Archive for March, 2008

Weddings: Should You Keep Your Surname When You Marry?

Monday, March 31st, 2008

By Anne Mihelakos What’s in a name? Well, your identity, for starters — you’ve spent your whole life “making a name for yourself.” That’s why changing your name after marriage isn’t necessarily easy. The good news is that brides today have many options. KEEP YOUR NAME Cant let go? Keeping your own name means you’ll avoid the hassle of alerting everyone you know to the change. On the flip side, dealing with traditional in-laws who don’t understand your reluctance to take their name won’t be so simple. TAKE HIS NAME Taking your husband’s name is the most traditional option. Be prepared to receive twice as much junk mail — mailing lists won’t know you’re the same person. But everyone else will figure it out, and you’ll avoid confusion when you have kids. TAKE HIS NAME (SORT OF) You could use your husband’s name legally and socially but continue to use your own for business purposes; alternatively, you could keep your own name legally and professionally but use his in social situations. TAKE BOTH Or you could decided to keep both names and hyphenate them. If both names work well together, then this could be an option. It gets trickier if the names don work together or they have already been hyphenated; this then gets a bit much. This is all great in theory, but in practice what do brides have to say? I took up my husband’s surname. It gave me an added feeling of union, but it’s not essential. I don’t see why I should have to change my name to his. This is who I am and everything I have achieved has been in my name so why change it? Why do WOMEN have to change for the men? I know its all tradition, but tradition isn’t really relevant in this day and age, it’s only because we live in such a patriarchal society that this occurs. I don’t believe in changing my name as it is my identity, something I will retain - obviously - throughout our marriage. Also, I don’t feel the need to change my name to prove my commitment, or feel any deeper commitment - that is something emotional and spiritual and unrelated to name changing. I must also admit there is also the feminist in me that baulks at the idea that traditionally women changed their name to a man’s as she became, legally, another one of his chattels along with the cow and horse (Obviously not suggesting this is relevant these days…!) Anyway, despite my moral high horse, I encountered problems when I discovered my other half did not feel the same and wanted us to have the same name. I made a flippant remark that if he felt that strongly about it he could change his to mine (nothing legally stopping him). From there we came to a compromise that we would both change our names and hyphenate both our surnames. A good compromise to start our marriage, I get to keep my name whilst he ensures we both have the same name!! I would never change my name. I now attach great importance to it. Besides, my parents did all the hard work and I feel as though I am giving that credit to some other family by changing my name. We have had this discussion and he would never expect me to. I personally don’t feel the need to be unified under a name. I did not change my name. I am in two minds about this. Sometimes I feel as though I should change it because it would make me feel like it was more of a union…but then other times I think we have no boys in the family and if I do not carry on the family name who will? The problem is that my surname which is hyphenated has come to an end - there are no males to carry on our name. Its very sad as I am very proud of my name and it has a lot of history. So when I marry my man one day but what do I do?? I really like his surname and would feel kind of honoured to take it (soooo traditional I know!) I’ve kept my surname, I’ve also known men who have taken their wife’s surname. The winner though, goes to a friend who, upon realising her maternal grandmother (her maiden name) was the last in the family line with that name, the bride and groom both changed their names to hers. It was a beautiful gesture. I get REALLY riled up when people question me on my decision to change my name. They say things like, you’ve lost your identity - Sorry?? ****. My identity is in my personality, my values, my memories and experiences, my upbringing - and my surname is only a small part of that. And losing the connection with my family? That makes no sense to me. I have a wonderful family, which after my wedding doubled in size. I feel a connection with ALL of them, and there are 50 different surnames within my family group. Some people choose not to change their name, and that is entirely their choice and I have no problem with it. I have chosen TO change my name, and people should, in return, have no problem with that, either. Don’t let anybody pressure you into a decision one way or the other. “I