Staples of Asian Home Decor

By Johnson V

Asian home decor is very popular and not hard to achieve if you have some imagination and are ready to invest in a few essential accessories. What you should remember is that Asian home decor is all about subtlety and smart distribution of things inside the house. Either it is based on feng shui, minimalism, or tropical patterns – the goal is to evoke an Asian look. In fact, even just a few simple accessories can create Asian feel and make your home look exotic.

Red and Gold, Not Gaudy

Chinese influence made red a very popular Asian furniture and accessory color. You can safely use red furniture for your Asian home decor. Real antique Chinese furniture does not generally have Chinese words or gaudy flowers painted on it. Avoid cheap and poorly stylized pieces of furniture – they will fail to create an authentic look, simply because Asian home decor is all about good taste.

While carving and gilt are staples of Asian home decor, they don’t look gaudy, but rather subtle and rich. Throughout Asia, adding a little gilt detail to furniture is common and tasteful. There is also a symbolism to the carving for people who know how to read it. Experts can tell where and why a piece was created just by looking at the kinds of patterns carved into the wood.

Fine Fabrics

Asia was already home to a thriving silk industry thousands of years ago. While silk is still a luxury, it is also typical of fine Asian home decor. This does not mean your whole couch must be upholstered in silk, but it does mean some throw pillows or a footstool covered in silk should be part of the look. There are really plenty of choices, and you just need to be creative. You could hang a picture of a woman wearing a kimono, or you could even hang a real kimono. The latter is definitely more interesting.

Batik or hand-woven textiles of Southeast Asia are good option to help create Asian home decor. In Indonesia and Malaysia, intricate batiks are used in traditional clothing for everyone from peasants to sultans. The best are hand-made in a restrained, geometric style. Some communities still weave on handlooms and create symmetric masterpieces with just a few colors of silk or cotton thread. Simply hanging one of the fabrics on the wall is a beautiful and authentic touch for your Asian home decor.

Flowers to Complete the Look

Normally, Asian home decor doesn’t use flowery fabrics, but fresh flowers are a definitely a must in the home. Of course, in Western countries fresh stems of orchid and lotus are a luxury and might not be available at all unlike in tropical Asia. Yet, a few high-quality silk flowers, pictures or paintings of flowers can complete the look of your Asian home decor.

For more information on Asian home decor check out http://www.homedecordiscussion.com .You'll find loads of tips and techniques plus you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before. But Hurry! For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Home Decor Software at absolutely no cost.

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Creating Authentic Look With Oriental Home Decor

By Johnson V

Among the many various home décor styles present in today’s homes, oriental home décor is one of the newest trends gaining huge popularity. Many people try to create authentic oriental home décor for their dwellings, but end up with piles of clichéd stuff. Therefore, you need to know first of all just what exactly oriental home décor is. You have to know very clearly what authentic oriental style is – and what is not.

Is It True Oriental?

The most important distinction in determining whether something is an authentic oriental item, or whether it came from a tourist shop in Chinatown, is how “Zen” it is. Real oriental home décor is understated as a rule. Home décor item from a tourist shop in Chinatown may decorate your home as well. But is it oriental? The short answer is no. Items from tourist shops are generally everything but understated, and are marketed to appeal to shoppers looking for keepsake items and souvenirs. They should not appeal to you if your focus is on true oriental home décor.

Defining Authentic

Decoration that is authentically oriental is usually quite understated. On the one hand, it can involve only color, pattern and the occasional symbol that makes it oriental, such as very detailed flowers or nature scenes. However, oriental home décor does not have to be plain to be authentic. It does have to be absolutely beautiful, and it must be ‘Zen’. It cannot be frantic, and it cannot loudly proclaim its oriental qualities. The most beautiful and authentic oriental home décor would not even be identified as oriental by most people.

The simplest examples of oriental home décor, although they are not always identified as oriental, are vases with birds or flowers on them. Apart from what is depicted on such a vase, you will also notice that, most oriental vases are much smaller in size than their western counterparts are. In addition to vases, there is a multitude of fine china available from Japan that many people use to decorate their home instead of as dinnerware. Noritake is perhaps the most well-known example; Noritake plates with birds or even with a simple gold rim adorn the walls of many homes that can be featured as having authentic oriental home décor.

In the process of creating oriental home décor think understated, think balanced and think beautiful. Keep to these three elements as staples, and your room will be transformed into a wonderful well-balanced and harmonious place.

For more information on Oriental Home Décor check out http://www.homedecordiscussion.com

You'll find loads of tips and techniques plus you'll find answers to questions many others in your situation have asked before. But Hurry! For a limited time you can get your very own copy of our award winning Home Decor Software at absolutely no cost.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnson_V

Investors' Education And Grievances

By Gayathri Devi

A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.

-- Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
INTRODUCTION

We learnt calculus, organic chemistry, mathematics and Shakespeare in college, but investing in the stock markets arguably a subject of interest for scores, never formed part of our curriculum. A subject that would have shaped the monetary destinies of each of us was never even considered.

Educated & empowered investors always allow the market forces to play their role to shape a fairer and efficient competitive market. In the past, the investors, small and ignorant, have had very unpleasant experiences in the stock market. Through the years, it is experienced that the worst sufferers in the market are the small investors who have little awareness about the changing market scenario.

With the increasing role of globalization & liberalization in the world, the concept of investor protection has to be looked at from different angles taking into account the requirements of various kinds of investors i.e.,(i) investors in equity (ii) large institutional investors (iii) Foreign Investors (iv) investors in debentures and (v) small investors/deposit holders etc. The Indian stock market should keep itself in touch with what is happening in the world.

Foreign Institutional Investors are becoming major participants in the Indian Stock Markets. They have a global investment perspective and independent country market evaluating criteria. To generate faith Indian markets have to become more transparent, more informative and encourage greater participation from the institutions and the individuals. Better-educated and empowered investors play their role in stabilizing the market which itself generates faith among the investors who are looking forward for better investment opportunities. These investors strongly influence the national economy.

THE INDIAN SCENARIO

A potential investor invests in the stock market with certain expectations about the performance of the company, the prospects of income from and/or the capital growth of the security and the corporate benefits that may accrue. While making a decision, the investor evaluates the attendant risks, especially as the expectations on income and/or growth may not materialize. An investor in debt instruments has recourse to redeem the investments from the company besides the market. But as an equity shareholder, the investor can realize value only through the market. Further, there are risks in the trading and transfer of securities.

What is important for the investors is that they should be able to identify industries that are growing at a faster rate. This requires constant analysis and expertise to analyze the financial indicators. The financial services sector would gain momentum and the services of the financial analysts will increasingly play an important role in view of the rapid changes in the new economy.
Jai Singh Kothari, Financial Analyst & Director, Rajasthan Patrika Ltd., in his keynote address, emphasized the need of investor education in the fast changing scenario of the capital market. He said successful investors will be those who identify and follow the winners in the new economy.
Kothari pointed out that in this era of globalization, the Indian economy is being transformed from an agro base to industry orientation. Therefore, it is advisable to first understand the fundamental principles before one gets into the capital market. Increasingly, knowledge based industries will play a significant role in the new economy. He said agro based economy had the elements of stability while liberalization and globalization based economy will have the elements of instability and, under such circumstances, success can be ensured only when one can identify stability factors in the unstable economy.

He cited the example of the United States of America where during the nineteenth century 98 percent of the population was dependent on agriculture. This figure was gradually reduced to 60 percent due to industrialization of the economy in the next century. By 1950, the agricultural component in the economy was reduced to 45 percent. Presently it is just 2 percent. This means 98 percent of the economy is dependent upon service and technology based sectors.
Kothari explained that the present Indian economic situation is same as the American economic situation in the nineteenth century. Within a span of a decade, the percentage of agriculture sector reduced from 70 to 65 percent in the year 2000. By 2007, this figure is going to be 55 percent.

ISSUES

It has been observed that several licensed non-banking financial institutions and plantation companies are not making repayment of the maturity value of fixed deposits under their different deposit schemes, to their depositors in clear violation of their contractual obligations and trust, on one or the other pretext. It is a strong need that the government should take prompt and effective steps to catch hold of defaulter companies and make repay depositors’ dues without any further harassment. In case of deliberate defaults, directors’ property should be attached.

It was felt that the capital market included investment into risk bearing instruments. In such cases, the investor was required to make his own assessment of risk and reward. No compensation could be visualized for such investors whose investments were in risk bearing instruments. Similarly, investment in a fixed return instrument necessitated a careful review of the borrowing entity. Such actions would also be subjected to known or declared risks. Besides, the capital market also provides an opportunity for an investor to exit. The need therefore, is to ensure proper and healthy market operation so that investors could exercise their exit options in a reasonable and equitable environment.

