for how long a couple has been married. In this case, the material is silver for 25 wonderful years of marriage. Most, tend to be more formal and are viewed as a second wedding reception. A contemporary wedding anniversary party is usually not as formal and incorporates other themes besides the traditional silver motif.

If you are going the traditional route, and have decided to host a large gathering, preparation and planning is a must. First, you need to decide who you are inviting and how many. Next, you need to pick a facility that can accommodate the amount of people anticipated. Although a person's home can be used, most people tend to have parties at banquet or reception halls for easy parking and accessibility.

Creating invitations is where you can let your creativity shine. If you have extra cash, opt for professionally made ones. This will add a touch of elegance and class, and be a great scrapbook memento. Decide whether this is a black tie event or casual, and make sure to include in your invitation that this is a surprise party. You do NOT want to be getting a call from your parents asking how they can help!

Next, you need to decide how you will use your theme of silver in your decorations. There are many resources out there and party planning companies that can assist with these nit-picky details. As a rule of thumb, stick with silver as your primary color for decorating. Accent colors should complement the silver, not detract. For floral arrangements, the flower for the 25th is the iris which is a beautiful touch for center pieces.

Besides the decorating and invitations, food is very important. Depending on your budget you could provide a buffet for everyone, or go the economical route and provide shrimp cocktails and appetizers. Just make sure you have enough for all of your guests! As for dessert, it is nice to have another wedding cake. If your parents had a small wedding cake before, really go all out on this one by having a bigger and better cake.

As an added touch during their party, many prefer to show some sort of memorabilia for their parents, whether this be a slide show, movie, or specially made composite CD that highlights their loving and lasting relationship. It is also nice to find out what song they have danced to at their wedding and have them dance to it once more.

Next is the toast. Since you are hosting the party it is expected of you to give them a warm and heartfelt speech. Once again, spend plenty of time on this to show them how much you have appreciated them throughout the years.

Last but not least, is the gift. Since this is like a second wedding reception, if you can, splurge on getting them a second honeymoon. If you cannot afford it, tactfully include in the invitation that you are trying the help them go on a fabulous second honeymoon and see if you can raise the money. Try to top their first honeymoon and make it one they will never forget! If you are really tapped out, be creative and give them a gift that is related to the theme of silver. This does not necessarily mean jewelry or silverware, you could give them a gift basket filled with various items they would really enjoy. Let it be imaginative and come from the heart.

As for a contemporary or smaller wedding anniversary party, a back-yard barbecue may be completely acceptable. You could also have a themed party, like mardi-gras, disco, costume, and so forth. A themed party may be formal if you choose, but remember to make it classier if you can. Even if you are having a smaller or less formal get-together, a dedication to your parents should still be made to show them your love.

For the surprise element of the party, tell your parents weeks in advance that as a present for their anniversary, you have reserved them a table at some chic restaurant. If
it is not a fancy party you are having, tell them you have tickets to an event like a concert or play. Do not tell them who or what it is so they do not get their hopes up. After all, you want them to be surprised and happier that their having a party not going to see their favorite singer perform!

And as always, there are certain things that should not be done at a party. Although it may be amusing to belabor how long they have been married, it is not appropriate or funny to make your parents feel old. They already know!

No matter what route you end up choosing for a party, make sure it comes from the heart and will be a day they will cherish for the rest of their lives.




My Gift Basket Ideas is an online gift basket store that specializes in great gift ideas for every occasion.

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Rules to Setting Business Goals and Objectives: Why and How to be SMART

We all know that nothing runs without a plan, and a plan cannot run without having its objectives set.

That applies to any kind of plan, whether we're talking business or personal finances, university degrees or NGO programs, website promotion or weight loss.

Setting objectives and milestones is of crucial importance for any planning activity and is the core of its success, or failure.
Knowing how to set objectives is not exactly rocket science in terms of complexity, but any strategist should know the basic rules of how to formulate and propose objectives. We will see in this article why objectives play such a major role within a company's planning and strategic activities, how they influence all business processes, and we will review some guidelines of setting objectives.

The Importance of Setting Objectives

One might wonder why we need to establish objectives in the first place, why not let the company or a specific activity just run smoothly into the future and see where it gets. That would be the case only if we really do not care whether the activity in discussion will be successful or not: but then, to use a popular saying, "if something deserves to be performed, then it deserves to be performed well". In other words, if we don't care for the results, we should not proceed with the action at all.

Setting objectives before taking any action is the only right thing to do, for several reasons:

- it gives a target to aim to, therefore all actions and efforts will be focused on attaining the objective instead of being inefficiently used;

- gives participants a sense of direction, a glimpse of where they're going to;

- motivates the leaders and their teams, since it is quite the custom of establishing some sort of reward once the team successfully completed a project;

- offers the support in evaluating the success of an action or project.

The 5 Rules of Setting Objectives: Be SMART!

I am sure most managers and leaders know what SMART stands for, well, at least when it comes of establishing objectives. However, I have seen some of them who cannot fully explain the five characteristics of a good-established objective - things are somehow blurry and confused in their minds. Since they can't explain in details what SMART objectives really are, it is highly doubtful that they will always be able to formulate such objectives.

It is still unclear from where the confusion comes: perhaps there are too many sources of information, each of them with a slightly different approach upon what a SMART objective really is; or perhaps most people only briefly "heard" about it and they never get to reach the substance behind the packaging.

Either way, let us try to uncover the meaning of the SMART acronym and see how we can formulate efficient objectives.
SMART illustrates the 5 characteristics of an efficient objective; it stands for Specific - Measurable - Attainable - Relevant - Timely.

1. Be SPECIFIC!

When it comes of business planning, "specific" illustrates a situation that is easily identified and understood. It is usually linked to some mathematical determinant that imprints a specific character to a given action: most common determinants are numbers, ratios and fractions, percentages, frequencies. In this case, being "specific" means being "precise".

Example: when you tell your team "I need this report in several copies", you did not provide the team with a specific instruction. It is unclear what the determinant "several" means: for some it can be three, for some can be a hundred. A much better instruction would sound like "I need this report in 5 copies" - your team will know exactly what you expect and will have less chances to fail in delivering the desired result.

2. Be MEASURABLE!

When we say that an objective, a goal, must be measurable, we mean there is a stringent need to have the possibility to measure, to track the action(s) associated with the given objective.

We must set up a distinct system or establish clear procedures of how the actions will be monitored, measured and recorded. If an objective and the actions pertaining to it cannot be quantified, it is most likely that the objective is wrongly formulated and we should reconsider it.

Example: "our business must grow" is an obscure, non-measurable objective. What exactly should we measure in order to find out if the objective was met? But if we change it to "our business must grow in sales volume with 20%", we've got one measurable objective: the measure being the percentage sales rise from present moment to the given moment in the future. We can calculate this very easy, based on the recorded sales figures.