can’t decide. I don’t feel especially loyal to my existing ‘family’ name/identity (after all, my grandparents came from 4 different families, but only 1 of their surnames has been passed down to me). It’s more that I like my first name plus surname combination as it is. Megan M****. It’s has symmetry and style. On the other hand, we’re making a new family together and it makes sense to me that everyone in a family should have the same surname. And I don’t want to go into marriage marking out all the things I *refuse* to give up or compromise on.” “I am reluctant to give up my current surname, especially at work where people know me as that. However, I like the idea of sharing a name with my husband and for any kids to have parents with the same name (it feels more like a family). So … I’m thinking of doing the Hollywood thing and retaining my surname but adding his surname, like Joanne Whalley Kilmer.” “I changed my name because I wanted to seal our union, I wanted to prove not only to him but to everyone that I am 100% devoted to him and that we share everything. I knew that it was a big thing for his dad though, not that he is old fashioned or anything like that, but I know that it means a lot to him that I would choose to have their name and really make myself a part of their family. But I did not come to this decision lightly. I did want to keep my own name because it is the last thing I have of my dad. My father passed away when I was 5. I never knew my dad and the only thing left was my last name. So for me, this was a huge and significant decision. I felt sad and in some ways I felt that I was ‘letting the team down’ so to speak…but I am sure my dad understands that I finally have a man in my life and I want to devote everything to him and our lives together.” “After years of swearing that “I’d never change my surname, I built my career on my name, its my trade mark, etc etc”…. within 6 months I changed it to my husband’s surname. And it was a personal choice, not my husband’s, or most of his family. My hubby was happy with whatever I wanted to do, it was MY choice. and he respected me & my decisions. (One of the reasons why I married him - awwww). Funny thing though, my brother in law insisted that his (now) wife change her last name to his when they got married.” “I am the youngest of 5 kids. 4 women, and 1 (gay) son, who is evidently not going to get married and have children. Therefore I feel some sort of obligation to retain my surname and pass it on to my children; the likelihood of our family name carrying on further than us is very slim.” “I would like to take my husbands name, and be called Mrs. I think it’s just another (traditional) way to show your commitment to the world. (and there’s nothing wrong with tradition) Mainly I’d like to take his name so the WHOLE family has the same last name. Yes I did accomplish and experience things with my current name. . . but just because I change my surname. . . it doesn’t erase those things. It just adds something else to my history. In addition, I have some “ideas” and family traditions that I would like upheld from my side of the family, and are essentially non negotiable. . . it’s sort of like a compromise.” And what do Grooms think about all of this? “A friend of my wife was told that changing her name was “not negotiable”. A shame, as she did have a lovely surname. I wasn’t fussed whether my wife changed her name or not. I saw it from my point of view…how I would feel to change my identity all of a sudden. It would be weird! .So I never bought it up as it wasn’t an issue. I was surprised that within a month or so of getting married she decided to change her drivers license and open joint bank accounts. She really enjoyed it. But, she is still her “old self” at work. And everything is working just fine for her. Funny thing is when I call her at her office and I speak to her secretaries, I still ask for her using her old name. Three years of habit is hard to break!” “When I get married, I would want my wife to keep her surname. Personally, I don’t see any reason why she should have to change her surname to mine when we get married anyway. It’s not like I’d own her or anything.” “If my future wife insists on keeping her last name, then I’d have to suck it in and take hers because I just like a bit of identity with families.” Anne Mihelakos is the owner of True Bride, a wedding site and your ‘Ultimate Wedding Partner’, providing Australian couples with fantastic wedding planning tools. This wedding web site has one of the most comprehensive wedding directories of wedding suppliers across Australia. For more information, visit the website http://www.truebride.com.au. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Mihelakos http://EzineArticles.com/?Weddings:-Should-You-Keep-Your-Surname-When-You-Marry?&id=366065 ativan and overdose use of ambien glaucoma ambien lethal dose of ambien

