You re not done yet eight strengtheners for your sales copy

Writing sales copy for a new or to-be-relaunched product takes a lot of energy and concentration. When you finish that first draft, take a rest. Then go back to what you’ve written with this sales copy checklist, which outlines the eight most frequent corrections and improvements I make on copy given to me by clients or students. 1. Pronouns. Do you have a preponderance of "we" or "I" and very little "you"? Wherever possible, change pronouns to "you," which comes across as more captivating and relevant to the reader than "I" or "we." In many cases, this seemingly mechanical rewording task forces you to ask yourself, "Why should the reader care about this?" or "What does this mean for customers?" That’s great, because shoppers and information seekers are looking for what’s meaningful to them, not for a monologue about the company. 2. Verb tense. Hunt for places where you used future-tense verbs ("will ____") and change them wherever you can to present tense. This conveys more confidence and has a stronger impact. For example, change "Before leaving, we will check all pipe connections to make sure they are tight" to "Before leaving, we check all pipe connections and make sure they are tight" or even better, "Before leaving, we make sure all pipe connections are tight." 3. Extra verbiage. Now find all the spots where your writing takes the long way around, and make your choice of words crisper and more direct. Get rid of the extra helper verb in "Together, we work to create reachable goals," for instance, changing it to "Together, we create reachable goals." Instead of "In almost every case, executives who have the intention of fostering teamwork do not know the best methods of getting optimal results," write "Usually, executives who want to foster teamwork don’t know the most powerful techniques," or even better, "Few executives know the most powerful teamwork techniques." 4. Unnecessary sentiments. Wherever you said things like "It goes without saying that…" or "When we say X, it’s not just words," either express the idea in a stronger, more interesting way or leave it out. Remember: If it truly goes without saying, then don’t say it! 5. Sentence variety. Look at the length and types of sentences in your copy. Do they mostly have a simple, short "subject, verb, object" pattern? If so, combine some sentences and sprinkle in longer sentences starting with a subordinating word like "when," "because" or "through." Are most of your sentences long and complicated? If so, make some of them short and stark: "This works." "Not any longer." "Benefits sell." By helping the copy to flow, sentence variety keeps the reader reading. 6. Bulleted lists. Bullets organize points for fast, easy skimming. You can make bullets even easier to read quickly by adding short, boldface headers to the beginning of the bullets. The same goes for numbered lists – as in this article, where each point starts with a summary of the topic in one to three words. 7pany focus. Never assume that you can say something once and have the reader keep it constantly in mind! Suppose the copy you’ve written describes a service for chefs. Although many companies provide this service, only this company specializes in providing this service for chefs. Instead of making this point just once, drive it home repeatedly by adding the word "chefs" again and again throughout the copy: "For chefs…"; "When chefs…"; "Chefs find that…"; and so on. This drumbeat of specialization also helps attract search engine traffic. 8. Call to action. Most copywriters know that you need to ask for a response to get a response, by ending any piece of copy with a call to action, such as "Call today to start a free, no-obligation discussion of your needs" or "Order your Wonder Widget now." But on a multi-page web site, I usually see a call to action missing on most of the pages. Probably people are thinking that visitors take a certain sequenced path through the site, getting eventually to the page where they’ve placed the call to action. That’s not how people engage with web sites, though. To prompt action, end every page on a web site with a call to action. Although many other factors also contribute to the power and success of copy, the neglected ones above have a surprisingly strong impact on readers when consistently applied. They create lean, lively, relevant writing. Practice these techniques and enjoy a more vigorous response!

Making money with autoresponders

Making Money With Autoresponders These days, autoresponders make for great follow up tools. You can set them up to your liking, as they are easy to set up and will hold a lot of preset messages. Although they are very popular, a lot of people fail to see the power they hold and therefore never use them. If you’ve been looking to make extra money, the tips below will show you how you can make money using an autoresponder. The first thing to do, is ensure that your site has a signup form. A signup form is an obvious way to use an autoresponder, yet a lot of people don’t think about it. Each and every day your website attracts visitors, many of us come back. If you put a signup form on your site, they can sign up and become a contact. This way, your customer base will grow with each passing day. You can stay in close contact with your customers this way, and even increase your audience over time as well. You can also give out free reports or ebooks as well. It’s actually an easy task to exchange reports or ebooks for someone’s email address. Even though you may not have a website, you can still make the free report or ebook available by having people send blank emails to your autoresponder. In doing so, you will build a client list and get your report out there - which can help you make money. You can also choose to publish an ezine. To do so, you’ll need to load your autoresponder will a course that contains several parts. This way, your clients will receive your reports and material in sections. You can also build a customer base this way, and eventually recommend you to their family and friends. Once you have a relationship and your clients start to trust you, you can send them information for other products. You can also use autoresponders as curriers as well. When you send an email out, ask the recipient to pass your email along to family and friends. As they pass your emails along, you’ll gain more subscribers. Although you’ll have to start out small when you first begin, you’ll find that your client list will grow in little to no time at all. Autoresponders are also great to use with customer response as well. Autoresponders are very handy, and they can answer a large portion of your technical questions. Whenever someone sends you an email needing customer support, simply answer with an autoresponder message that entails a lot of the most common problems. A lot of customers find this to be very helpful, as chances are it will cover the issue they are experiencing. Autoresponders are also handy with site updates as well. If you update your site on a regular basis, you may want to use an autoresponder with individuals who want to be informed when your site is updated. With an autoresponder, all you have to do is send out a broadcast email and everyone will be informed at the same time. No matter how you look at it, an autoresponder can help you bring in profits - as well as make your life a lot easier. They are easy to use, and will work great with your website. If you operate several websites, you simply must have one of these. Once you use an autoresponder - you’ll never want to find yourself without one again. If you’re interested in finding out how easy they can make your life, all you need to do is give one a try. (word count 596)