3. Be ATTAINABLE!

Some use the term "achievable" instead of "attainable", which you will see it is merely a synonym and we should not get stuck in analyzing which one is correct. Both are.

It is understood that each leader will want his company / unit to give outstanding performances; this is the spirit of competition and such thinking is much needed. However, when setting objectives, one should deeply analyze first the factors determining the success or failure of these objectives. Think of your team, of your capacities, of motivation: are they sufficient in order for the objectives to be met? Do you have the means and capabilities to achieve them?

Think it through and be honest and realistic to yourself: are you really capable of attaining the goals you've set or are you most likely headed to disappointment? Always set objectives that have a fair chance to be met: of course, they don't need to be "easily" attained, you're entitled to set difficult ones as long as they're realistic and not futile.

Example: you own a newborn movers company and you set the objective of "becoming no. 1 movers within the state". The problem is you only have 3 trucks available, while all your competitors have 10 and up. Your goal is not attainable; try instead a more realistic one, such as "reaching the Top 5 fastest growing movers company in the state".

4. Be RELEVANT!

This notion is a little more difficult to be perceived in its full meaning; therefore we will start explaining it by using an example in the first place.

Imagine yourself going to the IT department and telling them they need to increase the profit to revenue ratio by 5%. They will probably look at you in astonishment and mumble something undistinguished about managers and the way they mess up with people's minds.

Can you tell what is wrong with the objective above? Of course! The IT department has no idea what you were talking about and there's nothing they can do about it - their job is to develop and maintain your computerized infrastructure, not to understand your economic speech. What you can do it setting an objective that the IT department can have an impact upon, and which will eventually lead to the increase you wanted in the first place. What about asking them to reduce expenditures for hardware and software by 10% monthly and be more cautious with the consumables within their department by not exceeding the allocated budget? They will surely understand what they need to do because the objective is relevant for their group.

Therefore, the quality of an objective to be "relevant" refers to setting appropriate objectives for a given individual or team: you need to think if they can truly do something about it or is it irrelevant for the job they perform.

5. Be TIMELY!

No much to discuss about this aspect, since it is probably the easiest to be understood and applied.

Any usable and performable objective must have a clear timeframe of when it should start and/or when it should end. Without having a timeframe specified, it is practically impossible to say if the objective is met or not.

For example, if you just say "we need to raise profit by 500000 units", you will never be able to tell if the objective was achieved or not, one can always say "well, we'll do it next year". Instead, if you say "we need to raise profit by 500000 units within 6 months from now", anyone can see in 6 months if the goal was attained or not. Without a clear, distinct timeframe, no objective is any good.

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Sydney Airport Arrivals - Sydney Airport Guide

Before you even get to exploring Sydney, the adventure of a visit to Sydney Airport awaits you. Sydney Airport is rated in the top five airports of the world by many frequent flyers. It's also gained a reputation for some unclear signage, so make sure you arrive in advance! To get the best experience from your trip to Sydney Airport -- or just to get out of it quickly and hassle-free -- read our easy-to-follow guide.

Arriving at Sydney Airport

You will arrive in Terminal 2 or 3 if you're arriving from Brisbane, Melbourne, or other domestic flights to Sydney. Terminal 3 receives Qantas passengers, and Terminal 1 is for international flights.

An attractive and modern airport, Sydney Airport is the perfect place to end your flight to Sydney. You'll enter the Sydney Airport building on the Arrival Level, which display some signs to the baggage reclaim halls. There's no need to rush to claim your luggage: like anywhere, it can take some time to appear. It is recommended however that you follow your nose (i.e. your fellow passengers) to your assigned luggage carousel, as there are a few turns on the way.

Once all is reclaimed, you can catch public transport or hire transport from the Arrival Level, or keep making your way to the Concourse Level, filled with shops and a food court.

If you need cash funds, the best ATM to head for is a multi-bank terminal that stands between the accommodation booking desk and the Travelex currency exchange booth on the Arrivals Level.

Food Court

The food court has a good range of health and fast food options. Higher than average prices are common for airports, but the tables here are kept clean and there's plenty of leg-room to stretch out. A hot drink and cake will set you back $7-10 AUD, and a meal for lunch or dinner can be $10-25 AUD. The bathroom facilities here are well signed, and can generally be found in the corners of the mall area.

Shopping in Sydney Airport

International visitors and resident Aussies alike find can start shopping in Sydney straight away, with clothing brands such as Bonds, French Connection and Witchery. There are also bags, music, kids toys, a chemist and mobile phone outlet. Internet access is available from public computer terminals on a pay-per-minute basis.

Inter-terminal Transport

It's only a short walk between domestic Terminals 2 and 3.

The shuttle service for transport between Terminals 1-2 is called T-Bus. A 10-minute one-way trip costs $5 AUD, with the service running frequently during morning peak hours then half-hourly until 8 pm. The Terminal 2 stop is Bay 3, near luggage carousel 6.

Taxis cost AUD $8-12 one-way between any two terminals, which can take 10 minutes or more, depending on the time of day your flight is arriving.

If you need to get to another terminal quickly, the Airport Link Train service takes just two minutes. The one-way trip costs $13.40 AUD per adult.

Qantas Domestic Flight passengers, check your eligibility to use the Qantas Seamless Transfer Service.

Transport from Airport to Sydney city

To reach your Sydney accommodation fast or to get sightseeing right away, you can take a train, bus, taxi or hire car from Terminals 2 or 3.

If hailing a taxi, have ready an extra $2.50 (surcharge) along with your fare. The following amounts provide a rough guideline on prices you can expect for a one-way fare to the following main areas of Sydney: City or North Sydney ($25-32.50 AUD), Manly ($50 AUD), Parramatta ($85 AUD), Liverpool ($55 AUD) or Cronulla ($45 AUD). Pick any of the comparable six cab operators at the shared taxi ranks directly outside the Airport doors: there's a hefty fine for getting a taxi outside a rank, and the flow of taxis here is constant, so there's really no need to look elsewhere. As throughout Australia, tipping is appreciated, but not an institution.

Trains take around 15 minutes to Sydney City, with an integrated bus/train/ferry ticket available from the driver. An all-day, any-mode-of-transport ticket is around $15 AUD. View train timetables at stations in the Arrivals area of Terminals 2 and 3.

Buses operate only from Terminals 1 and 3. If you do arrive in Terminal 2, a $5 AUD T-Bus ticket can get you to a public city bus service in 10 minutes.

Hire cars are available form a range of operators, including names you'll recognise (Hertz Rental Cars, amongst others), from the Arrival Level of Terminals 2 and 3. Most Sydney hotels offer valet or off-street parking, making rental car costs an affordable convenience.

Once you find your way out of Sydney Airport -- whether you're grabbing luggage and going, or shopping for hours -- smile: you will have started your visit to Sydney in one of the busiest and brightest airports in Australia and the world.