The Legalization of Marijuana - Part 2 of 2

Saturday, March 29th, 2008

By Alex Simms A very influential factor regarding the legalization of marijuana, is the cost implications of maintaining cannabis prohibition to the federal and provincial governments, and in turn the average Canadian taxpayer. According to the Auditor General of Canada, it is projected that approximately $450 million was spent on drug control, enforcement, and education in the year 2000. Since of drug offences are marijuana related, the majority of the $450 million spent across Canada was due to cannabis prohibition laws. This expenditure also does not include funding for marijuana related court hearings, or incarcerations, as over 300 000 people are arrested for simple marijuana possession every year (Cohen et al. 2). Another issue to consider is that the amount of cannabis users continues to rise across Canada, up from 6.5% in 1989, to 12.2% in 2000 (Nabalamba, 1). This will only increase the amount of funding the federal government is forced to contribute to drug control and enforcement, further charging the taxpayer. A more cost efficient way to regulate marijuana is to set an age limit through provincial regulation, permitting for adult use of a substance less harmful than both alcohol and tobacco. Otherwise, it is left in the hands of organized crime, with the government continuing to spend millions on its prohibition, and not profiting from its continuous increase in use. In this situation, the regulation of marijuana should not only be allowed, but would financially benefit the country. Even after thousands of years of people using marijuana to treat a variety of medical conditions, many still believe marijuana is a drug without therapeutic value. Patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, or AIDS related AZT therapy, found smoking marijuana to be an effective way to curb nausea (Health Canada, Medical Marijuana). Often it is more effective than available prescribed medications. 44% of oncologists responding to a questionnaire said they had recommended marijuana to their cancer patients; others said they would recommend it if it were legal (Zimmer et al. 87). Other uses include control for muscle spasms associated with spinal cord injury/disease, and multiple sclerosis and pain/ weight loss associated with cancer, HIV, and arthritis patients. Cannabis also lessens the frequency of seizures in epilepsy, and controls eye pressure in glaucoma patients (National Institute on Drug Abuse, Drug Policy Information Sheet). Although medical marijuana has been approved for use under certain circumstances, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain cannabis for treatment purposes in Ontario. This is because the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario issued a warning in October 2002, cautioning that the clinical efficacy of the drug has not been entirely established and to proceed with caution when prescribing cannabis (The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Prescribing Medical Marijuana). Due to this, a physician cannot make a proper declaration of the risks and benefits; therefore, they can not fully inform the patient of the drugs possible effects. Fortunately, since the legalization of marijuana for medical use occurred almost 5 years ago, one could assume a proper risk assessment of the drug will soon be completed through Health Canada. Through marijuanas apparent medical usages, it becomes clear that it should be regulated across the country. The implication of marijuanas prohibition is financially devastating to the federal government. As false social perceptions are the only grounds for this ban to be upheld, and the medical sciences continue to find new usages for cannabis as therapeutic treatment, it remains unfounded to continue its outlaw. Through government enforced regulation, it becomes obvious that the benefits of marijuana legalization outweigh the disadvantages. Alex Simms is a content writer for Avalon Studios, a Web Design & Development firm working with small businesses. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Simms http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Legalization-of-Marijuana—Part-2-of-2&id=110600 ambien insomnia 60 minutes tv coma awaken ambien generic ambien cheap zolpidem cheap

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Senior Citizens

Friday, March 28th, 2008

By Natalie Aranda Kids are easily pleased by almost any gifts as the whole world is new to them. Senior citizens may have experienced and owned everything they wanted in their life. Thats what makes a challenge when it comes to choose gifts for your grandmothers or grandfathers. No matter what time of year it is, personalized yet unique gifts will sure impress them if you listen to they say and look at what they do. Far too often people tend to buy senior citizens items that theyd never want. Consequently, you should first make a list of what type of hobbies they like. Do they enjoy golfing or spending time playing games with their friends? If this is the case, you could purchase a unique game for their Christmas gift. Researching vintage entertainment or new board games on EBay would be a different approach. This way you could give them something one of a kind. Christmas gift ideas may be tricky to come up with, but they should also incorporate how much you are thinking about them. Since you do want them to enjoy what you purchase, you could get them a gift certificate to a spa or a day at a romantic inn. These gifts are wonderful and inspiring items, regardless of what holiday it is. Chances are they will thank you for months, because the majority of gift givers do not think so deeply. If you are having trouble coming up with birthday gift ideas, you should always remember to avoid joke presents! When we all get older, we cringe at the thought of age being mentioned. Although some senior citizens embrace who they are, some people would rather not make a big deal of their age. Therefore, you should avoid the birthday gift ideas that involve age jokes. You never know when you are going to offend someone. After all, the last thing you want to do is remind them of their life insurance settlements or the life settlement issues they may have to worry about. If you are trying to find a better birthday idea, you should explore the idea of scrapbooks. By creating a book filled with photos, memories, and comments, it will bring your grandparents to tears. They embrace nostalgia and would love to have a keepsake that they can look through for years. As a result, these special birthday gift ideas are an extraordinary way to say you love them and are happy to be part of their lives. Senior citizens may seem like they are impossible to buy for, but all they want are unique gifts like everyone else. No matter whom you are buying presents for, the gift ideas need to be out of the ordinary. Discouraged and dont have a lot of money to spend? Even by taking time to create a memory book or photo album, it would bring a smile to their face. From birthday gift ideas to Christmas gift ideas, anything is possible as long as you put your heart into it. If you are looking for a quick fix and a simple present to buy, sadly you will be like everyone else. Natalie Aranda writes on home and family. If you are having trouble coming up with birthday gift ideas, you should always remember to avoid joke presents! When we all get older, we cringe at the thought of age being mentioned. Although some senior citizens embrace who they are, some people would rather not make a big deal of their age. Therefore, you should avoid the birthday gift ideas that involve age jokes. You never know when you are going to offend someone. After all, the last thing you want to do is remind them of their life insurance settlements or the life settlement issues they may have to worry about. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natalie_Aranda http://EzineArticles.com/?Thoughtful-Gift-Ideas-for-Senior-Citizens&id=287259 us pharmacies zolpidem no prescription needed no fees ambien and seizures how long does lorazepam stay in your system brand name lorazepam