In particular, the capital market regulator, SEBI has a significant role to play in safeguarding the interest of investors. Therefore, it is the joint responsibility of SEBI, the stock exchanges, the government and the non-government organizations to equip small investors with the necessary information and understanding about the intricacies of the functioning of the stock markets so that they can ensure guaranteed & safe investment avenues.

ROLE OF INSTITUTIONS/GOVERNMENT

SEBI has done a commendable job in developing the framework for Indian capital market in its formative stages subsequent to the liberalization process initiated in the 1990s. SEBI has instituted a committee to discuss the policy and modalities of an investor education programme that will bring about investor awareness with the help of the media. SEBI has sanctioned a grant for establishing two Investor Education & Grievances Cell at Jaipur and Calcutta, and also for organizing seminars on Investors’ Education on capital markets in various cities of Rajasthan and West Bengal. Recently, it conducted seminars in Jaipur & Calcutta and many other places on 'Investor Education on Capital Markets' log on to a Web site called www.investorhelpline.in

Minister of Company Affairs, Shri Prem Chand Gupta launched the “Investor Helpline”, a website developed by Midas Touch Investors Association, here today. The website is fully funded under Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), Ministry of Company Affairs. Investors having grievances against various companies that have collected money from the public can refer to the website. Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS) is a leading consumer organization established in 1983 in India engaged in several areas of public interest, in the fields of consumer movement, health, environment, and investor education, economical and social reforms. CUTS is registered under Investor’s Association with SEBI.

REDRESSAL OF INVESTOR GRIEVANCES

SEBI has instituted a process for redressing investor grievances arising from the issue procedure, from investor dealings with brokers and sub-brokers and against mutual funds. The largest number of investor grievances is caused as part of the issue process.
The grievance redressal rate of SEBI has been increasing through the years as can be seen from Table 1and Table 2 The reasons for the improvement in the rate of investor grievance redressal in the current year are effective follow up with the companies, tightening of the procedure for issuing No Objection Certificate for release of the 1% security deposits kept by the companies with the stock exchanges and periodic meetings held with the recalcitrant companies. The grievances received during the year 1996-97 were substantially lower than those received in the earlier years. It can be observed from Table 2 that the redressal rate has been consistently increasing over the years

Table 1. Investor Grievances

        Received         Resolved

upto 1991     18,794           4,061

1991-92       110,317          22,946

1992-93       3,51,837         66,308

1993-94       5,84,622         3,39,517

1994-95       5,16,080         3,51,842  

1995-96       3,76,478         3,15,652

1996-97       2,17,394         4,31,865

Table 2. Investor Grievances - Cumulative

                      Received          Resolved     Redressal Rate

Upto 31.03.91        18,794             4,061               21.61%

Upto 31.03.92        129,111            27,007              20.92%

Upto 31.03.93        480,948            93,315              19.40%

Upto 31.03.94        1,065,610          432,832             40.62%

Upto 31.03.95        1,589,690          784,674             49.61% 

Upto 31.03.96        1,958,168          1,100,326           56.19%

Upto 31.03.97        2,175,562          1,532,191           70.43%

(source:www.sebi.gov.in/annualreport)

However, there is a need for the framework to develop further in a balanced manner keeping in view the Indian context while enabling best international practices. In doing so, the regulator must examine different aspects of capital market operation and the roles played by different intermediaries as also the interaction amongst them so that the capital market is able to deliver finance to meet requirements of the corporate sector promptly, in a cost effective manner and in keeping with the changing requirements of new business models. In carrying out this function, it should ensure the credibility of its processes in the eyes of the investors.

General Do's and Don’t's for Investors

1.Deal with registered intermediaries. Keep a record of all instructions and transactions.

2.Confirm with your Broker / Sub–broker whether delivery is in physical or demat form before selling shares.

3.Don’t fall prey to promises of impracticable high returns.

4.Don’t indulge in speculative trading. Operate within your predestined limits.

5.Use the Investors’ Grievance Redressal system of the Exchanges to redress your grievances if any.

6.Have knowledge of the working of the Investor Service Cell for complaint against listed companies/Brokers.

7.Go for Online trading by registering with a Broker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gayathri_Devi

How to Run a Construction Company

By Bill Henthorn

There are three separate entities that a construction company has to satisfy in order to remain in business for an extended period of time. Licensing by the state, county and city can be the first hurdle the construction company must conquer. There are licensing test that must be taken and passed in order to get the license to operate. When this is acquired, the insurance that most clients will demand you have can be obtained to cover the job liability. Having the license will also allow bidding on jobs and doing subcontracting work.

Subcontracting work is the second entity that needs to be satisfied. A general contractor on a project will contract work to qualified businesses based on licensing, reputation and price. The better the general contractor, the better the jobs that can be found this way. Solid general contractors are better to work for as their checks should be delivered on time and will clear the bank. If you are new to the contracting business, make sure you ask around about any general contractor you are thinking of working for or with. Some big companies have lousy pay practices and can put a small contractor in a world of hurt very quickly.

The third entity to satisfy is the final customer. Some contractors will only work for the final customer as these are the payers for the job, and the terms can be ironed out, completed and the check will be paid. There is no middleman in the way, like there can be with a general contractor.

Employees you can count on

Solid construction companies with excellent reputations have people working for them that are very good at what they do, are great with the customer and finish the job as agreed or earlier. If they are well treated by the owner of the business, they will always go the extra mile for the boss. Respect and trust are a two way street. Good employees demand it and good employers will make sure it is part of the operating plan of the business. If you lose your quality people, you will suffer on the job and could end up out of business. Some owners just cannot seem to get this idea through their thick head. But the proof is just watch the construction companies with good reputations and see how their people act on the job. They are pros and do the work with skill and expertise. There is an obvious respect between the owner and his people. If you ask around it becomes quite apparent which companies' people want to work for. Pay is only part of the answer. On site treatment of the employee is also an important element of the job. Mutual respect and trust are a big part of why some companies always have a list of people who want to work for them.

If there is a problem, it should be settled in private. Public dressing down is very poor management by the owner. No one wants to be embarrassed on the job. On the other hand public recognition of a job well done will never be frown on if the owner is sincere in the praise. Skilled, smart employees can make a company stand out and poor employees can quickly ruin a company with the people who hire. This one element of a construction company must be constantly handled in a professional manner and certainly not like a plantation owner.

Hiring experience is never cheap and training new employees has its own cost. Successful companies have come to the conclusion that a mix of both gives the best result. In any hiring agreement, make sure there is a trial period stated and a time certain evaluation date. This lets both parties know that there is a probation period that must be completed.

Bidding jobs, carefully to win

A job is up for bid that sounds like it is right up your alley. Make sure all the job details are clear and any questions you have are answered before committing your company. Go over the bid with a find tooth comb to find any math errors or mistakes in entry in the spreadsheet. Let the bid sit for a few hours or days if you can and then look at it again with fresh eyes. If there are obvious contingencies, make sure they are noted as part of the bid. Do not assume that something is understood as common practice. This can get a construction company in financial difficulty very quickly. If there are time constraints, make sure that the contract states how the scheduling will be handled and how it will be agreed upon. Scheduling problems can escalate in a construction job and throw all kinds of plans and money up in the air. If there is a dispute, the way it will be resolved should be included in the bid.

Cover the possibility of rising material costs in the bid. Commodity prices can soar over night and could have a very serious effect on your cost for the job. Construction firms have been damaged when copper prices or fuel prices suddenly go crazy.

Office staff and the telephone

Make sure your phone calls are answered in a friendly and professional way. When a possible customer calls in to your business, how they are treated on the phone will make an impression. Poor phone technique can leave a bad impression. Let the staff and those who answer the phone know explicitly how you want the phone answered and then test it yourself to see if it is being put into effect. If a specific staff person is needed to answer a question, try to do it then or let the person calling know how soon an answer will be available. People are willing to wait, usually, if they know that the answer will be coming in a reasonable time frame.

Quality staff work is another sign of a well-run business. Details are the nuts and bolts. These should be handled efficiently and with accuracy. Once a good staff is put in place, the business should seem to run on its own. Compliments will go a long way to keeping it that way.

Conclusions

Constructions companies can be moneymakers and financial disasters. Running a construction company takes planning and careful attention to detail by all involved in bidding a job. Bad bids cost money that could kill the profit for a year or more. The money in any bid is in the details. The secret is to understand the terms of the bid and make sure that is exactly what you are quoting on. Special considerations should be noted and specifically agreed to before accepting a contract.

If there are time constraints or time penalties for the job, make sure you know the details of who sets the constraints and what will happen if there are situations that cannot be foreseen. Scheduling delays are the biggest danger here and who sets the schedule must be spelled out. Your contract should set the time needed to do your job if the job site is ready. Conflicting schedules for your work and another are the problem for the general contractor and should not be held again

And now I would like to offer you free access to information on a powerful integrated system of marketing, sales & advertising so you can thrive instead of survive in today's economic environment.