For a comprehensive guide to traveling from Brisbane to Sydney, go to our website and book Cheap Flights to Sydney from Brisbane
If you're traveling from Melbourne to Sydney and want to book and compare the cheapest available flights, book Cheap Flights to Sydney from Melbourne here. For more information on the Kingsford Smith Airport go to our comprehensive Sydney Airport page.

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Living Cheap and Loving It - Living in an RV

Does the recent economy have you living cheap?
 
It sure does in our house. Take heart... you may be forced into spending less on housing. How can that be good?
 
A great fun way to experience cheap living is living in an RV. Yep...this lifestyle is cheaper than a house...it's much more flexible than a house...and you get to choose your climate as an added bonus.
 
So the poor 2009 economy is sending us lemons.  Let's make lemonade.
 
My wife and I lived on an RV for 7 years, 5 to 22 months at a stretch. What is bad about fly fishing in Montana in July? Then seeing Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Park, before wintering in Palm Springs and Arizona?...I'm waiting...that's what I thought... It is a great way to life.
 
You can do it too.
 
It's like being on constant vacation and your motel room moves with you. You never unpack, everything you need moves with you.
 
Most motor homes tow a car so you have transportation when you arrive. If you like pickups, then look at travel trailers. Or with smaller campers your "rig" is your car.
 
What type of rig is the best?...It all depends on you. They all see the same scenery and breathe the same air.
 
How cheap is it? It depends on how much traveling you do. The more you move the more fuel you will burn. If you spend no more than a week in one RV park you will also pay higher rent. The daily rate could be $40 a night, but the monthly rate could be $500. So if you stay longer in one place you will save on rent and fuel. It's up to you how much you spend.
 
There are lots of things you may miss when you hit the road. Let's list them...your beloved snow blower...raking the leaves in the fall...unjamming the garbage disposal...painting the house...I could go on and on but you get the idea. Keeping up a house is not cheap living, it can be a pain.
 
You do have some maintenance chores for living in an RV, just like a car. Change the oil, air in the tires, the same basic car stuff. You do have plumbing in an RV, but it is pretty basic and simple to maintain.
 
Worry about what to do living in an RV? Better question is do I have enough time to do it all. Probably not. You will find that RV folk are friendly, willing to help, and all glad that they are having fun and living cheap.
 
Well, living in an RV is the lemonade from the lousy economy...which would be the lemons. If there are parts of this beautiful country you have not yet seen, an RV is a perfect vehicle (sorry) to see what you have missed. Enjoy. 




Gary Pierce is the webmaster of http://www.frugal-retirement-living.com he retired early at 49, still retired at 63. He has experience in lifestyles that are both fulfilling and frugal. It is 2009 and many are wondering if they can ever retire. Don't give up until you check out this website. Enjoy.

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The Language and Meaning of Flowers

Sweet flowers alone can say what passion fears revealing

Thomas Hood poem, The Language of Flowers

Flowers and bouquets of flowers have a meaning of their own. Most of us know that a dozen red roses means, "Be mine." But did you know, for example, that a primrose means, "I can't live without you," or that a purple hyacinth means, "Please forgive me," or that a pink carnation means, "I'll never forget you," or that a gladiolus means, "Give me a break?"

Flower meanings have been used to convey ideas, feelings and messages for centuries. The word, floriography, has been coined for the assignment of meaning to flowers. There is a meaning to colors of flowers, to numbers of flowers, and to groups of flowers. It is a silent language that has been largely lost to us through lack of use.

In addition to the obvious choices of color and variety, the language of flowers also includes the way flowers are worn or presented. Presenting flowers upright conveys a positive meaning, but if they are presented upside down the meaning is the opposite. If a ribbon is included with the flowers and is tied to the left then the meaning of the flowers refers to the giver, but if the ribbon is tied to the right then the meaning refers to the recipient. Also, flowers can be used to answer questions. When they are presented with the right hand the answer is "yes," but when presented with the left hand the answer is "no."

History

The Turks in the 17th century seemed to develop flower meanings. In 1718 the wife of the British ambassador to Constantinople, Lady Mary Wortley, wrote a letter expounding on the "Secret Language of Flowers" that she had discovered during her visits to Turkey. Europe quickly picked up on the concept.

In 1819 Louise Cortambert, under the pen name, Madame Charlotte de la Tour, wrote and published what seems to have been the first dictionary of the flower language entitled, Le Language des Fleurs. It was a small book, but it became a popular reference on the subject.

During the Victorian era, the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, the meaning and language of flowers became increasingly popular. Victorian women especially picked up the silent language that allowed them to communicate feelings and meanings that the strict propriety of the times would not allow. Tussie-mussies, a bouquet of flowers wrapped with a lace doily and tied with a satin ribbon became a popular and valued gift of the times.

In 1884 a whole book on the subject and entitled, The Language of Flowers, by Jean Marsh and illustrated by Kate Greenaway, was published in London. It became popular and respected and has been the standard source for Victorian flower meaning ever since.

Selected Flower Meanings

Here are some selected flowers and their meanings, a short dictionary.

Almond flowers -- Hope

Anemone -- Forsaken

Aster -- Symbol of love

Balm -- Sympathy

Basil -- Best wishes

Bay leaf -- "I change but in death"

Bell flower, white -- Gratitude

Bergamot -- Irresistible

Bluebell -- Constancy

Borage -- Courage

Broom -- Humility

Campanula -- Gratitude

Carnation, pink -- I'll never forget you

Carnation, red -- My poor heart aches for you

Carnation, striped -- Refusal

China rose -- Beauty always new

Chrysanthemum -- Love

Clover, four leaved -- "Be mine"

Coreopsis -- Love at first sight

Cuckoo pint -- Ardor

Daffodil -- Regard

Daisy -- Innocence, new-born, "I share your sentiment"

Fennel -- Flattery

Fern -- Sincerity

Forget-Me-Not -- True love

Furze or Gorse -- Enduring affection

French Marigold -- Jealousy

Gardenia -- Ecstasy

Gentian -- Loveliness

Geranium -- "You are childish"

Hare bell -- Grief

Heartsease -- "I am always thinking of you"

Honeysuckle -- Bonds of love

Heather -- Admiration

Hyacinth -- I am sorry, Please forgive me

Ice Plant -- "Your appearance freezes me"

Ivy -- Fidelity, friendship, marriage

Jasmine -- Grace

Jonquil -- "I hope for return of affection"