Important things you need to know about puppies and the dog training basics

The excitement of choosing your dog is over. You are arriving home and the family is rushing out of the car and into the house with the new puppy. As you look at the cute little face you ask yourself one question. Am I ready for this? What to Feed This New Puppy. First things first. You will have to decide on what this little puppy is going to eat. You need to choose a high quality diet. You need to do a little reasearch and make some decisions. Your first decision is what type of dog food you will choose. 1. Canned Dog Food 2. Dried Dog Food Some people choose canned dog food because they feel it is more like real food. It retains about 70-80% of the water that is naturally in the vegetables and meat. This usually means that the puppy will drink less water. Be sure to supplement with some hard dog biscuits that are suitable for puppies which will help to keep their teeth clean. Currently the most popular choice seems to be the dried dog food. Always choose the best quality food you can afford. You have to remember that if you were only going to eat one thing all your life it had better be good for you. Dried dog food is now a scientific blend of all the nutrients your dog will need but the better ones have less filler and the puppies need a lot of protein to grow. For the first few days you might want to give the new puppy that same food that they were receiving at the kennel you bought them from. After that you can slowly start mixing in your new choice, using more each time until you have 100% of the new food. You may as well start with some dog training basics now by not leaving the food on the floor all day. Only put the food out when you decide and take it away after they have eaten. Do it often as they have to learn that food is only available when you decide. Sleep Time Comes Fast. Hopefully you have thought ahead enough to buy a crate. Get your puppy started sleeping in the crate from the first night and it will eventually treat it as a safe place to stay. Make sure that the bottom has a soft blanket for the puppy to curl up in. Unfortunately if you think that's the end of it for the night, you are wrong. As you try to sleep you will be constantly woken by the sad little cries of a puppy missing its mother and siblings. They are used to lots of warmth and noise so it might be a good idea to add a hot water bottle under the blanket and to leave a radio or TV on for a while. Some people even leave a loud ticking clock near the cage to simulate the heart beat of the mother. Who Is Entertaining Whom? You will soon realize that your puppy is not just entertaining but also needs to be entertained. You should have a selection of safe toys for them to play with such as:- - Chew Ropes, - Balls and Bones of Nylon - Soft Toys Make sure to be careful of the squeaky toys as the puppy could chew the toy and swallow the squeaker. This has often ended in surgery and even if it doesn't the squeaking will drive you insane as they catch on pretty quickly on how to bite in exactly the right spot. Only let them play with rubber balls if you are supervising as swallowed rubber can upset their stomachs. Start With Dog Training Basics A crate is useful training tool both for house training and puppy behavior in general. Treat it as you would a childs bedroom. It is a safe comfortable place to sleep but occasionally they will be sent there when naughty. You should begin your dog training basics by putting your puppy in its crate any time you need to leave them unsupervised in the house, or at night. This gets them used to it and they will often go there on their own when they want to get away from people. They will cry at first but do not let them out right away. If you do they will quickly learn that all they have to do is whine and you will let them out. There will come a time when you need to discipline your puppy. You should never hit your puppy or raise your voice. You can use the crate as a time-out place. This is useful if your puppy is play biting too much or if you have caught them chewing the furniture. Make sure that the punishment instantly follows the bad behavior or they will not know what they are in there for. Put them in quickly with a firm, No, and leave them in there for a few minutes. If you have to repeat it then increase the minutes until you get the action to stop. This one tool will give you some control and get you started on the dog training basics you will need.