See How Easily You Can Revitalize Your Hair

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008

By Jane Preeter Revitalizing shampoos, hair-care products aside, greatnutrition is by far the most effective way of gettinggreat-looking hair! Like your body, your hair too needs abalanced, nutritious diet to stay healthy. Water One of the most important fluids you could ever have, watermakes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair.Moisture makes the hair supple; so ensure you get plenty offluids. A key point is not to wait until you’re thirsty. Ifyou’re thirsty, it means your body has already lost morewater than it should have, and it’s urging you to refillthe tank! Water not only hydrates your body, but also helpskeep your hair silky and shiny. Ideally, you should drinkbetween eight and ten glasses of water a day. Protein Protein is the building block of hair, so a diet forhealthy hair contains an awful lot of protein! Protein willgive the shaft of your hair more strength, and will reducethe possibility of damage through snapping and splitting.You can get protein from foods like fish, meat, milk,cheese and cereals. Minerals In addition to water and proteins, minerals are equallyimportant. Remember, your hair, like the rest of your bodythrives on the natural resources.* Iron helps to carry oxygen to the hair. Without enoughiron, hair and its follicles get starved of oxygen. Thismeans that the ‘goodness’ in the root of your hair is muchless effective along the length of the strand. You canincrease your iron intake by eating red meat and dark greenvegetables, or by iron supplements.* Zinc builds hair protein, which helps to prevent hairloss. Meat and seafood are the foods highest in zinc.* Copper is involved in the pigmentation of hair. You canoptimize your natural color with a diet with plenty ofcopper. Shellfish, liver, fresh vegetables, nuts, seeds andmeat are all high in copper. Vitamins * Vitamin A will give you a healthy scalp, because it’sgreat for the skin! You can get vitamin A from foods likevegetables-in particular, carrots. * Vitamin B and C is important for good circulation, hairgrowth and hair color. If you ensure that you have enoughvitamin B and C, you’ll have strong, supple strands of hairthat do not split. You can get these vitamins from eatingfoods like fruit, vegetables, cereals, eggs, milk andbread. Just follow this good food guide to healthy and greatlooking hair. You could do without all the artificialchemicals. Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latesthair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hairremoval. Click for daily updated blog of hair news andarticles. Discover all you ever wanted to know about hair. Latesthair styles, new hair loss treatments, best methods of hairremoval. Click for daily updated blog of hair news andarticles. http://www.hair-unexpurgated.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Preeter http://EzineArticles.com/?See-How-Easily-You-Can-Revitalize-Your-Hair&id=73430 ambien latest side effects ambien verapamil elavil ambien toxicity in dogs lorazepam dosages