Lavender -- Luck, devotion

Lemon Balm -- Sympathy

Lilac -- First love

Lily -- Purity, modesty

Lily of the Valley -- Purity, the return of happiness

Lily, Calla -- Beauty

Marigold -- Health, grief or despair

Marjoram -- Kindness, courtesy

Myrtle -- Fidelity

Oregano -- Joy

Orchid -- Love, beauty, refinement

Pansy -- Loving thoughts

Periwinkle -- Happy memory

Phlox -- Agreement

Poppy, red -- Consolation

Primrose -- I can't live without you

Rose, cabbage -- Ambassador of love

Rose, red -- Love

Rose, pink -- Grace, beauty

Rose, yellow -- Friendship

Rosemary -- Remembrance, constancy

Rue -- Contrition

Sage -- Gratitude, domestic virtue

Snowdrop -- Hope

Star of Bethlehem -- Purity

Sweet Pea -- Departure, tender memory

Sweet William -- Gallantry

Tuberose -- Voluptuousness

Tulip, red -- My perfect lover, Reclamation of love

Violet -- Loyalty, modesty, humility

Violet, blue -- Faithfulness

Wormwood -- Grief

Wheat -- Riches of the continuation of life

Willow, weeping -- Mourning

Wallflower -- Fidelity

Yew -- Sorrow

The Rose

The Rose is the flower whose meaning we most understand, but here are some details of the meaning of the Rose that may be of further interest.

Rose, Black - You are my obsession

Rose, Champagne - You are tender and loving

Rose, Leonidas - Sweet love

Rose, Nicole - You are graceful and elegant, aristocratic

Rose, Orange - You are my secret love

Rose, Pink - Brilliant complexion; the glow of your smile; perfect happiness

Rose, Red - Passionate love; I love you

Rose, Single Stems - Simplicity

Rose, White - I am worthy of you; spiritual love; Innocence and Purity; Secrecy and Silence

Rose, White and Red - We are inseparable

Rose, White and Red Mixed - Unity; Flower emblem of England

Rose, White, Dried - Death is preferable to loss of virtue

Rose, Yellow - Friendship; Jealousy; I am not worthy

Rose, Bridal - Happy Love

Rose, Dark Crimson - Mourning

Rose, Hibiscus - Delicate beauty

Rose, Tea - I'll remember always

Rose, Thornless - Love at first sight

Roses, Bouquet of Mature Blooms - Gratitude

Multiple Roses

Single bloom red Rose - Love at first sight or I still love you

Single Rose, any color - Gratitude or simplicity

2 Roses - Mutual feelings

3 Roses - I love you

7 Roses - I'm infatuated with you

9 Roses - We'll be together forever

10 Roses - You are perfect

11 Roses - You are my treasured one

12 Roses - Be mine

13 Roses - Friends forever

15 Roses - I'm truly sorry

20 Roses - I'm truly sincere towards you

21 Roses - I'm dedicated to you

24 Roses - Forever yours

25 Roses - Congratulations

50 Roses - Unconditional love

99 Roses - I will love you all the days of my life

108 Roses - Will you marry me?

999 Roses - I love you till the end of time

What To Do

With the lists above you should be able to assemble a meaningful gift of flowers or a bouquet that conveys a complex thought. Wrap the flowers appropriately and present them in a significant manner. Then, just to be certain that your efforts are not misinterpreted, include a card that fully explains the meaning of your flowers.

After a few flower presentations you should be able to drop the explanatory notes and begin enjoying and sharing the silent language of flowers.

***************

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Baby Boy Clip Art to Liven Up Your Baby Shower Cards

Loads of baby boy clip art images are available, once you click your computer's mouse and get connected to the Internet. First, you must know what it is all about. It is about copying / cutting the pre-existing images. Yes, these images are already mostly in the books that have made their entry into the public domain for that purpose.

You can have your feast of logos, mascots, identity and business cards, invitations, letterheads. In addition, there are no hassles of license terms. The electronic art available on the Internet is an extension of this concept. These images are digitized drawings on low resolution used for decorating Invitations and E-greetings.

Clipart, including Baby Boy Clip art, are meant for defining digitized drawings and not photography. There are many files in many shapes, sizes and formats. Some of the most widespread formats are PICT, Paint, GIF, TIFF, EPS and JPEG. If you are unsure which format to use, just use PICT. This format is compatible with most programs, and can also adjust to another format type easily.

Standard clipart is usually not a very detailed drawing. Mostly they are images that have little detail or are outline drawings. The standard clipart is for use on the web to use in documents.

Baby boy clip art is the most wonderful way of splashing your work with images that you think can do the magic. It is also the cheapest and the most colorful way of doing so. Most of what you will find will be free printable art.

If you want to make your own baby shower clip art, software is available for just that purpose. Most software is easy to use, and can convert your pictures/snapshots into clipart quickly.

There is a huge collection of free baby shower clip art images and free baby clipart images available on the internet. These will be very useful for your baby shower invitations, thank you notes or baby announcements. You are bound to find baby boy clipart to you liking on the internet for your baby shower needs. This gives you the choice of making your own invitations versus purchasing ready-made invitations or other baby shower cards.

With baby shower clipart you don't need any special artistic skills for you to make your own beautiful baby shower cards. Not all websites provide baby clipart for free, but many do. If you want more detailed clipart you might opt to purchase clipart. But with so much free baby clip art available, you really don't need to purchase unless you really want a particular design.




© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.

Randy currently has websites dealing with Baby Furniture Reviews [http://www.baby-furniture-and-bedding.com/index.html] and Shaving & Hair Removal.

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12 Free Things to Do in Orlando, Florida and Still Have Fun

Orlando, Florida is a top vacation destination for families all across America. There are amazing things to do in Orlando, such as Disney World and Gatorland, but there are also plenty of freethings to do in Orlando that are great ways to spend your vacation time.

Orlando is known for its first class attractions, but there are also plenty of natural attractions for visitors to explore. Directly located in central Florida, Orlando has the great advantage of being immersed in both beautiful natural surroundings as well as fantastic waters on each side. Orlando's great setting provides plenty of Free things to do too!


Lake Eola Park: This downtown Orlando centerpiece offers 43 acres for exploration and recreation, including fountains, a walking path, playgrounds, swans to feed and swan shaped paddle boats and gondolas (for a slight fee.)
Harry P. Leu Gardens: Admission is free on Mondays. Guests can enjoy three miles of walkways, rose gardens, a butterfly garden, ancient oak trees, and more.


Ocala National Forest: A great place to experience natural Florida. The Florida Trail is a popular hike, where you can view hardwood forests, swamps, springs, and prairies. You can also canoe, picnic, hike and more.



Kelly Park: This park offers over 248 acres of outdoor fun and excitement! A crystal clear spring is the focus of this park, with water sports, including tubing, and rock climbing available!



Orlando's rich history also makes its museums a can't miss experience. Plus, they're open Free to the public




Cornell Fine Arts Museum: This museum showcases over 6,000 art pieces ranging from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Art lovers of all ages will not want to miss one of the oldest collections in all of Florida.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Home to the most comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany. There is also an extensive American Pottery collection, as well as 19th and 20th century paintings collection. Admission is free on Fridays.

Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida: An informative center dedicated to remembering the millions if people that were lost during the rule of Nazi Germany.

Fort Christmas Historical Museum & Park: Visit the full size replica of Fort Christmas, including seven restored pioneer homes and showing pioneer life from the 1870s through the 1930s. Key themes are homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping.



There are even more free things to do in Orlando, Florida!



Downtown Disney Marketplace: Explore the World of Disney store, which is an experience in and of itself. Also visit the Lego Imagination Center, where your kids can enjoy the free Lego building stations and nearby playground.

Disney's Boardwalk: Stroll along Disney's boardwalk for a charming step back in time, complete with water views and street entertainers.

The Town of Celebration: Visit this Disney-made town where you can adrmire the gorgeous houses, well-groomed yards and magic of Disney living. Depending on when you visit, you may see machine generated snow or falling leaves.

Old Town: On Saturday nights a free rock-n-roll concert and a parade of 300 vintage cars are offered.

A visit to gorgeous Orlando, Florida is the perfect way to get away with your family. Although there are amazing deals like Cheap Disney World Tickets, there are also plenty of FREE things to do in Orlando that are great ways to spend your vacation time. And best of all, many of the great Orlando experiences are fun, free and unforgettable.

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Kathin Ceremony

Kathin Ceremony is one of the merit making festivals in Thailand. The ceremony is about offering new robes to the monks who live in the Buddhist temples. The full name of this festival is "Thot Kathin". The meaning of the word "Thot" is to making an offering to a monk and the word "Kathin" means an embroidery frame.

The Kathin Ceremony is held after the end of three month Rains Retreat from July to September. People celebrate an annual presentation ceremony every year soon after the end of rainy season. They distribute clothes, money, kitchen equipment and other tools to monks.

The people of Thailand believe that the Kathin Ceremony is the most significant merit making festival. Everyone in the country actively takes part in this festival. It is said that people look forward this ceremony as an opportunity to sponsor clothes for monks at least once in their lifetime. However, not everyone can sponsor since the ceremony can be pretty expensive. When this happens, people, who cannot afford to be sole sponsors, join together perform what is known as United Kathin. Here different people come together to offer gifts to the monks and share the costs of the gifts.

People travel to many places in order to celebrate this festival. Sometimes they even go to other countries in search of Buddhist temples located in various places to offer gifts to the monks in those temples. The Kathin Ceremony is an opportunity for Buddhists in Thailand to gain merit and it is also looked upon as a holiday since people can escape from their regular lives and spend time with their families.




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Everybody Poops - What Your Poop May Be Trying to Tell You

I have to admit up front, this is going to be the crappiest article I've ever written.

You see, as I was walking my dogs Marty and Rosie the other day, it occurred to me that poop plays a huge role in my life. I'm not afraid to admit it. I pick up after my dogs every day, I scoop my cat's litter box every day (OK, not EVERY day, but it certainly feels that way), and I talk with my clients about their bowel movements. In fact, while I was in India this past summer, poop was actually the number one topic of conversation between my colleagues and me, as we compared notes on who had diarrhea and who was still healthy. I even remained on "poop watch," for several weeks after my return to the States, making sure that everything was OK (and thankfully, it was!)

So, if you are a pet owner, parent, health care professional, or world traveler, you probably know what I mean!

But many people don't get to talk about poop as much as I do. I know this because when I ask people about their poop, I often get blank stares and uncomfortable looks. So, I let's talk about all of the questions that people want answered but are usually afraid to ask. After all, your poop is an important indicator of your overall health!

What is Poop?

Have you ever wondered what poop actually is? About 75% of your average poop is water, although this will vary depending on the person. Water is absorbed out of fecal material as it passes through the large intestine, so the longer you take to "go," the drier your poop will be.

The remaining 25% is comprised of dead bacteria that helped us digest our food, living bacteria, protein, undigested food residue (also known as fiber), waste material from food, cellular linings, fats, cholesterol, salts, protein, and substances released from the liver and the intestines (such as mucus).

What Makes a Healthy Poop?

Your feces are a clear indicator of the health of your gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Mehmet Oz says, "At the end of the day you can analyze your body really effectively by looking at what comes out of your body."

So what should you look for? A healthy poop will be:


Golden brown, which is due to pigments formed by the bacteria in the gut and bile from the liver. You want to make sure the color is normal because that tells you a lot about what's going on in your gastrointestinal tract (more on color below).

Formed into one long shape. Dr. Michael Levitt, an Australian colorectal surgeon who has written a book called The Bowel Book, says that the healthy human stool resembles the shape and consistency (although not the same color) of an unripe banana. Dr. Oz says " You don't want [pieces]." Some experts disagree, saying they don't have to be well- formed. Patrick Donovan, N.D., a naturopath in Seattle, WA says "Stools don't have to be well- formed logs. They can disperse in the toilet water; they can break down."

Nearly odorless.

About 1 to 2 inches in diameter and 18 inches long.

What About Other Colors?

Sometimes we don't see that "golden guru," and are faced with something else instead. Here's some insight into what those other colors might mean.


Black: Feces can be black if dried blood is present in it from internal bleeding in the upper digestive tract. See a doctor if this is the case.

Very Dark Brown: Drinking wine the night before may result in dark brown poop. This could also be the result of eating too much salt, or not enough vegetables.

Yellow: One condition that can cause yellow poop is an infection known as giardia, a dangerous infection that can spread to others. Another cause of yellow poop may be a condition known as Gilbert's syndrome. See your doctor if you are consistently seeing yellow poop.

Green: Babies often have green poop when they are given food for the first time. Children may have green or blue poop from certain illnesses or from ingesting food colorings. Adults may also have green poop if they eat large amounts of green, leafy vegetables or if they eat large amounts of foods with green food coloring. Light green poop may indicate excessive sugar in the diet. Green feces can also occur with diarrhea if bile salts pass through the intestine unchanged. Again, see a doctor if you are concerned!

White/pale: Feces can appear white or pale after drinking barium sulfate, which is often given to patients getting an X-ray of the digestive tract. A white or pale stool may also be an indication of problems with the gallbladder or liver.

Red: Bright red in the feces may be indicative of active bleeding, possibly the result of hemorrhoids. A magenta color may result form eating intense red food coloring, or red foods such as beets.

How Often Should I Poop?

Ah - the big question! Experts disagree on how often a person should poop. The National Institute for Diabetes, Kidney, and Digestive Diseases says three times a week is normal and healthy for some people. According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system, once a day is ideal. Other experts advocate once or twice a day, while still others say a person should have a bowel movement within two to three hours of a major meal- -or two to three times a day. So you can see that it really depends on who you talk to. My personal opinion is that you above all want to be regular in your pooping schedule, and that one poop a day is ideal.