Henthorn is president of Spiral Marketers, a marketing firm which includes a number of partnerships that range from cutting-edge software development, business and personal improvement coaching, online e-commerce businesses, and more.

He was formerly was president and principal broker of a resort / commercial real estate brokerage in Honolulu which specialized in representing sellers in transactions up to $50MM.

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Things You Need To Know About Hilton Head Real Estate

By Dave Carroll

Well, unfortunately the secret is out about Hilton Head. What's the secret? Basically the secret is that it is one of the most beautiful spots in the U.S., has some of the most insanely stylish homes anywhere and is a perfect place to live if you enjoy the finer things in life. For quite some time Hilton Head was know as a destination resort wonderland. This is an area that is very much affected by it's seasonal population which grown exponentially during the summer months. This trend has made it an ideal spot for vacation rental investments and similar real estate ventures.

Known for its amazing recreational facilities, Hilton Head encompasses the majesty of the eastern seaboard with some of the most awe-inspiring green spaces and world renowned golf courses. Many of these top-notch courses are woven throughout the numerous high-end gated communities that make up the majority of the island's residential sector. Hilton head is one of those areas that has seen consistent growth over the past years as more people are becoming year-round residents.

If you are the kind of person who is enamored by waterfront real estate then living on an island is the best way to achieve your home dreams. Hilton Head Island's unique landscape provides a huge amount of waterfront property both on the scenic ocean and on the myriad of waterways that meander quietly throughout the area. This unique makeup has created numerous small coves and lagoons along the coast that are now inhabited by some of the most fantastic luxury real estate on the continent. Homes on Hilton Head Island range from quaint or more modern condos to inspired colonial manor homes and plantation style estates. In fact is is quite easy to find homes here that run in excess of $4 million. Living in Hilton head is a lifestyle unto itself and for that reason it has earned it's reputation as one of America's finest luxury home sites.

David Carroll is a realtor and founding partner of Carson Realty. Carlton Realty specializes in Hilton Head real estate and is dedicated to bring clients and dream homes together.

For a look at the exquisite homes and properties available in Hilton Head, contact David or visit Carson Realty online at http://www.hiltonheadhomesource.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Carroll

Spirituals - The Songs That Inspire Us

By Duane Shinn

Great spiritual songs that inspire are a part of America's folklore. Long a part of our nation's canon of song, we hardly give thought to how they came into existence. Each one does have a story though, which sheds light on the place and time they were born.

The following songs are a few examples of great spirituals and their origins. These songs are great for singing around the piano and are a fine addition to any piano repertoire.

Amazing Grace

Written originally as a poem by John Newton in 1772, Amazing Grace is one of the most popular spiritual songs in America. The music that accompanies the version we know today is a variation of the tune "New Britain." This music first appeared in 1829 in a hymnal titled Columbian Harmony. The composer is unknown. Amazing Grace is John Newton's personal thoughts on divine grace and his conversion to Christianity.

When the Saints Go Marching In

This song is familiar as a spiritual tune often played in New Orleans to accompany a funeral procession to and from a burial. Louis Armstrong propelled the song to great popularity in the 1930s with his rousing jazz rendition. However, researchers point to the Bahamas as the birthplace of the song.

A song titled "When the Saints are Marching In" resembles the song we know today. Published in 1896, its lyricist and composer were Katherine E. Purvis and James M. Black. Various titles of the piece appeared over the years. The title we are familiar with received publication in a hymnal in 1927 titled "Spirituals Triumphant-Old and New." Vocal and instrumental versions of the song play across the land year after year.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Wallis Willis wrote this song around 1862. The Red River reminded him of the Jordan River, and the references in the song are to the Prophet Elijah going to heaven on a chariot. This song was a favorite of plantation workers in the 1800s. It enjoyed new popularity in the 1960s as part of the music of the Civil Rights movement. Willis was once a slave of the Choctaw Indians.

Michael Row the Boat Ashore

First published in "Slave Songs of the United States" in 1867, this song began in the oral tradition. The abolitionist Charles Ware wrote the music for the words that freed slaves sung on St. Helena Island in the 1860s. This song speaks of crossing the Jordan River, and the river is a metaphor for crossing over from life to death. The Michael of the song is Michael the Archangel.

Go Tell It on the Mountain

This song is a popular Christmas tune. It's a traditional African-American spiritual written by John Wesley Work, Jr. in 1907. The song received publication that year in Nashville, Tenn., in his book, "Folk Songs of the American Negro." Work devoted his time to preserving African-American folk music. Go Tell It on the Mountain has a rich performance history, with Peter, Paul, and Mary; Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby; and Bob Marley among its performers.

The great spiritual songs continue to speak their words to new generations of listeners. They offer hope to those who seek inspirational messages in musical form to help them in their trials. For this reason, they will uplift those who play and sing them for generations to come.

Duane Shinn is the author of the popular online newsletter on piano chords, available free at "Exciting Piano Chords & Chord Progressions!"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duane_Shinn

How I Became a Syndicated Columnist -- And You Can Too!

By Sarah Smiley

Real Estate has "Location, location, location," and writing has "Clips, clips, clips."

When people ask me how I became a syndicated columnist, I usually say, "it just snowballed." And basically that's what happened: one publication led to another, which led to another, and so forth.

I began my career writing for a small community paper in my neighborhood. To look back on those first published clips is quite entertaining! But how can I be ashamed? The work I did at The Julington Creek Plantation Press (the JCPP) became a springboard for my now nationally syndicated column "Shore Duty."

(If you read between the lines here, what I'm saying is, Don't be impatient, and don't expect quick success! Be willing to work your way up and focus on getting the coveted published clips.)

But a giant "snowball" was not all it took for me to become a writing success. Admittedly, it took hard-work, research and persistence too. Below are some things I learned along the way:

Never Submit Shoddy Work, No Matter How Small the Publication

When I was working for the JCPP I knew the interviews and spotlights I was writing were not Pulitzer material. In fact, I'd be surprised if even a hundred people ever even read those first pieces. Nevertheless, I made sure every submission was flawless and an excellent reflection of what I can do as a writer. (You never know who might read your work...even the small work!)

Providing error-free copy and meeting deadlines sets up a precedence of professionalism that will follow you throughout your career. Never forget the editors you are writing for now may be the ones writing your next referral or recommendation.

A great book for grammar and proofreading help is The Associated Press Guide to Punctuation by Rene J. Cappon.

Never Let Your Readers Down

Developing a relationship with your readers is the ultimate goal (editors only buy what their readers demand!), so it is important to make sure all your writing (however small or insignificant) is entertaining and consistent with your abilities.

Building a firm base of loyal fans and readers should be your utmost concern. Never let your readers down! When I write my column each week, I have in my mind the mother who will be sitting down to breakfast Tuesday morning and opening the Life section to see my submission. I don't write for editors (well, ok, so I do a little bit); I write for readers.

Building my readership base has paid off. Now I have loyal fans throughout the country emailing their local papers to request Shore Duty! And I'll say it again: Editors only buy what their readers demand!

Always Approach the Managing Editor

There are many benefits to querying the Managing Editor of a publication, as opposed to a section- or other editor. Ultimately, the Managing Editor makes the monetary decisions for the paper, which gives them the "last word." If you want a quick "yes" or "no" with few middle-men in between, direct your query to the Managing Editor.

Once you get the job, however, strive to build a good working relationship with the editor of your section. This will be the person you deal with on a regular basis. Always meet deadlines (in fact, be early and they'll love you!), and as much as possible, reduce the amount of work for your very busy editor: always proofread and "tighten" your writing before submitting it for publication.

Save Your Clips

As soon as you are published anywhere, start saving your clips. I always photo-copy mine because newsprint begins to yellow over time. Make sure the publication date is noted on the clip, then place it in a protective binder. Hopefully you'll be making more copies of these clips soon when you write your syndication proposal...or your book proposal!

Watch Your Contracts

Writers are artists at heart, but unfortunately, in the world of publishing, there's a lot of business-minded tasks to take care of. In particular, it's important to learn about contracts...or find someone to learn about it for you.

My husband is my personal "business advisor" who helps me to think with my "career" mind rather than my "artsy" mind when it comes time to sign on the dotted line.

Here's one very important thing I've learned (by error) about contracts: be cautious of a "Work for Hire" deal. If you sign a "Work for Hire" contract, you are basically signing away all the rights to your writing. In effect, the publication, not you, owns the article/column you produce. If you should ever want to reprint that piece (in a book, etc.) you then have to ask permission from the original publication.

A much better way is to sign a "Freelancer Contract". This type of arrangement assures you the rights to your work. You are actually only lending your work to the publication, and you still retain all rights to reprint or publish however else you choose (except that most papers will ask that you not publish in another competing local paper).