How to Plan a Dream Wedding with your Cell Phone

Monday, March 24th, 2008

By Tina Seay Can you plan a dream wedding on your own? The answer is yes! The key to planning a perfect wedding on your own is making lists, calling to confirm and a good pocket planner. Your cell phone is the vital element in planning the wedding of your dreams without the expense of a wedding planner. Today’s wedding service industry is busier than ever and not always as reliable as we would like so checking back with them to confirm dates and times is more important than ever. Keep your cell phone battery charged because it’s going to be your best friend for a while. You are going to use it to make appointments, call for information, price quotes, directions, to confirm delivery and possibly to call and find out where your DJ is? Your wedding planning revolves around your wedding date, so write your wedding date on your calendar first. Next make a budget and a list of everything you are going to need for your wedding and a list of businesses and phone numbers to contact. The next important thing that affects your wedding planning process is the location. Choose your location and write down details in your wedding planner. Details such as dcor, colors, lighting, parking, number of church pews, are chairs available? Does the sunshine in at a certain time of day? Are you going to rent an aisle runner? How much room is available for ferns, flowers or candles? Next you need to jump to planning the reception because reserving a great location on the same date as your wedding can be difficult. To find a great wedding reception location ask around or recall weddings that you have attended in the past. Make a list of questions to ask when you call or visit the location. Things such as price, availability, what time you can set up, do they have in house catering or can you hire your own caterer or bring in food or alcohol? I had my reception in an old southern mansion and they only allowed a champagne toast and no other drinking. Next consider what type of music you would like for your wedding and reception. Booking good musicians or a recommended DJ needs to be done as early as possible because they get booked up. Write your musicians phone number in your planner and be sure to give them a reminder call a day or two before the wedding to confirm that they will be there. You will also need a florist. Again ask around to find out which florists in your area have the best prices and reputation. Schedule a consultation with the florist and ask to see samples and a price list. A good florist will ask you what your needs are and help you stay within your budget. Add your florist number to your planner and ask when the flowers will be delivered or when they will be ready for pick-up. Again make a follow-up call to ensure that your flowers will be ready or delivered on time. Of coarse you will need to find the wedding gown of your dreams and add their number to your planner to confirm when your gown will be available for pick-up. The reception food is another very important element that needs to be planned ahead of time in order to be successful. Ask friends and family if they know a good caterer or if your budget is tight consider purchasing food platters from reputable deli departments. My husband and I ordered fruit, meat and cheese platters with rolls from Krogers and had a friend put them out on the decorated buffet table at the reception. It only took minutes to set up and was beautiful and self-serving. We received many compliments on our reception food and it looked beautiful. Add you caterer or food providers number to your list and give them a quick follow up call the day before or the morning of your wedding to ensure that the food will be ready for pick-up or delivery on time. Next find a good baker. Call around make an appointment to look at their wedding cake book or take a picture of a cake that you like. This is one area that frequently gets messed up because brides assume the baker knows what they are thinking. Make sure you confirm exactly what you want. If you want it simple, emphasize that. If you want the bottom layer chocolate, re-confirm that and make sure they write it down. Add your bakers number to your list and call a day before to make sure that your cake will be ready on time for delivery or pick-up. Confirm the delivery time and location and make sure that they have a mobile contact number just in case they cant find the reception location and need to call for directions. The best way to plan your own wedding on the run is with a cell phone. Once you pick your wedding vendors enter then into your cell phone for quick access. Your cell phone will be a valuable tool for making appointments and following up with vendors. Keep a list of important phone numbers handy to make quick calls when you have a few minutes. Visit http://www.YourWeddingStory.net for more Wedding Planning Tips Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_Seay http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Plan-a-Dream-Wedding-with-your-Cell-Phone&id=363539 zolpidem dosage for tbi ambien cr free offer medical zolpidem immovane ativan intervien

What Causes Your Dry, Damaged Hair?

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

By Louise Forrest Dry, damaged hair is extremely common and is often caused by excessive use of modern technology including hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs. Many people do no take into consideration the damage that excessive heat can cause to their hair, and so they continue abusing the hair on a daily basis. It is understandable that these modern hair styling equipment are indispensable in this day and age, however there are ways to protect the hair before you use hair dryers and straighteners on your hair. The True Cause of Dry and Damaged Hair Hair is mainly made up of proteins which are hard fibrous types known as Keratin. The keratin in our hair can become damaged due to a number of different factors. As well as hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs, heat lamps and even sunbeds can also have a reaction on the hair, just like the sun can in summer. Other factors which affect dry and damaged hair include: Your Diet Another cause of dry hair could be due to your diet. In order to have healthy skin, hair and nails, you need plenty of good, fatty acids which you can get from foods such as oily fish including salmon and tuna, and flaxseed oil is also good. You can add flaxseed oil to your diet by adding two tablespoons a day to foods such as potatoes or even popcorn! Many people do not like the sound of flaxseed oil but it actually has a nutty, buttery flavor so most people do not actually mind it once they have tried it. Shampoo Although over washing your hair with heavy shampoo and conditioner can cause your hair to be oily, it can also cause your hair to become really dry too. Most people who have oily hair, have to wash it more frequently, whilst people who have dry hair should really only wash it a couple of times a week. This is because some shampoo can strip away essential oils which dry hair needs. It is always best to use a mild shampoo and to pay particular attention to the roots and the scalp. Not Conditioning Enough Conditioners can be a savior for dry and damaged hair, and in order to get the most out of your conditioner, it is better to towel dry your hair before you apply the conditioner. If your hair is particularly in bad condition, it is always best to leave conditioner on for at least 2 to 3 minutes. This helps to soak in as much moisture as possible before washing it off. Unlike with shampoo, with conditioner you really need to focus more of your attention onto the roots and ends of the hair. If you want it to be even more effective, combing the conditioner through with a fine tooth comb will ensure that it is equally spread throughout the hair. It is also possible to use mayonnaise instead of an ordinary conditioner, and with that you should leave it in anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour. For best results, always wash the hair with cool or tepid water which will help to close the cuticles and lock in the moisture providing longer lasting results. Treatments Available As frustrating as dry, damaged hair can be, there are some treatments available to prevent and cure it. An example is if you constantly use hair dryers and other modern styling equipment, you can purchase products such as blow drying spray and hair styling shampoo and conditioner which helps to build up protective chemicals in the hair, before it is exposed to the heat. Going to the hairdressers also helps and you should aim to have your hair trimmed every six weeks or so. This really does help to prevent and eliminate split ends, and it makes your hair look a lot healthier as it gets rid of the ends which are often the worst affected areas of the hair. If you are somebody that likes to go swimming a lot, you may want to think about purchasing a swimming hat. The chlorine in the water can really damage your hair if it is excessively exposed to it. So either wearing a swimming hat, or shampooing your hair straight afterwards is essential for protecting the hair. Overall, there are plenty of products including shampoo and conditioner, which can really help. However, the best way to eliminate dry and damaged hair is to prevent it in the first place. Be aware of how much heat you are exposing your hair to and buy the necessary protective products if needed. Keep YOURSELF looking and feeling great with these great FREEBeauty Tips from http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk In just seconds you can access over 36 beauty topics that will keep you looking younger and more radiant.You can now get the very latest information on Natural Skin & Hair Care by subscribing with RSS Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louise_Forrest http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Causes-Your-Dry,-Damaged-Hair?&id=501242 how long does it take ambien to completely leave the system effects of ambien online pharmacy2c ambien lethal dose ambien