When someone poops four times a day or more and the poop has a liquid consistency, this is referred to as diarrhea. When someone poops less than two or three days a week and the poop is hard, dry, and difficult to pass, this is known as constipation.

What's the Deal with Corn?

It's funny, so it's ok to laugh. But most people I know have experienced it and they ask why it is that when you eat corn, the next time you poop there it is again! There are a couple of reasons for this. One is that most of us do not thoroughly chew our food. Another interesting tidbit I've learned that there is an outer coating on corn that is made up of indigestible cellulose. This outer coating slips off the inner kernel and, since it's indigestible, passes through the gut intact. It then emerges looking like a whole kernel, even though it's just the outer skin. The inside of the kernel is starchy and digestible, and that is the part that we succeed in chewing and digesting.

Well, hopefully you know now a lot more about this important topic. And that's the scoop on poop!

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Types of Arrest Warrants - A Look at Felony, Civil and Alias Arrest Warrants

A warrant of arrest is issued by the court ordering law enforcers to detain a person. Basically, arrest warrants are issued if there has been a crime that was committed and there is enough evidence to incriminate a suspect, and if the person named in the warrant committed the crime.

However, there is also warrant of arrests issued if the person in question failed to show up in court. For example, if you have outstanding parking tickets and you fail to pay for it or to show up for court to hear your case, then an arrest warrant may be issued in your name.

There are also search warrants that give the authority to search a person's premises. Although this is not necessarily an arrest warrant, if the authorities found narcotics or other evidence that point to a particular crime, they can automatically arrest you without the warrant of arrest.

Another type of warrant is called the bench warrant. This is basically issued to people who have skipped their next scheduled court appearance. The superior court warrant is also another type of warrant issued by the county court or the Supreme Court. This secures the appearance of the defendant on court who has been indicted.

These are the types of arrest warrants that are commonly used by the law. It is important to remember that having arrest warrants is a serious thing and that you should not try and ignore it. If you do not remember committing any crime, and you have an arrest warrant in your name, then you may want to try getting the arrest warrant reviewed as you may have been a victim of identity theft.

What's a Felony Warrant?

People don't understand that there are different kinds of warrants that can be issued by the court. One of which is called the felony warrant. Basically, if this type of warrant was issued, the person in the warrant can be arrested for felony charges or for crimes that he or she committed.

One example would be the case of Paula Poundstone who was arrested on a felony warrant. The charges were three counts of lewd acts on a 14 year old girl. She was also charged for endangering two unidentified girls and two boys by driving under the influence.

This is an example of a case where felony warrants can be issued. Although the three lewd acts charges were dropped, she underwent a 180 alcohol rehabilitation program.

Felony warrants lasts until the authority arrests the person who was charged with a particular felony act.

Felony warrants are public documents which can be legally and freely viewed by the public and is a serious type of warrant that should not be ignored. It is important that you should try searching for felony warrants in your name in order to make sure that you are free from any felony charges that you may not know about.

You have to consider that fact that people may use your identity and you may be charged with a crime under your name that was committed by another person who used your identity to commit the crime.

This is what felony warrant is all about. Lewd acts or conduct is just one type of crime that felony warrant may be filed against you.

What is a Civil Warrant?

There are a lot of people who fills out a civil warrant or a civil summons form. However, not many people know about it and that they often mistake it for an arrest warrant. So, just what is a civil warrant and where is it used?

Basically, a civil warrant is commonly issued in the small claims court when filing suit. The plaintiff will be requested to fill out a civil warrant or a civil summons form. In this form, it will contain space for the details of the claim. If you are seeking for a money judgment, then you might want to prepare and file a type of civil warrant called the warrant in debt.

Another type of civil warrant that is commonly issued is called the warrant in detinue. This is used by the plaintiff in order to obtain a possession of a specific personal property that he or she considered to be wrongfully possessed or withheld by the defendant. These forms can be filled out by a non-lawyer who is representing him or herself.

The civil warrant is basically commonly used in the small claims court. In order to file it, you will need to give the court clerk the name of the defendant, the amount of your claim, the basis of the claim, the current address of the defendant, and the sufficient funds to pay the fees, such as the filing fee and the sheriff's fees in order to serve the warrant.

As you can see, the civil warrant is basically simple to understand. These warrants are basically used in the civil court and are commonly used by filing small claims.

What is an Alias Warrant?

You'll see that there are quite a lot of types of warrant. If you are studying law or that you have an interest with the law, it is important that you should know about the different types of warrants in order for you to become more informed and more aware about the proceedings of the law. Even if you are a regular person, having knowledge about the different kinds of warrant can help you in case you or someone you know has been issued with a type of warrant.

One type of warrant is called the alias warrant.

Basically, the alias warrant is a type of warrant that is issued by the court when no plea has been entered on the case you are involved in, particularly if you failed to appear in court. This type of warrant can be issued if you also fail to appear on the initial appearance on the citation or you have failed to appear on court on the scheduled court date.

You have to remember that when you receive and sign a citation, this is as good as a promise that you will appear in court. If you fail to appear, you will automatically have two cases instead of one. This additional offense is called Failure to Appear, which is under the Penal Code.

This type of warrant gives the authority to arrest you. You can bond out of jail by cash bond, bail bond, attorney bond, or PR bond.

As you can see, alias warrants should be taken seriously. You need to appear in court in person or by mail on the scheduled court date. Or else, you will be charged with an additional offense and an alias warrant will be issued on your name.




For More Information on Criminal Arrest Warrants, Court Records, Criminal Records and Much More, Visit the Public Records Depot Today at http://publicrecordsdepot.com/

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How To Get Big Sponsorship Money for Your Band, Tour, Event or Production

Touring is a bands greatest opportunity for success. But, touring can be very expensive. Getting your tour, band or event sponsored is critical to your success. Sponsorship can off-set production, travel, promotion and virtually any of your expense. The right sponsor can also significantly augment your advertising, publicity and promotions. But, getting sponsorship participation can take a lot of effort and commitment on your part. You will need to prove to potential sponsors that your opportunity will deliver a good return on investment for them.

The following is a step by step procedure we have used at Multimediary Entertainment Marketing to secure hundreds of thousands of sponsorship dollars for numerous tours, events, artists, television programming and feature films. We have done this for several major record labels and both signed and unsigned artists. Now we want to share our knowledge experience so you can do this on your own.

Create an Introduction Letter

The first step in securing sponsorship dollars is to craft a professional introduction letter highlighting the features and benefits of the opportunity you are offering. Some of these features and benefits might include inclusion in advertising, product sampling, banner display and more. After you have given a brief overview of the opportunity close the letter by asking their permission to send them a more detailed presentation. The introduction letter is the most critical part of the sponsorship success equation. If well crafted, it will get your foot in the door.