A good book to educate yourself about contracts is Understanding Publishers' Contracts by Michael Legat.

If You Have the Choice, Go With Self-Syndication

There are two ways to syndicate: through an agency, or on your own. Below are the pros and cons of both (as I see it).

Going through an Agency

The experts do all the business work for you (marketing, writing proposals, etc.)

Your mind is freed up to be artistic and write, write, write.

Agencies have contacts and networks you do not.

Selling a syndicated column can be a full-time job; if you want to write full-time, leave the business of promotion and sales to an agency.

However, an agency will take a hefty chunk of your profits.

An agency creates a middle-man through which you have to work.

An agency takes "control" of your career.

Self-Syndicating Your Column

You retain control and direction of your own career.

You don't have to share profits with an agency.

You don't have to work through a middle-man.

BUT, you do have to work really hard to market yourself and your column.

Self-syndicating is like taking on another job. (You will be solely responsible for sales, promotion, understanding contracts, creating invoices, etc.)

For me, however, the biggest benefit of going the self-syndication route has been the satisfaction I get from knowing I am in control of my own career and that I've gotten here through my own talents and hard work.

A good book for understanding the differences between self-syndication and syndication through an agency is Successful Syndication: A Guide for Writers and Cartoonists by Michael H. Sedge.

If you work hard enough, have patience and collect lots and lots of clips, you are well on your way to being a columnist.

I wish you luck, no writer's block, and many days of writing success!

Copyright 2004 Sarah Smiley www.SarahSmiley.com

About The Author

++You may reprint the above column on your website so long as the following is included the URL address is actively hyperlinked back++

THIS MUST BE INCLUDED: Copyright 2004 Sarah Smiley http://www.SarahSmiley.com - Sarah Smiley's syndicated column Shore Duty appears weekly in newspapers across the country.

sarah@sarahsmiley.com

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Make Your Home a Real Home by Using Window Coverings

By Sourav Sarkar

Why Window Coverings

The moment a visitor or any one step into a room, they first look at the windows, as a natural gesture to see what is outside and from outside, the window dressings are always gazed at to see what is inside. This is why it makes it important for one to have comfortable, good quality window dressings that not only enhance the overall sophistication and elegance of one's home but help you feel confident about the creative homemaker in you. It lets others appreciate your sense of style and creativity in spicing up your home with an all new look and feel.

In this context, it is important to choose the best window coverings that fit your home as well as your budget. If you cannot start a whole home makeover for the window dressings, you can try to start with the living room area and create a signature style impact there.

Choosing Window Coverings

With an array of window coverings at your choice, you can check out the pros and cons of these types of window covering. You can weigh the merits and demerits of window shades, shutters, blinds, and even curtains as these are all excellent options for window covering.
Besides, you can get so many types in any segment these days, be it roll shades or Roman shades. In the blinds segment itself, one can opt for mini, Venetian or vertical. Plantation style shutters are also very much in vogue. There are great options to check out in the variety of swags and valences as well as other trendy accessories, namely curtain poles. In whatever way your imagination lets you choose, it is now infinitely easier to enhance the over all indoor look of your space, in terms of window covering or dressing.

A lot of people have a mistaken impression that a tastefully done up window covering requires branded custom window covering. But those who have a creative eye for color and detail would point out that discounted or cheap window coverings can also make a world of difference in enhancing your home with the right degree of creative thinking.

Among your buying options, it makes sense to browse online, view samples, compare prices and make a detailed study before you buy. If yours is a tight sort of budget, it is possible to opt for vinyl and save a tidy sum of money.

Levolor Drapery and Blinds

Before we sum up, remember, with many options for window dressings, Levolor is a trusted and much loved household name as they have a fabulous range of drapes and blinds that would give your home an amazing, classy and priceless makeover. The best part is that Levolor ensures a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

To ensure an overall experience of comfort, go ahead and buy coverings that make your home feel truly like the place where you belong.

I recommend you to visit these for more information on various Discount Shades and Levelor Shades

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Need Design Advice - Purchase Interior Design Software!

By Des Smalls

You want to redesign your home, but you have no idea where to start. In the
days before technology, you would have to take pictures of the rooms that you
were redesigning, and then take those pictures with you to various department or
furniture stores so that you could have a clear mental picture of how the
furniture would look in your home.

The same was applicable when you were choosing the colors of the rooms in your
home. You had to go to the paint or home improvement stores, and get paint
swatches to place in the room or rooms that you were painting to see how the
color would look. You wished at the time that there was an easier, more
convenient way to figure out what would look best in your home. Now that is an
option with interior design software!

About Interior Design Software

Many people think that interior design software is something that must be purchased wherever specialized computer software is sold. While this is not incorrect, at the same time there is
software that can help you available directly through the internet. For example, if you are looking to purchase furniture from a certain furniture store, and that furniture store has a website, the site might have an option that allows you to see what certain furniture pieces might look like in your home. All you have to do is upload a picture of the room to the site for the software
to work.

Many paint stores also have the option via their websites. Think about how
much easier it will be to, with a click of a button, figure out if a color will
work, all from the comfort of your home! Some of the software through these
websites is quite advanced, so that you can see how the color will look at
certain points of the day.

Of course, you also have the option of buying specialized
interior design software -the kind that many professionals use. However, if you are not well-versed in computer software, you will have to have patience, because this software has many
different aspects to it that you will need to learn. For example, if you are
looking for certain patterns or colors, this software can to only help you find
them, but you can also customize the look of the room! It is like having a
mental picture tangibly available for all to see!

Keep in mind that the cost of interior design software can be expensive, the
cost increasing in proportion to the amount of features that the software has.
As to where this kind of software can be found, be sure to search the internet
for reputable design websites that offer the software as part of their
inventory. You are sure to find the right kind with the proper research.

SNS Designs, Inc. owns a number of home decor websites. They carry wide selection of unique table lamps, Hanging and Pendant lighting and floor lamps. They offer the most popular housewarming ideas, such as tiffany style lamps, table lamps, buffet lamps for everyone.

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Software For Machine Embroidery

By Dave Faulkner

Embroidery is well known for an art form that needs to be done by someone that is created and learned. With all the new technology, you will not need to have those qualities to learn how to make projects in embroidery that are not learned or take time to complete. The difficulty and the art of the designs can only be made by digital embroidery are still great art work but just not done by great needlework. There are many more people that are being drawn into the simple and easy choice for making minute’s quick embroidery patterns. Women who are not interested in embroidery have gone the extra step to get themselves a machine that they can use in their homes. The reason for this is because these women know it is easy for them to learn and the best quality and the finest embroidery can be made each time you push the button.

The newer machines are already programmed with software that will let you edit, change the size, and make your own patterns for embroidery. The software for the machines is supplied by embroidery design companies that are not the company that made the machine and some of the top makers of these machines for embroidery. The easiest way for you to get some designs is by getting them directly from the internet. There is a large amount of software for your machines that you can find on the internet and most of them do not cost much.

There is some very advanced software for machine embroidery that will let you change and create custom patterns of your choice. You will also have a choice of fonts and colors that you may want to use. You will be free to add your own personality in the design without having to start from the very beginning of the design. The important thing about it is that you will produce designs that are the right ones and are lovely in all the details it was given.

If you are thinking about getting software for your machine embroidery, do some checking into the price and compare them. You will save yourself some money by getting the best deal you can. Contact the dealer and ask about the services that come along with the software like the policy they have for returns and the cost of handling charges. It will be money well spent and it will make your embroidery projects easier to complete. With the ease you have found in the machine, you will embroider anything you can get your hands on. You might even find some inspiration for items that will make perfect gifts for your friends and family.

You can also find more information on Embroidery Machines and Embroidery Thread. Allthingsembroidery.com is a comprehensive resource to know more aboutEmbroidery.

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Cruise Ports of Call That Are Close To Home Are What Cruise Passengers Want Now

By Mary Hanna

Cruise ports of call from close to home are what cruise passengers are choosing on a more frequent basis. It has been a steadily increasing trend according to CLIA, the cruise lines official organization. Cruise ports of call close to home gives the cruise passenger many more choices and eliminates the hassle of heightened airport security.

Cruise lines have caught on to this trend of cruise passengers using cruise ports of call close to home and are positioning their ships up and down the East Coast, the West Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. This allows cruise passengers the option of traveling to their cruise port of call by car, train or bus. It will also save you some money since you will not be buying expensive airline tickets. With the money saved on airline tickets it allows the cruise traveler the choice of picking a pricier cabin, a more luxurious cruise line, or more cash to spend at their destinations.

Following are description of the various cruise ports of call that are now offered to the cruise passenger on the East Coast. We will start in Florida since that is by far the most popular port of embarkation for the cruise traveler.