28 Offline Publicity Ideas

Saturday, March 22nd, 2008

By Darlene Bishop There are a number of inexpensive, or even free, ways to promote your business, organization, ministry or group, both online and off. In no particular order, and by no means conclusive, this list will hopefully help you put your little gray cells to work and serve as a springboard for your own brainstorming session. 1. Write, or find a writer, to create an original skit to tell who you are, what your purpose is, or anything else you wish to convey. This can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. 2. Create original posters/flyers and put them everywhere. Simple, one-page flyers can be created with any professional wordprocessing software and can be placed on car windshields, tacked to bulletin boards, taped to store windows or distributed door-to-door. 3. Hold a poster contest with prizes for first, second and third places. Make copies of the winning entries and post them everywhere. 4. Create a community day. Write a letter and mail to every similar organization in your area and invite them to attend. Offer refreshments, share ideas, network. 5. Publish a newsletter. This is one of the best and quickest proven methods to grow your group, inform your members and build goodwill. 6. Write, or have someone write, words to popular or well-known music that tells the story of your group. This can be humorous or serious. But it must be memorable. 7. Write a special letter to every first-time visitor. Encourage them to come back. 8. Talk about your group often, encourage participation. Ask every member to invite a friend. 9. Organize and print a group cookbook. This oldie is not only a goodie, but a goldie! You can make money by selling copies, give new members a free one, use as contest prizes, and more. 10. Write, or have someone write, press releases of anything new your group is doing and send to every area newspaper, radio station, and TV station. Emphasize the benefits your group offers to the community. Be sure the release is professionally written and not just a sales ad. If no one in your group is capable of writing a press release that is publishable, hire a professional. 11. Create and distribute commitment forms for prayer, attendance, financial support, etc. and ask each new member to sign one. Use the forms in special meetings and on special occasions, too. 12. Host a Resource Fair or Trade Show. Get similar organizations, companies, and individuals to set up booths, distribute materials, etc. Can be free or for a small fee. Publicize the even extensively. Let everyone know when, where and why. And have fun! 13. Create a simple brochure. This is another idea that must be professional to be effective, but it need not be elaborate. Something that tells your mission, benefits of membership, and how to join will work very well. 14. Print and use letterhead, envelopes, note pads and anything else that you can put your name and a simple logo or graphic on. Be sure to include a motto or tagline that people can easily remember and relate to you. 15. Videotape special services and programs and share the tapes with prospective members, donors, etc. 16. Write, or have someone write, a regular column for local, community newspaper(s). Many community papers are eager for regular columns to fill their editorial needs, and if you, or someone in the group, can write proficiently about a subject of interest and value to the community, this is a great way to generate interest. Offer the column freely for a “resource box” that includes your contact information. 17. Set up guest appearances on local radio and community television talk shows to discuss your group, or a new program you’ve begun. 18. Ask other organizations or businesses to distribute your literature, brochures, flyers, etc. Offer to do the same for them. 19. Place literature in libraries, doctor’s offices, lawyer’s offices, grocery stores… anywhere possible. Ask every member to distribute literature in the places they frequent. 20. If appropriate, ask area churches or other groups to allow you speak to their members about your organization. 21. Write, or have someone write, press releases about the members or volunteers in your group and what they are doing. Send these releases to every area newspaper, radio station, and TV station. Be sure to list their group affiliation. This is especially beneficial if the members are well known in the community. 22. Send birthday and anniversary cards to everyone you know. People remember those who remember them. 23. Create a slide show with background music to use in special services and at special meetings. 24. Give free T-shirts, bags, mugs, etc. to be used as prizes by area radio stations. They are always looking for free giveaways, and they offer great publicity to the donor. 25. Present seminars in libraries and meeting rooms on topics related to your organization’s area of expertise, then distribute literature afterwards. This should NOT be a sales presentation, but an offering of valuable information that will help others to learn more about your group’s area of interest. 26. Create, or have someone create a comic strip about your group to be printed in newsletters, flyers, and newspapers. Distribute this freely to anyone who would like to reprint it. 27. Have bumper stickers printed with your group’s name, logo, or tagline. Distribute through bookstores, radio and TV stations, member’s businesses and grocery stores. 28. Have mugs printed with your group’s logo on them. Fill with candy and give to members and friends. Appropriate times would include birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of a baby, hospitalizations, as door prizes, etc. Article copyright 2005 by Darlene Bishop. All rights reserved worldwide. Darlene “Dee” Bishop is a Christian minister, writer, and creative designer who has successfully worked online since 1998. Visit her website at http://darlenebishop.com to learn how her common sense marketing and website design solutions helps churches and WAHMs develop a valuable presence online. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Bishop http://EzineArticles.com/?28-Offline-Publicity-Ideas&id=265565 ambien and seizures search zolpidem hemitartrate ambien ambien a a target ambien order sites