Choosing your autoresponder software

It can be a somewhat difficult and time consuming task to find the right autoresponder. There are a lot of choices available on the Internet, each one ranging in price and features. Before you decide to purchase your own autoresponder, you should first think about your budget as well as your requirements. This way, you’ll know what you want and how much you are willing to spend review7.info . First, you’ll need to decide the features you want. Next, you’ll need to take a look at some of the different types of autoresponders available on the market. You’ll also need to decide which type is right for you, and which brand name you think would work the best. You can answer these questions by comparing different brands, prices, features, and licensing restrictions. For a business, autoresponders can be great. As most of us already know, autoresponders are programs that will send out an automated response via email to a specified address. In most cases, the response you get back from an email autoresponder is short and sweet, normally letting you know that someone is on vacation, away from their computer, or that they have received your message. The only real problem to autoresponders is the fact that they will replay to any email that they receive. If you are subscribed to a mailing list and used your autoresponder address to sign up, it can easily create a problem. Anytime someone sends you an email to your responder address it will send an automated reply. It can also lack important features that you need to follow up on your clients or subscribers as well. For the Internet marketing guru, there are sequential autoresponders. These types of autoresponders are designed to collect different email addresses then send out a variety of pre determined messages through email to subscribers that you have on your list. If you have a sequential autoresponder and use it correctly, it can help you bring back more visitors. It can be a very handy tool to have around, especially if you work with a lot of clients. It can help you keep track of subscribers, as well as keep them informed about what is going on with your business. All across the Internet there are many types of autoresponders. They range from web based programs to scripts or programs that run through your computer or personal server. An autoresponder will be a major part of your online business, which is why you should always put forth the time and effort to find the best one for your money. If you put the proper research and time into finding your ideal autoresponder, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and headache in the long run. Basically, there are three main types of autoresponders that you can choose from – remote hosted, locally hosted, and desktop hosted. Remote hosted are hosted on someone else’s server or website. Locally hosted will allow you to work programs for your own web server. Desktop programs on the other hand, will allow you to work from your own computer. Most people choose to go with locally hosted, as it makes things a lot easier. Before you decide on which type of autoresponder to purchase, you should make sure that you understand what each type will offer you. There are a variety of autoresponders to choose from, meaning that some may not offer what you need. You can always research each type, and then compare prices and features. This way, you’ll know which type of autoresponder will work the best for your needs as well as your business.

Credit cards for high school students

Credit Cards For High School Students Students in high school that are looking to start building their credit early can get high school student credit cards. These credits cards can help teach high school students responsibility, and how to manage their credit at an early age. These types of credit cards are issued to high school students, with a parent or guardian co-signing with the student. Students who have these credit cards also have a sense of responsibility as well. Before applying for a high school student credit card, both students and co-signers should always look at their available options. There are a lot of banks and credit card companies to choose from, which makes it in your best interest to look around. Some cards will come with high APR and a high annual fee, while some are more reasonable. With high school students not having any credit, some banks and companies will try to charge unreasonable rates - which is reason enough to do your research and know the best deal. Co-signers can normally help students to make the best decision. The co-signer will be going on the application with the student, and will be the individual that the bank or company will come to when the student is unable to pay the bill. Parents and co-signers will know the best deals for credit cards, which is students should always ask them for help when picking out the ideal credit card. For some students, prepaid credit cards can be an ideal investment. These cards hold absolutely no risk for students, while they help to teach financial management as well. With these high school student credit cards, the prepaid amount you have put on the card is your spending limit. To ensure that the application for is filled out correctly, students should always have a parent or guardian assist them with filling the information out. When a student gets their credit card, they should be instructed on how to properly use the credit card. Although some students will be tempted to run up their high school student credit card, they should save it for emergency situations. At the end of the month, they should try to pay their whole bill, to avoid getting into debt. If a student can pay the bill - it will also help boost their credit. If you are interested in a high school student credit card, you can always apply for one online. The applications are processed in a timely manner, normally giving you a response in a matter of minutes. Although credit cards are great to have, prepaid credit cards are sometimes the way to go with students. If you are unsure - make sure you look into all options available to you and compare what you find out. (word count 456)