Miami is the busiest of all ports on the Eastern Seaboard. Miami is a world class attraction offering incredible beaches, the Art Deco section of Miami Beach, a widely diverse culture and marvelous food. Having left this port on numerous occasions, it is one of the most efficiently run ports.

Next is Fort Lauderdale which many cruise travelers choose as a departure port. It has miles of beautiful beaches, the trendy Los Olas district, and many chic restaurants. On Saturdays and Sundays there can be more that eight cruise ships departing Port Everglades. If you have time before your cruise adventure, go out to the Everglades and take an airboat tour over this spectacular nature preserve.

Up the coast is Port Canaveral. It is called the Space Coast and has many attractions including all of Orlando's theme parks. If you can, visit the fascinating Space center along with the Astronaut Hall of Fame. This port does not have as many cruise lines as the previous ports but it is a viable option for people all over Florida and adjacent states who wish to take a Port of Canaveral cruise.

Further north is the Port of Jacksonville. They only offer one cruise ship but is very convenient for anyone living in that area. They have a very mild climate so all sports are available. There is also Gardens and the Crummer Museum.

Across the state of Florida is the Port of Tampa. There are many attractions here, too, including Ybor City, the cigar capital of the world, Busch Gardens and towards the center of the state Cypress Gardens. Having revamped its terminal to the tune of $6.5 million dollars it has more than doubled its size. The Port of Tampa cruises are centrally located on the West coast of Florida

Let's keep going up the East Coast to Charleston, South Carolina. There are two cruise lines in the Port of Charleston that take cruise passengers to Bermuda or the Caribbean. Nothing can beat the Southern charm and flavor of the city of Charleston located conveniently close to tour for you, prior to your Port of Charleston cruise. Tour the beautiful streets and estates like Boone Hall or Magnolia plantation. If you have time go out to Fort Sumter National Monument for an interesting tour of a Civil War memorial.

In the fall of 2006 the port in Norfolk, Virginia will offer several cruise lines for the cruise traveler to choose from. Norfolk is loaded with all things to do with the Navy. If you take a stroll down Cannonball Trail, you willview in depth the history of Norfolk's history. The cruise lines offer the cruise passenger itineraries to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Now, further north to Baltimore, Maryland's Inner Harbor. They have a dedicated cruise terminal for any cruise passenger that lives around this area. The beauty of the Chesapeake Bay is renowned, and some of the most delicious seafood can be found in this port. Don't miss the aquarium with over 10,000 sharks, stingrays, dolphins and tropical fish.

Just up the road is the Philadelphia Port for cruise travelers. Currently there are two cruise lines offering cruise passengers trips to Bermuda. Philadelphia is where the Constitution was signed so don't miss Independence Hall and, of course, the Liberty Bell. South Street has lots of funky shops and cafes. There is the 9th street market which is always very colorful. And don't leave on your cruise until you have had a cheese steak and an Italian hoagie.

We are still going north, this time to Bayonne, New Jersey to Bayonne Cape Liberty Cruise Port. This is the newest cruise terminal and is good choice if you do not want the hassle of New York. Bayonne used to be the home of oil refineries but now it is the place for Port of Bayonne cruises. There is only one cruise line departing from this port but in a way that is a good thing, since there will be less congestion. And it is only 7 miles from New York and three miles from Newark. You will see stunning views of Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.

Cross the George Washington Bridge and you are in lower Manhattan. There are a couple of cruise lines offering cruises from this port including the Queen Mary II. You can do a Broadway show, visit some of the excellent museums or visit the Empire State Building. Nothing is as dazzling as sailing our out of this port past Lady Liberty.

Our last stop is Boston, Massachusett's Black Fountain Cruise Terminal located in the industrial center. Cruise travelers are offered cruises to New England and Canada. Luckily downtown Boston is only a few miles away. This city is so rich in history. Take a tour on the Freedom Trail to see many of the important historical sites. Don't miss Faneuil Hall Marketplace and do a little pub hopping, Bostonians favorite pastime.

Well, now you can choose your cruise from a close to home port, and this is only the East Coast. Next we’ll explore the Gulf of Mexico.

Happy Cruising!

Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com

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Intriguing Mazes

By Janet Amatuzzi

Mazes have always held a sense of mystery. They can be found in children's coloring books, in a field of crops, or as intriguing winding pathways through a garden.

What exactly is a maze? According to the Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary a maze is a network of paths through which it is difficult to find one's way. We look at them as a puzzle to solve in order to reach a final goal.

There are two forms of mazes: unicursal and multicursal. Unicursal mazes have no blind alleys so they are not much of a problem to solve. Multicursal mazes have blind alleys and branches which makes it much more challenging to reach the goal.

Would you like to try out some challenging mazes? Here is a list of some fascinating mazes to stroll through in the United States.

Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee, Minnesota

Davis' Mega Maze in Sterling, Massachusetts

Dole Plantation in Wahiawa, Hawaii

Maize Quest Fun Park in New Park, Pennsylvania

Maze Maze in Garden City, South Carolina

Not up for the exercise? There are many sites online that offer free mazes for both children and adults alike. If you're not at your computer, you can still enjoy the fun of mazes found in books and hand held toys.

No matter whether you stroll through a maze of gardens, cornfields or just simply sit in an easy chair with your favorite maze puzzle, the intriguing educational maze continues to challenge the thinking skills both young and old alike.

Janet Amatuzzi 2008: Janet Amatuzzi is a retired special education teacher with 37 years of teaching experience. She has a website: http://www.educationsuperdeals123.com which promotes educational software, educational board and card games and preschool developmental toys.

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The Secret of Magical Descriptions in Your Novel

By Steve Manning

Take a look at the work of Shakespeare, or Hemmingway, or Stephen King, or Elmore Leonard and you've just discovered the key to magical descriptions when you write your book, no matter what kind of fiction you produce.

It's really not that difficult to master and when you do, you've just taken your work leaps and bounds ahead of where it was.

Let's start with Shakespeare. Look at all the stage directions and setting descriptions. There aren't any. In fact, in only one play does Shakespeare do anything like that. A character comes to the center of the stage and asks the audience to imagine a battlefield. That's it.

Hemmingway? I've never see such sparse descriptions. A couple of lines describes a complete meal, and yet never has food sounded more delicious.

As for King and Leonard, both hold back words of description as if they were each chunks of gold, extracted from their very own pockets, lost forever once they were down on the page.
The secret to great descriptions? Avoid them at all costs. It doesn't matter whether it's a restaurant, or a rail worker, a palatial mansion or a plantation manservant. Try to minimize (or eliminate) the description at all costs.

There are two very powerful reasons for this.

First, the reader is infinitely better at imagining the person that you are at describing him or her. Each reader has a picture of them in their mind's eye. They know how they walk, how they talk, how they dress and everything else that's important to them. They certainly don't need you to clarify any of the points they've already decided. Anything absolutely essential to the story, the person is left-handed, for example, you can add in when it's necessary. Beyond that, don't.
Most people have been in a restaurant before, or a science lab, or a middle class home, or a backyard swimming pool. Even if they haven't, they've got enough experience to imagine what it would be like. And you putting in your two cents worth as the author isn't helping them.
The second reason for avoiding description? It just gets in the way of the story. And the story is the only thing that is important. If it doesn't move the story along, it just isn't needed when you write your book.

Yes, I know, we've all read books that had pages of gorgeous descriptions of just about everything that appeared in the book, from hats, to Havanas to Haitian beaches.

And what is the first thing we skip over when we want to speed things up as we read? That's right, those very same pages of description.

The borrow from a former U.S. President, "It's the story, stupid."

Here's a writing rule that will make things a bit easier for you.

If at all possible, avoid describing anything unless it directly moves the story forward. If you want to fly into a fit of description, go ahead, but you're allowed to say only three things about whatever it is you want to describe. That's all, three maximum. Try to keep it down to one or two.
"The beige house had a manicured lawn and a double garage"

"She took off her broad-brimmed hat and placed it on the desk so he could see the small feather on it."

Remember, the key to offering the reader truly outstanding description is to offer the reader only minimal descriptions, if you offer them at all.

Steve Manning is a master writer showing thousands of people how they can write their book faster than they ever thought possible. Here's your free book-writing library and mini-course, http://www.WriteABookNow.com

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Interview With Wayne Jackson, Author of in Lieu of Light

By Eric Brasley

Like many young people who join the military, Wayne Jackson wanted to serve his country and go on an adventure beyond the confines of Mineola, Long Island where he grew up. As a Military Policeman in Baumholder, Germany he served Uncle Sam and took sometime to travel throughout Europe.