Gall Bladder Stones - Discover How To Prevent Them With Garlic

Thursday, March 20th, 2008

By Stewart Hare In this article you will discover: The facts about garlicHow garlic helps to prevent gall bladder stonesHow much garlic to take to help prevent gall bladder stones formation The Facts About Garlic Garlic is truly amazing; it is rich in beneficial health properties and should be an important part in everybody’s diet. Garlic can benefit the heart; It reduces the risk of stroke It reduces the risk of heart attacksIt protects against diabetic heart diseaseIt protects against atherosclerosisIt lowers blood pressure And above all it lowers cholesterol. The excellent health benefits of garlic come from its compounds: Vitamin CVitamin B6SulphurSeleniumManganese How Does Garlic Help To Prevent The Formation Of Gall Bladder Stones It has been proven in clinical trials that garlic can reduce cholesterol levels in the liver and harmful cholesterol in the blood. The reduction is mainly due to the substance called allicin which is present in garlic and gives garlic its distinctive smell. In fact, allicin stops cells from taking up cholesterol, reduces cholesterol in the liver and helps to excretes fatty acids. Gall bladder stones are largely made up of cholesterol. Cholesterol reduction within the body will also limit the formation of gall bladder stones. How Much Garlic Do You Need To Take To Help Prevent Gall Bladder Stones Taking a daily dose of between 600mg and 900mg of garlic powder supplements will help to reduce your cholesterol which will result in limiting the chances of gallstones forming. Note: Garlic powder supplements are more effective than garlic oil capsules. So, to sum up… Garlic is an amazing food; it has many beneficial health properties and is very good at protecting your circulation, heart and lowering cholesterol. Clinical trials have shown that garlic can help to reduce cholesterol which helps to prevent the formation of gall bladder stones. If you want to protect yourself from gall bladder stones formation, it would be a great idea to take garlic powder supplements and include garlic whenever you can within your diet. Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh Download ‘How To Beat Gall-Stones Naturally’ Free E-book Website: NewBeingNutrition.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stewart_Hare http://EzineArticles.com/?Gall-Bladder-Stones—Discover-How-To-Prevent-Them-With-Garlic&id=492357 what happens when valium and ativan are taken together ley organica prevencion condiciones y medio ambien ambien 20mg lorazepam overdose