Demographic Analysis

Understanding your audience is critical. Potential sponsors will want to know who you are reaching. The best way of gathering this information is right at you finger tips. Call radio stations you think should be playing your music. Ask for an account executive and ask this person to fax you their Tapscan, Scarborough or Prism demographic and qualitative information. In all likelihood you will now be armed with a detailed overview of what your audience looks like and can match this up with potential sponsors. You will also have a great hit list of companies to start hitting.

Creating Your Sponsorship Presentation

No that you have your introduction letter and demographic profiles you are ready to begin creating your presentation. The presentation will seal the deal with sponsors only if it contains all the information they will need to make an educated decision on your opportunity. The presentation must contain the following elements:

1. A Two to three paragraph overview of your opportunity

2. A detailed overview of tour routing, markets and venues

3. An overview of what type of public relations and media
support you expect to have and how the sponsor will be included

4. Your audience and demographic profile

5. Tour partnership deliverables or what the sponsor will receive for their investment

6. The total investment you are looking for from your sponsor and the return a sponsor can expect

Now that you have all of the pieces of the puzzle you are ready to go out and shake the trees for sponsorship dollars. With effort and consistency you will land a sponsor. Always deliver on what you promise to retain your sponsors year after year. Under deliver and they will promptly kick you to the curb. Our philosophy is to always under promise and over deliver. With this philosophy you will be assured ongoing solid sponsorship participation for years to come.

Multimediary Entertainment Marketing can get your tour, band or event on the right track by providing you with the following:

o An Introduction letter that garners results

o An accurate Demographic Analysis extrapolated of 5 major markets

o Sponsorship Value Analysis to determine the worth of your opportunity

o Sponsorship presentation in Word and PowerPoint

o Press Release creation announcing sponsorship opportunity

o Press Release distributed to all major markets announcing your opportunity

o We will also include your opportunity in the Multimediary Entertainment Marketing Newsletter which goes out to over 1500 Corporate Brand Managers monthly

o Professional Sponsorship Contract/Agreement you can use to seal the deal

o One-hour Professional Consultation to ensure you're going in the right direction

For details and pricing please visit our website at: [http://www.multimediary.com/sponsorship.html]

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What to Expect From Natural Gas Prices in 2011

Natural Gas Powers Texas

The US Dept. of Energy cites Texas as producing and consuming more electricity than any other state. Texas is the largest natural gas producer in the nation, suppying one quarter of that total output; storing and supplying natural gas via pipeline for all regions of the country. Yet while Texas has large reserves of low grade coal, most of what is burned in its coal-fired plants is brought in via train from Wyoming and Montana.

So, it makes sense for Texas electric power generators to rely more on the supply of natural gas in our back yard rather than waiting for the next 10,000 tons of coal to roll in from Wyoming. Over half of Texas' energy comes from natural gas-powered generation plants. It burns cleaner than coal and does not leave behind large amounts of cinder and ash that require proper disposal.

Natural gas and oil have been twin commodities that helped build Texas. Natural gas pipelines stretch in all directions from Texas and it has long been used throughout the US for heat, light, and electrical generation. So, it's little wonder that in this country its price has long been bound to oil, a commodity in a very volatile market where prices are often shaped by world events. For this reason, power generating companies have paid more for natural gas than coal, nuclear, and wind. Because it is the most expensive and so heavily relied upon in Texas, the price of natural gas determines the price of Texas electricity.

Comparing 2009 Natural Gas with 2010

You have probably noticed that the summer of 2010 was warmer than 2009. According to the EIA's The use of natural gas for electric power generation surged this year because of the 23 percent increase in U.S. cooling degree days, resulting in an over 300 Bcf (11 percent) increase in natural gas consumption in the power generation sector over the last 4 months compared with the same period last year.

In spite of hot weather driving electrical demand, large surpluses are still in storage. The August 27th working natural gas inventory was 3,106 billion cubic feet (Bcf). While this is 169 Bcf more than the 2005-2009 average, it was still 208 Bcf less than the record levels of 2009. June, July, and August also witnessed hurricane threats that shut-in 7.9 Bcf and slowed production. The EIA originally predicted 57.4 Bcf produced for this period. New deep-sea gas wells were also shelved as part of the drilling moratorium following the historic BP oil spill in the Gulf on April 20, 2010. An official recommendation about when to end the moratorium might be released by the end of September.

Horizontal drilling for shale gas and liquefied natural gas technologies both came of age when natural gas prices were high. Drilling companies were able to take on lots of debt to bore new wells into vast untapped US shale gas plays. An interesting example is the Kardell Gas Unit 1H which is pumping in the Haynesville Shale in San Augustine County, Texas. Back in October, 2009, this well achieved a continuous 24 hour flow rate of 30.7 million cubic feet (Mcf) with a flow pressure of 6,824 psi. Unfortunately, numbers have surfaced showing that shale gas wells are very short term producers, yielding enormous amounts in their first year but dwindling quickly over the following few years. How this factor will affects the industry in the long term has yet to be clearly addressed.

Unfortunately for the industry, profits seemed to be dwindle from their wells just as quickly. It's prices dropped in in late 2008/early 2009 and remained low throughout 2010. Liquefied natural gas imports (both via pipe and ship) into the US have dropped from 56,410 Million Cubic feet (Mcf) in January 2010 to 32, 521 Mcf in July, 2010. Whether it was to just stay in business or maintain drilling rights to acreages, drilling companies drilled more wells and produced more gas -which drove prices down further. Dave Pursell, managing director and head of macro research for Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Securities Inc, characterizes the shale gas rush by stating, "This industry is drunk on shale liquor and can't get sober fast enough to avoid a low-commodity-price hangover.".

Over the course of 2012, the EIA predicts natural gas production falling by 1.2 Bcf (1.9 percent) as low commodity prices apply the brakes to drilling rigs. Some of this can be attributed to major US gas producers, Chesapeake Energy and EOG Resources. They announced that they will be reducing their shale gas operations and switching to developing natural gas liquids operations. Natural gas liquids are extracted in conjunction with natural gas at the surface in gas processing or cycling plants and include propane, ethane, butane, pentane and natural gasoline.

Troubled Waters: Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking", uses water, sand, and chemicals at very high pressure to crack shale rock formations and enable the natural gas in the shale deposits to migrate to the well head for collections. While most of this is done at depths most experts have argued are below water tables, there has been evidence in 6 states showing the process is fraught with documented instances of methane contaminating aquifiers and exploding drinking water wells. The issue has been made all the more controversial in the public eye by Josh Fox's film, Gasland.

In answer to public concerns, the US EPA plans on beginning a new study in 2011.