When he was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990, his unit was filled with confidence and youthfulness. During their tour of duty, his unit, along with Army engineers, constructed some of the first detention camps in Iraq. His platoon was attached to a unit of Army intelligence officers and he assisted with the apprehension and interrogation of Saddam Hussein's spies that operated covertly in the cities of Safwan and Basra. Eventually, Wayne's unit was awarded for processing over 10,000 enemy prisoners of war. However, after six months of witnessing the atrocities and rapid degradation of mankind, Wayne Jackson knew he'd never be the same.

Once he returned to Germany, Wayne was reassigned to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina where he later became a member of the Special Reaction Team (SWAT). There, he served the remaining years of his service tussling with PTSD and the dramatic aftermath its malignant destruction. Once he was honorably discharged the demons of the past were always around the corner and once his beloved mother died in 2001, they came calling and Wayne resorted to alcohol and became one of the walking wounded like many other former soldiers suffering from PTSD

After a period of darkness, Wayne was able to find his way back to life through writing. Although he never considered himself a writer, Wayne actually began journaling his military experiences in 1988 when he joined the Army. Instead of writing about his experience in Saudi Arabia, Wayne found a sense of peace and creative zeal that was dormant for a long time, which is how the In Lieu of Light Series was born.

Wayne Jackson has a unique perspective that relates to both soldiers and civilians. In Lieu of Light (Dailey Swan Publishing May 2008) has received terrific reviews and is amongst the showcased titles at the Book Expo America in Los Angeles.

The following is an interview with Wayne by Eric Brasley of Books of Soul conducted on October 19, 2008.

• I have to ask the most obvious question first, what was your inspiration for writing In Lieu of Light?

  To be honest and off the cuff, Eric, when I was living in South Carolina, I found myself at the lowest point of my life. I was in a very dark place spiritually after witnessing the death of my mother and taking on the huge responsibility of raising my younger brother.

  Although the basic blueprint for the story began years prior, after reading the first three novels of Anne Rice's Vampire series, I discovered a missing element and wanted to capitalize on it. I wasn't sure how to approach the story until I found myself empty and spiritually bankrupt. I was then able to harness the negative energy and make it work for me.

  So in short, I would say several tragic moments in my life have ignited my ambition and Anne Rice has inspired me to write about them.

• Did your military experience help in developing your novel?
  Yes. I would say that my military experience most certainly has tempered me as an artist. Having experienced war and combat I knew then I wasn't going to make a career out of the Army. The atrocities that I witnessed still linger and from time to time I am able to draw from memory just how brutal (mankind) can be.I used photography and writing as my avenue of escape while we marched forward as the rawest element on earth.
• Authors seem to approach the task of writing in different ways -- writing certain scenes first & building a story, writing the end first, etc. How do you write? Did you have a favorite time? A favorite spot?

  I call my approach to writing "drops in a bucket." First, let me say you must have an outline before you can begin, it's the most practical blueprint. The writer can always alter the basic blueprint as the story evolves but you should begin with the basics, after that it's just drops in a bucket.

  Whenever a thought comes to me I have a pen and some paper or I use my hand so as not to lose the idea. At the end of the month, I place all the writing in separate folders that correlate to the sections of the outline. Then after a few months, I begin to piece the story together using the collective material.

  So far as a favorite place or time, I'd say no. But if I needed a character analysis, I would sit for hours in a coffee shop or a mall and write descriptive details of the patrons as they passed. I'm sure many thought of me as some psycho or pervert, shooting glances at them. But what better way to create a character of fiction than from the living?

• What shaped your writing style? Where did you get your writing experience and hone your "chops"?
  For this question I would have to refer back to the first question, but to expound by saying my grandmother (Laverne Jackson) was an awesome creative writer and has also in some way inspired me. I must give credit to the dearly departed.
• Can you introduce us to Sabrina and Chantelle, the Le'Noach sisters? How did you come up with these characters?
  The two sisters, Sabrina and Chantelle, both bi-racial children, grew up on their father's plantation in post-slavery South Carolina. Most of their lives, they lived under the protection of their father and his estate but in some ways are bound to the land because of racial barriers.

  One tranquil evening while they were playing on the outskirts of the plantation, they encountered young white men from the neighboring estate. A conflict ensues, and the young women and their brother fight for their lives. A chain of events occur and Sabrina is abducted by a stranger (a vampire) that was passing through toward Charleston.

  Sabrina's inner strength and beauty is what saves her from the vampire's thirst and an untimely death. The vampire obligates Sabrina to do his bidding and to help him kill another vampire. In turn, he sets her free. Sabrina returns several years' later craving companionship and family. She leads her younger sister astray, into a dark and seedy life, a lifestyle that Chantelle finds repulsive.

  (Sorry, I speak vaguely so not give too much away)

  The two sisters represent how we each deal with traumatic moments in life. How we choose separate paths in order to cope with a negative experience. I believe everyone has found themselves in a dark place spiritually and some want to free themselves of it in search of redemption. Others like Sabrina choose to dwell in darkness and, as their malignant life continues, their hatred grows too.

• Horror fiction always has its "gotcha" moment, either something suspenseful or something gory, that has the reader turning the page. You don't have to give too much away but what scenes or events will give your readers the chills?
  I would have to say the slaughterhouse chapter. Many readers are taken aback by what occurs in the slaughterhouse, when Sabrina is carried off by the group of boys and into the slaughterhouse. Then the vampire is provoked by their aggression and exacts his own nature upon everyone.
• You have plans for a second volume. What's next? What seeds are you planting in this novel that will carry us to the next one?
  The second novel is complete and due to be released April of 09. The seeds planted in the first book are the mysterious years that Sabrina was missing before her return to the United States. I write about her adventure with her abductor in England while they tracked his maker.I also lead the reader into Chantelle's quest for redemption and her search for religion which doesn't help her situation on a personal level but reveals a cure. Chantelle realizes she must first be released from Sabrina's fettered love in order for the cure to work.
• What are your plans for marketing and promoting your novel? Are you looking forward to the book readings and booksignings?
  Other than selling books out of the trunk of my car and soliciting book stores for signings, I leave the rest to my agent and publisher. They pretty much tell me what to do and where to go and sometimes not in a nice way.
• Do you belong to any writer groups?
  I use to belong to a writing group when I lived in Miami while I was promoting this book. They were very supportive and we took turns critiquing each others' work. I recommend writers that are just getting started to join.I would like to join another group but at the moment I'm just inundated by the demands of my agent and the endless pursuit to sell more books. I feel I spend a great deal more time marketing than writing.
• What horror authors do you look up to?
  I don't really look up to any horror authors I was relegated to this genre by my publisher. He said, "If it's got gore and vampires, it's Horror." I believe it's more suspense with a touch of gore but a story of inspiration as told from a macabre viewpoint.
• If I was to peruse your book shelves, what would I find?
  I have a very long book shelf. Most books that I have read I've donate to the library or VA Hospital where I'm employed. If you perused my "shelf," you'd find: Anne Rice's collection Edgar Allan Poe's collective works Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray Ernest Hemmingway's The Garden of Eden Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita Bram Stoker's Dracula C.S. Lewis' The Screw Tape Letters Franz Kafka's book of short stories T.S. Elliot's The Waste Land Elizabeth Nunez' Prospero's Daughter Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye The Bible You would also find a host of poetry books, and books on fine cooking and photography.
• Since it's Halloween time.... What was your favorite costume? And, what got you scared as a kid?
  The most frightening is the clown costume. I don't know why but some people should not wear that costume. I usually keep it simple and dress up as a monk or the Grim Reaper. It saves time and money.
• What is the creepiest thing you've ever eaten?
  As a child, I was forced to eat "cow tongue." I sat at the table and cried for an eternity but my uncle made me eat it. He called it a delicacy. I called it awful and abusive.
• Back to writing, what is your favorite part? Developing plots, creating characters, writing dialog or something else?
  My favorite would be writing characters and being descriptive as possible. A person's mannerisms can tell a story alone, and too many writers get caught-up in dialog. Of course, dialogue can move a story but without a good description of the characters, the story has little depth. Many words can be said without the character even speaking.
• Do you have any tips for your fellow writers? Anything that has worked for you in writing, finding a publisher & agent, in promoting your book?
  The best advice I can give is to believe in yourself even when others don't! Take criticisms lightly but pay attention to a good critique. Above all, don't sign a thing without sound legal advice even if you have to pay for it.

Over the years I've saved a few bad contracts that I refused to sign and occasionally I pull them out of my briefcase and look at them. It fuels my ambition.

Other people will recognize your talent and do their best to exploit you. Many people want a free ride at the cost of your talent, sacrifice, and hard work. Don't give credence to their cause!!!!

Thanks, Eric!

Eric Brasley is the founder of Books of Soul website -- http://www.booksofsoul.com

The free site is dedicated to authors and poets to showcase their interest in African American culture and African peoples and issues. "In doing so, we think readers, publishers, agents, reviewers, librarians - everyone involved in the publishing industry - will find the site a valuable resource."