A Guide to Bridging Loan Basics

Monday, March 17th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eva_Baldwyn]Eva Baldwyn Finding a property of our choice is time consuming. And if you get a chance to buy it definitely you cant afford to miss it, just because of you are waiting for the realization of money from the sale of your property. In such situation you will surely seek the way to come out of this crisis. One of the best alternatives, which provides financial assistance in such period is bridging loan. Bridging loan is the short term loan, which provides an instant financial support. Being, an element of short term market fund, they are comparatively expensive i.e. they carry high rate of interest. Bridging loan is the best option, when the person is buying a property and he is waiting, for an amount to be realized from his property sale. Not only the property, but it can be also used for buying car or can be used for any other sudden financial requirements. Repayment period varies from person to person, depending upon the amount. But, the person is always recommended that he should try to make repayments as earlier, as it is possible. As taking longer time for repayment will lead to accumulation of large interest. Thus, it increases the cost of loan and makes the loan, more expensive. They can be availed by any person whether, a good credit scorer or bad credit scorer. But, the good credit scorer takes advantage over poor credit scorer in regard to the lower rate of interest and even can borrow larger amounts. While approving bridging loan, the lender takes into account certain factors. They are: Financial status Flow of income Value of property The security in the bridging loan is the property which is sold or which is to be sold, but the amount is not yet realized. Which implies, here collateral is the property which is to be sold. Thus, if we evaluate bridging loans, the conclusion can be explained by illustrating its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: It is the fastest way to procure instant finance. They normally take less than 24 hours to provide funds. Bad credit raters can also avail. Being a short term loan, they can be repaid faster than, they have been assumed. Disadvantage: Till the lender realized his amount from the sale, he is obliged to bear heavy interest. Bridging loans are expensive. As their property is secured against the amount, if he misses the payment. This will put his asset on risk. Despite of all this pros and cons of bridging loan, it is considered as the best alternative to finance immediate needs of a person. Eva Baldwyn aims to inform common men and women of the several issues involved in personal loans and mortgages through her articles. An MSc in Economics & Finance from the Warwick Business School is proof enough of the knowledge that she possesses in the field of finance. To find [http://www.24hrbridgingloan.co.uk/24-hr-bridging-loan.html]Bridging loan , 24hr bridging loan, 24hr bridging loan uk, best bridging loan, bridging high loan, bridging loan open, bridging loan short term uk, commercial bridging loan in UK visit http://www.24hrbridgingloan.co.uk Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eva_Baldwyn http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Guide-to-Bridging-Loan-Basics&id=290742 generic pills for ativan zolpidemlong zolpidem ativan 2 mg ambien to treat post stroke spasticity

Nokia N95 - Go Digital, Smartly

Saturday, March 15th, 2008

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Caitlin_Lucy]Caitlin Lucy Bringing all the essential factors all together to create an ultimate range of mobile handsets this is Nokia N-series. Its really not an easier task to create something like this, all credit goes to Nokia’s R&D department. All the N-series phones are quite popular among users for their excellent multimedia capabilities. The way N-series went on to create a buzz among users is just incredible and it seems as if its just a beginning with loads more to come. Besides being highly capable gadgets, all the N-series phones offer more than you can imagine leaving you awestruck! Boasting of a cutting edge technology and an exhaustive range of features the Nokia N95 is one phone, which you would surely love to have. Yes, it does support the popular 3G technology to give you all the options, you can desire. To make it a very user-friendly device, the Nokia N95 is duly endowed with a two-way slider mechanism. Hence, the user can open this elegant gadget in two different modes for different purposes. All you have to do is slide open your Nokia N95 and thus comes its keypad a gateway to innumerable possibilities. Making it the best compatible camera phone, the Nokia N95 is loaded with Carl Zeiss optics and 5.0 mega pixel camera click with assurance to get fine pictures. Equipped with whopping 4GB of hard drive it provides ample space to save all the right stuff from images to video clips and your favourite songs. You are always at the right place with your Nokia N95 no matter, where you are. Its GPS technology lets you feel comfortable even in distant or unknown places. Actually GPS is filled with a comprehensive data from 100 countries thus, you can explore and visit various places with much ease. As being a 3G enabled handset, the Nokia N95 has all the latest functionalities you name it and you have it with this digital powerhouse. If you are a music buff, then the Nokia N95 would never disappoint you. It provides thrilling sound quality with its digital media player. Listen to all those favourite numbers, while on the move enjoy music to feel the eternal bliss. Its compatible music player can support music in various formats such as MP3, AAC, AAC+ etc. If its inbuilt memory is not good enough for you, then you can enhance it by using an extra memory card space is never a problem with the Nokia N95. Caitlin Lucy is a Expert Author. She has written good quality articles on [http://www.3mobileshop.co.uk/]Mobile phones and [http://www.3mobileshop.co.uk/simfreephone.asp]Sim Free Phones Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caitlin_Lucy http://EzineArticles.com/?Nokia-N95—Go-Digital,-Smartly&id=513190 drug ambien withdraw ambien cr via canada ambien cr dosage ambien drug interactions