Projections for 2011

The EIA expects near-normal summer weather conditions for 2011. The reason being that the strong El Nino effects of 2009 will have played themselves out. The National Weather Service predicts the winter for December, 2010 through February, 2011 as drier with above normal temps in Texas and the southwestern US with the bulk of country likely to experience "equal chances of normal conditions". The same weather pattern is expected through April and into the summer with higher temperatures moving solidly into the southwest.

As a consequnce, the EIA projects flat consumption through 2011 with the bulk being used by expansion in the electrical generation and industrial sectors - lending some credence to a recovering economy.

2011 Solutions for the Texas Energy Consumer

In May, the EIA reported that the average price of Texas electricity was 11.6 cents/kwh and would rise to 11.9 cents/kwh in 2011. Since May, the real average price has dropped to just over 10 cents/kwh. This is partly a factor of natural gas prices dipping lower during the fall due to moderate temperatures throughout the country.

It is cheap right now but is expected to trend upwards as the winter heating season gets underway. EIA pegs that amount at $4.76/MMbtu. For the Texas electricity consumer, this means it is still a buyer's market for a little while. On Sept. 21, mid-afternoon prices for October delivery at the Henry Hub were $3.82/ MMbtu. Yet it is still an uncertain world. Later in the day, the price rose 9 cents to $3.91 as the National Hurricane Center announced that an Atlantic storm was potentially threatening gas rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Even still, it's great time to shop around for a fixed energy plan that can save you money.

If you sign on to a two year plan now, you can lock in the current low fall 2010 rate through fall 2012. Switching now when rates are low could save you hundreds of dollars over the next two years. Why? Because you can take advantage of a long-term fixed-rate energy plan that locks in the current low energy price. While the EIA projects that prices will be flat in 2011, prices are likely to gradually rise towards the end of the year as large gas-producing companies, like Chesapeake Energy (which produces 2 Bcf/day), migrate their attention to more profitable natural gas products. The record surplus natural gas in storage will gradually be used up and not immediately replaced by producers. Another factor influencing the nature gas market will be the EPA's report on fracking which may adversely impact future production costs in shale gas plays.

Consider the September 21 price of $3.91/MMbtu and the EIA prediction of natural gas rising to $4.76/MMbtu in 2011. That's an increase of 21%. Right now, if your energy plan is locked in at 10.4 ¢/kWh for 1500 kWh per month, you're paying about $156/month. But in 2011 given a possible minimum increase of 21% in natural gas, your bill could jump by that much to $188.76/month. That's a difference of $32.76/month or $393.12 for the year.

Don't worry. Now is exactly the right time maximize your savings for these next two years to take advantage of the current low prices.




To find a long term plan that will help you save the most money, go to Bounce Energy. Bounce Energy has recently reduced pricing on many of their energy plans with rates starting as low as 8.7 cents/kwh. Check out their Tremendous 24 plan as well as their other 12 month, 9 month, and 6 month fixed rate plans.

Qualified customers will receive movie tickets, bill credits, companion airline tickets, price reductions and more for paying their bill on-time!

Bounce Energy is a Texas Electric Company based in Houston. Bounce Energy's goal is provide more than low Texas Electric Rates to our customers. With innovative and flexible plans, excellent customer service, and superior customer rewards, Bounce Energy offers a unique approach to Texas electricity.

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How to Create a Positive Work Atmosphere

Positive versus Negative Workplaces

We have all worked in places where we grew to dread getting up in the morning, and a few of us have had the pleasure of working for a boss who makes us feel like we can do anything. Let's take a look at the differences between a positive and a negative work environment.

Signs of a Negative Work Environment

• The boss is unfriendly.

• The boss is critical.

• There is high employee turnover.

• There is low employee morale.

• People watch the clock.

• People don't get much performance feedback.

Signs of a Positive Work Environment

• The boss demonstrates interest in the employees.

• The boss has an encouraging attitude.

• Employees like working there.

• There is evidence of company pride and loyalty.

• People know where they stand with their supervisors.

Thousands of books have been written on the subject of managing and motivating people, and as many training seminars are conducted on this subject around the world every day. And yet it's interesting that even with all of this available information, few companies succeed at creating a positive work environment. Let's see what's involved.

Four Key Skills

Creating a positive work environment is based on four key skills. They are:

1. Tell people what you expect of them.

2. Show interest in your team members.

3. Create an encouraging environment.

4. Recognize and reward good performance.

Skill #1: State Your Expectations

Telling people what you expect of them means doing the following:

• Communicating expectations clearly

• Having a specific job description

• Identifying specific performance standards

• Specifying deadlines

• Setting goals

Skill #2: Show Interest in Your Team

What behaviors convey that someone is interested in you?

• Making eye contact

• Calling you by name

• Asking your opinion

• Smiling

• Complimenting your work

• Taking your suggestions

These behaviors convey a lack of interest:

• Ignoring you

• Not knowing your name or not using it

• Not asking your opinion

• Ignoring your suggestions

• Not commenting on your work

• Following your suggestion, but only when heard from someone else

Such signs discourage productivity because they make people feel discouraged, angry, less confident, and stripped of self-esteem.

Skill #3: Create an Encouraging Environment

Most people would agree that an encouraging work environment is one where:

• Your ideas are valued.

• Creativity is encouraged.

• Risks are encouraged.

• Fun and laughter are valued.

• New ideas are rewarded.

• You feel appreciated.

• People thank you for your contributions.

• Flexibility is valued.

• You feel like part of the team.

Creating such an environment results in the following benefits to employees. You:

• Contribute more ideas.

• Feel more committed.

• Look forward to coming to work.

• Are more productive.

• Have increased self-esteem.

Creating such an environment results in the following benefits to managers and business owners:

• Less turnover

• Less sabotage

• Greater loyalty

• Easier to find employees due to good reputation

• Higher productivity

Skill #4: Recognize and Reward Good Performance

A reinforcer is anything that happens, after a behavior, that tends to increase the chances that the behavior will be repeated. Included are such things as:

• Compliments

• Smiles

• Thumbs-up gesture

• Saying "Thank you"

• Public announcement of your achievement

• Positive letter in your personnel file

• Promotion

• Time off

• Special parking space

• First choice on schedule

• Dinner with the boss

Tickets to an event

• Extra employee discount

• Picture on the bulletin board

• Applause at a meeting

Recognition Guidelines

1. Describe the results you are recognizing. Be specific. It's important to make certain the employee knows what behavior or accomplishment you are referring to.

2. State your personal appreciation. Say, "I appreciate it." Adding your personal appreciation makes the compliment feel more genuine.

3. Encourage the person to continue producing such good work. This increases the chances that the person will repeat the desirable behavior.




Garrett Coan, MSW, LCSW is Founder and Director of the Center for Creative Counseling, a team of expert and licensed therapists and coaches providing phone and internet counseling services to clients throughout the United States and worldwide. To arrange a no-obligation, complimentary consultation, call 1-877-958-4769 or visit them on the Web at http://www.creativecounselors.com

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