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Review of the Joe Vitale CD Plantation Harbor

By Clyde Lee Dennis

The exceptionally talented Rock artist Joe Vitale has released him CD entitled Plantation Harbor . I am very confident and happy to announce that I believe Joe Vitale fans, and Rock fans alike will be pleased with this one. With the release of Plantation Harbor Joe Vitale’s artistic excellence is on full display as Vitale has once again delivered a brilliant collection of tracks that could very well be him best work to date.

Plantation Harbor literally grabs your attention right from the very beginning with Plantation Harbor and won’t let go until the very last note of the very last song I’m Flyin’, which by the way is another great track.

Joe Vitale is one of those musicians that has the ability to just win you over with him talent. The kind of artist it’s really a treat to be able to listen to.

Listen to this CD and I believe you’ll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Joe Vitale is clearly in top form. So much so that if you're even mildly into Rock music you'll enjoy this album.

While the entire album is really very good the truly standout tunes are track 2 - Never Gonna Leave You Alone, track 4 - Man Gonna Love You, and track 9 - I’m Flyin’.

My Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 1 - Plantation Harbor. Great track!

Plantation Harbor Release Notes:

Joe Vitale originally released Plantation Harbor on July 31, 2002 on the Wounded Bird Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Plantation Harbor 2. Never Gonna Leave You Alone (Crazy 'Bout You Baby) 3. Laugh-Laugh 4. Man Gonna Love You 5. Theme From Cabin Weirdos 6. Lady On The Rock 7. Bamboo Jungle 8. Sailor Man 9. I'm Flyin'

Plantation Harbor Album Notes Personnel includes: Joe Vitale (vocals, flute, electric piano, Clavinet, organ, synthesizer, vibraphone, drums, percussion); Joe Walsh, Don Felder (guitar); Paul Harris (piano, Clavinet); Bobby Mayo (Clavinet); George "Chocolate" Perry (bass, background vocals); Joe Lala (percussion); Stephen Sills, Graham Nash, Timothy B. Walsh (background vocals).

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ERP Software Implementation

By Maha Singh

Erp is a very complex system of managing the resources in any organization and to implement such a system that serves the needs of people in human resources as well as finance and in the manufacturing section becomes a tedious task. In every Erp system a need for customization is always there because some ERP packages are very generic in their reports and examinations. Customization is a need because it is not possible that every erp system can fulfill your business requirements.

Implementing Erp system is a very critical task as it takes planning, management and business factors to make it as an effective tool for any organisation. To make a Erp a successful venture, planning is what it takes a high priority. Implementation and customization of Erp System without the help of an expert help can be very expensive and complicated. All the internal processes should be well documented and well mapped with current requirements of the company.

After planning, Management is a vital part where you should maintain thorough communication. Appropriate implementation of quality disciplines and incoming data accuracy should be included in quality plan. Architectural design, data conversion and integration of ERP modules should be completed within a span of 6 months.

Another important and crucial factor is analysis of business factors and how they will be implemented in current erp system which will be responsible for the overall effectiveness of the erp system. To accomplish this task knowledge of interaction between business process and software architecture along with the sequencing of module deployment should relate to the business process.

Last but not the least educating the employees of an organization about the erp system is a very important part. There are many third party companies which can provide training in coaching workers on using the ERP software.

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Comparisons of SAP and Peoplesoft ERP Software

By Reggie Andersen

Can one software maker do it all well? There are many software development companies in the industry that are still striving to release a single, complete, successful product of outstanding quality and usability. With their modular approach to decision support software, ERP vendors are on the right track; because attempting to cover all of the separate functions of the modules would be unthinkably large and complex--not to mention costly--for one vendor.

However, Compare SAP and Peoplesoft ERP software, if each individual module has a unique function, then each module can be a different product developed by a different vendor dedicated principally to the success of a single product.

Of course, if an ERP vendor can manage to avoid the "not-invented-here" syndrome, it could integrate some of the best existing tools from the various niche software makers. For example, rather than writing a finite capacity scheduler from scratch, an ERP vendor could purchase the rights to license a scheduling tool from an existing best-in-class tool provider, and integrate it with its other offerings. Indeed, the drive to integrate best-in-class software tools from different functions may be the dominant wave of the future for the ERP industry.

Another important strategic issue facing Compare SAP and Peoplesoft ERP software ERP is whether the enterprise decision support market is essentially homogeneous or heterogeneous. While every company's specific problems are different, many problems are variations of themes. Are the similarities strong enough to support a "mass market" approach to software? Or are the differences going to keep the manufacturing software market a wide-open arena of niche specialists, systems integrators, and solutions consultants?

The point may be moot, as this issue will likely be decided by cost. Integrated packages from single vendors are going to require a major up-front investment, but buying different modules from multiple vendors will probably require a lot of effort to get them to work together, and maintenance costs will be higher in the long term if we compare SAP and Peoplesoft ERP software. If the issue comes down to pay me now or pay me later, is it possible that these technology decisions could be decided by each company's financial situation, rather than by what the best solution is? We hope not.

For some industrial managers, ERP is the nightmare that keeps them awake at nights thinking "Is the MIS department going to take over my manufacturing floor?" Much of the force pushing software makers to develop better, more useful software has been coming from practitioners: IEs and OR types who know exactly what they need from a software package. Often these experts end up actually writing the best software, as well. However, several of the ERP vendors, notably giants SAPAG and Peoplesoft come from the information systems world, and traditionally focus on the MIS piece of organizations.

For engineers who have spent months locating and purchasing software that they know and like, being forced to adopt "corporate's package" may seem like one giant step backwards. Yet, the potential strategic advantages of enterprise integration are undeniable. One thing is certain: if you want to have control over the tools you are going to be using, you're going to have to utilize your engineering training and expertise to exert positive influence on the selection process. If you sit passively on the sidelines, don't be surprised if no one hears you.

Clearly, there are more questions than answers regarding the young ERP movement. That said, we are left with one final question: will all of this change result in ever increasing consulting bills? The answer: almost certainly.

Reggie loves the ERP movement. Check out: http://www.erpsap.com ERP SAP. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reggie_Andersen

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ERP Software Review - Worth It or Not?

By Steven P. Ross

Nucleus Research recently polled business owners from small, medium, and large businesses and asked them what their most critical business issues were. The two main responses from were competitive pressures and the need to control costs. And that's what ERP software aims to do -- control costs. In this article, I will give you a review, to help you find out if there's something out there that will help you control your costs to become more competitive in the marketplace.

First let us define ERP software -- it is enterprise resourcing planning software that is supposed to help you better manager resources, planning and operational control. The idea here is to integrate all of your departments -- from manufacturing, logistics, inventory, accounting and customer service -- all into one cross functional system.

So, is it possible to actually do this with ERP software? Reviews are mixed. First of all, it depends upon the type of software that you choose. You have customizable options, and you have your standard, out of the box options. Generally, something that you get that is not modified will be severely limited, and not allow for adaptation.

However, customizable options can be quite expensive, especially if you do not know what you're doing or what your goals are with your enterprise resource planning. Let's look at a few different types of it.

Compiere ERP Software. Reviewing the software, one will find that it is best aimed for a small or medium-sized company, especially in the business-to-business or service industry. It is an open-source software, which allows it to be easily modified to fit the company using it. Also, it is extremely easy to integrate into the business.

GNU Enterprise is also another open-source ERP software solution. Though perhaps it is not as flexible as the Compiere, it has a more wide range of industries that it can be best used for.

Microsoft has a few different types of it as well. Microsoft dynamics is one of the most popular. It is on the leading edge of the technological aspects of it, and is highly customizable. However, the drawback here is that you need to be a bit technologically savvy to integrate these customizations into your business.

In conclusion, I have given you some basic ERP software reviews to help you better familiarize yourself with the options that exist.

Want to Learn More? Steven Ross has written many more interesting articles here at http://www.timeandattendanceservices.com

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Portfolio Caffeine

By Carl Delfeld

The effects of caffeine on the central nervous system were first discovered in the 6th century in the Ethiopian highlands by a sheepherder called Kaldi. After his sheep ate red berries from a coffee tree, they seemed a bit jumpy and had difficulty sleeping.

The berries next made their way to a local monastery where the Abbott made a drink by mixing the beans with water into a concoction that kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer.

Coffee most likely made its way to Asia in the latter half of the 17th century when a Dutch trader brought a seedling from Yemen to Java where the soil proved hospitable leading to a thriving and profitable industry to this day. Vietnam is now the world’s second largest coffee producer while India and Indonesia are in the top ten.

Despite substantial coffee production in Asia, much of the growth in the popularity of coffee in this predominantly tea drinking region can be attributed to instant coffee and the marketing efforts of Nestle. It rolled out the first commercially viable instant coffee in 1938 and it spread to Asia becoming a prestigious alternative to tea.

As incomes rose in Japan, coffee consumption grew as well making it the third largest consumer in the world. This is a trend that could continue in countries with rising disposable incomes such as China.

Coffee is now big business and as a world commodity is second to only oil.
This size and growth potential for a habit forming product like coffee sure sounds like an investment opportunity to me. But how should you play the rise of coffee in Asia.

Since it takes about 4-5 years for a coffee tree to bear cherries, investing on the production side is not for the faint of heart due to hard to predict coffee price fluctuations. As one of the largest coffee plantation companies in Asia, Tata Coffee Ltd. of India, is worth a good look especially since it is an integrated coffee company with roasting, exporting and retail operations.

Nestle is also a possibility since it is the leader in instant coffee in China and many parts of Asia. A drawback is that the coffee business represents only roughly 10% of the sales of this diversified food powerhouse.

The most attractive option is to invest in the retail coffee market which is highly fragmented. Starbucks (SBUX) is the global leader with 10,500 retail outlets of which 3,500 are outside North America. Starbucks began in Asia with its first store in Japan in 1996 and now has 165 stores in mainland China, 221 in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, 595 in Japan, 64 in Australia and 34 in Singapore.

Starbucks is a classic growth story. It added over 1,000 stores last year and plans 1,800 more in the fiscal year ending September 2006. 35 million people visit a Starbucks store each week and it has operations in 37 countries.

Its global goal is to reach 30,000 outlets with half of them located overseas. China could perhaps become its second largest market after America.

The core of Starbucks is its premium branded coffee but it offers much more. It has become a second gathering place outside of work and home. Starbucks Entertainment produces CD’s and is considering providing music download facilities in its stores.

I am one of the millions around the globe that use Starbucks as a second office. During my last visit, I got behind a gentleman who added several pricey pastries, and a CD to his coffee for a whopping bill of $27.

One caveat for investors is that sales growth expectations are high and any significant disappointment would likely hit the stock rather hard. Another is that its China expansion may run into some difficulties though I have been impressed with its incremental strategy since its first store in Beijing opened in 1999.

With its financial strength, knowledge of markets and attention to detail, Starbucks seems to have the recipe for success in the fragmented retail coffee business. Since it is opening 4-5 stores a week, competitors will need to scale up rather quickly to pose a threat to its growth. Copycats are a problem though. Starbucks recently gained a key judicial victory when it won a court case against a Chinese company that infringed on its copyright.

Meanwhile, back in Ethiopia, another Starbuck’s knock-off called Kaldi’s does a brisk business. While Starbucks is not amused, it cannot help but be flattered by the imitation in the very birthplace of coffee.

Carl Delfeld is head of the global advisory firm Chartwell Partners and editor of the the "Chartwell Advisor" newsletter. He served on the executive board of the Asian Development Bank and is the author of "The New Global Investor." For more information go to http://www.chartwelladvisor.com or call 877-221-1496.

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Luo Han Guo - The Sweet Taste of Health

By Chaba Gryphon

In China the Luo Han Guo fruit has been used as a natural sweetener for nearly a millennium. The official name of this herbaceous perennial vine is Siraitia grosvenorii. It is native to southern China and is best known for its fruit.

Luo Han Guo, (罗汉果; Pinyin: luóhàn guǒ) literally means “arhat fruit” or “monk’s fruit”, and is one of several that have been called the “longevity fruit”. It is also commonly spelled as “luohan guo”. It is grown primarily in the southwestern Chinese province of Guangxi (mostly in the mountains of Guilin), as well as in Guangdong, Guizhou, Hunan, and Jiangxi. These mountains lend the plants shade, and are often surrounded by mists.

Luo Han Guo is rarely found in the wild. Most of the plantations are located in Yongfu County and Lingui County, which in China are renowned for the extraordinary number of centenarians. Longjiang town (Longjiang meaning “Dragon River”) in Yongfu County has a number of companies specialised in making Luo Han Guo extracts and finished products.

The dried fruits are part of the daily life in the provinces where it is grown. They are stored and used for drinks, teas, soups, candies, cakes, and crackers that are consumed all year long. Records show that Luo Han Guo has been cultivated in the Guangxi province since 1813. Currently, the largest plantation is in the Guilin mountains, covering 16 square kilometers. Guilin supplies over 90 percent of the total commercial production and is considered to be the home of Luo Han Guo fruit production, with a tradition of processing that began in the late 19th century. During the Tang dynasty, Guilin was one of the most important Buddhist retreats. Luo Han Guo was named after a group of Buddhist monks who, due to their proper way of life and meditation, achieved enlightenment.

Luo Han Guo became better known in the 20th century. The first report of it in English was found in an unpublished manuscript written in 1938 by Professor G. W. Groff and Hoh Hin Cheung. The report stated that the fruits were often used as the main ingredient for remedies that treated fever or other dysfunctions, traditionally associated with warmth or heat. It was widely known that the juice of the fruit was very sweet. Groff and Hoh realised that Luo Han Guo was an important Chinese domestic remedy for the treatment of cold and pneumonia.

The fruit only recently gained importance in Chinese history, however, it appears that a small group of people had mastered its cultivation a long time ago.

Lou Han Guo came to the United States in the early 20th century. Seeds of the fruit were bought in a Chinese shop in San Francisco, and were subsequently entered into the universal botanic description of the species in 1941.

The sweet taste of Luo Han Guo comes mainly from mogrosides that make up the flesh of the fresh fruit. Through extraction, a powder containing 80% mogrosides can be obtained. Five different mogrosides are known, each one numbered from 1 to 5. The main mogroside in this plant is mogroside-5, that was previously known as esgoside. The pure mogroside mix results in a sweetness that is 300 times sweeter than sugar. The 80% mix is approximately 250 times sweeter, while pure mogroside-5 can be up to 400 times as sweet.

There are no reported incidents of negative side effects of Luo Han Guo and there are no restrictions on consuming the fruit or its extracts. The plant is most prized for its sweet fruit, which are used for medicinal purposes, and as a sweetener. Luo Han Guo fruits are generally sold in dried form, and traditionally used in herbal teas or soup. They are used for respiratory ailments, sore throats and are thought to aid longevity.

Recent research on Luo Han Guo suggests that the mogroside works as an antioxidant and that it helps to prevent cancer. The use of Luo Han Guo as a remedy for diabetes and obesity has been mentioned, since it can be used as a substitute for sugar. Luo Han Guo has also been shown to be useful against the Epstein-Barr virus.

Yet its curative history is not what first brought it to the attention of food manufacturers in this country.

Mongrosides contribute hardly any calories to the diet and have potentially healthful side effects to boot. Though glycosides tickle our sweet taste buds, the body handles them differently from carbohydrates. Insulin levels do not rise in response to glycosides, since they arent broken apart to produce energy. This way you cant pack on the pounds. Researchers at Nihon University in Japan have identified nearly 20 compounds from Luo Han Guo with potential anti-tumor activities. Animal studies at the University of Hiroshima, also in Japan, have shown that two of the mongrosides can inhibit the growth of skin tumors initiated by known carcinogens.

Other promising studies demonstrated that mongrosides not only fail to raise blood sugar levels but may actually slow the entrance of sugar into the blood. Mongrosides may even help to protect against heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a known risk factor, especially for persons at risk for heart disease or with diabetes.

Luo Han Guo is harvested in the form of a round green fruit, which becomes brown when it’s dried. Since it is hard to store, you can rarely find it in its fresh form. For this reason, the fruits are usually dried before they are sold in Chinese herbal shops. This limits the use of the dried fruits and extracts to teas, soups, and as a sweetener for products that would usually have sugar or honey added to them. There are a number of commercially prepared Luo Han Guo products. The extracted fresh and dried fruit is usually processed into a powder, comprised of at least 80 percent mogrosides. The powder dissolves in water and the taste is unaffected by cooking, making it an ideal natural replacement for artificial sweeteners. One of the most famous of these is powdered, instant Luo Han Guo, which is sold by the Yongfu company. It is sold in China, Hong Kong and in Chinese shops in the West. In addition, there are a number of other products which contain Luo Han Guo either on its own, or in a mix with other herbs. You can also find it in some juice products, where it is combined with other super-fruits.

We often hear of miracle foods and other over-hyped ingredients, in the global health and nutrition industry. Luo Han Guo might just be the first super-fruit that could live up to every bit of the hype that’s surrounding it.

Chaba Gryphon is an entrepreneur with interests which include health, nutrition, business and international communications. He started such informational websites as http://networkmarketing-done-right.com/ and http://unique-beautyandhealth.com/ and is currently working on promoting the international language, through his "One World, One Voice Project", which you can find here: http://oneworldonevoiceproject.org/

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