Heart attack and medication

A heart attack is a life-threatening event. It is a need to know about the basic things so that it can help you at the sudden causes. The information should be there so that it may enable us to take sudden and correct decisions for curing it when it appears. If we have prior information of it will be a valuable asset to our loved ones and us. This heart attack occurs when the supply of the blood and oxygen are blocked in to the area of heart muscle, especially the clot in a coronary artery. Due to this blockage of blood and oxygen it leads to the irregular heartbeat which causes severe decrease in the pumping of the heart and may bring about sudden death. This is the initial stage and it should be treated within few hours so that the heart muscles are not affected and are not replaced by the scar tissue. It is a require for us to know the caution signs of this disease and to get the emergency help at the time of need. Some people die because as they do not get the immediate help due to the permanent damage in the heart. If the primary aid is given soon enough the permanent damage of the heart that is the blocked artery can be restored in time to avoid it. Yet, many of them do not get this medical care within the hours of the symptoms begin and they die. But a prompt treatment can prevent or cure their sudden death. This is the disease which is caused in both men and women. If the person is already suffering form the coronary heart diseases, or underwent a bypass surgery is at the risk of having this disease. The men who are above 45 and women who are above 55 are exposed to this. If he has a hereditary background that is any of his family member was having this disease. So it is very essential that these factors should be controlled before they appear. So they should have a control over smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes and we can also visit our health care provider to ask about the reduce of risk of having the heart attack. This heart attack includes the warning signs and symptoms varies from person the person Some of them symptoms like the chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas if the upper body, shortness of breath, cold sweat, having nausea and vomiting, feeling light headed or dizzy. As this heart attack is a medical emergency, it should be prevented if we know the warning signs of the attack and can be treated as fast as possible. This should be not delayed as it may cause to the sudden death in the person. The sooner the treatment is given the chances of recovery are more. It is a must and should need that there should be a physical examination periodically after the first treatment as it does not give a way for the second one. So this heart attack is a chronic disease which once attacks cannot be completely treated but it can be prevented by the regular medications but yet you are in a depression thinking about it and you feel difficult in getting adjusted to this life. So at this time you need the affection of your loved ones which makes you to cure it as early possible. Take this information as a basic one and not as medical advice. But if you have any more clarifications you can visit our site drraomd . This site is the site where you can get information of many diseases. You can also meet our Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Rao. K. for more consult which would help you for further need. You can also hear the videos of the customers who got cured their diseases at our center called Holistic Health Care and Research Center located at New York.

10 Things you must know when building or renovating

: There are many sad cases of home renovations not going as planned - often going way over budget or schedule, or unforseen complications popping up unexpectedly and ruining even up to years of work. Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision making sooner in the renovation process. Below are a few issues that it is vital to think about before you begin your home renovation. 10 Things to Think About BEFORE Beginning Work

• Prepare a budget


• Be aware of council regulations


• Find a tradesperson


• Know your start and completion dates


• Selecting Products


• Prepare plans


• Purchasing products


• What should I purchase myself?


• What services are available to my property?


• What sort of hot water unit do I need?

Prepare a budget Before you start shopping for your new bathroom or kitchen you must know your spending limits. Whether you are getting a loan or paying cash, you need to work out how much your project is going to cost. Some businesses also offer finance solutions for approved customers. Be aware of council regulations Find out all the information you can before you arrange tradesperson. If your home is heritage listed you will need to meet strict council regulations. Many renovations must be approved by the council before work can commence. Contact your local council for more details. Finding a tradesperson Speak with family and friends who have done renovations or built a home. It is important to find a tradesperson that you can communicate with. Make sure you understand everything they are telling you. Book a tradesperson well ahead of time, as they can be booked for months in advance. Ensure that your tradesperson is licensed. Your product warranties are only valid if installed by a licensed tradesperson. In Australia, Trades@call provide professional, reliable tradespeople for most jobs, and all workmanship is guaranteed. Know your start and completion dates Communicate with your tradesperson and come to an agreement of realistic start and completion dates for your project. If you have a specific date that the job must be finished by, for example you have relatives coming to stay, let your tradesperson know. Keep in mind that unexpected problems can hold up your project, no matter how well you have planned it. Selecting Products It may take a few shopping trips for you to decide on the products that give you the look you desire and are also practical for your needs. Browse through a print or online catalogue. Once you have decided on a style (modern, heritage or easy living) this will narrow down your product choices. Be aware of any size restrictions of the room. Print out or write down product specifications and measure up your bathroom. You may use the online bathroom planner at the Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centre website to layout the products you have chosen. Talk to your tradesperson about your choices. If the tradesperson tells you that a product you have chosen is unsuitable, find out why. It may just be that extra work is required that they don't want to do. Remember, it is your home and you need to be satisfied once the job is complete. Prepare plans It is important that you draw up plans of your bathroom or kitchen. Discuss the plans with your tradesperson. Let him know what sort of products you would like, so he will know what work needs to be done. For example if you have chosen an inwall cistern, the tradesperson will need to know so he can set up the plumbing correctly before the tiling is done. It is best to have specifications of all of the products you have chosen so the tradesperson knows exactly what work is required. Purchasing products When selecting products, find out how long it will take for delivery. Some goods such as tapware and toilets will be in stock, while others such as spas and vanity units are custom made and can take up to 1 month to order in. Often these custom made products are non-refundable so confirm your product choices with your tradesperson before ordering. Find out from your tradesperson which products they will required first. Generally, the first products needed are the shower base, bath or spa and mixers if they are being installed on the wall. As an owner builder, what should I purchase myself? If you are owner building, make sure you purchase all of the main products for your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This will ensure that you make all of the decisions and achieve the result you want. There will be things you will not think about when placing an order, such as different handle types on a vanity unit, the pump position of your spa, that you will need to decide on. It is important to make these decisions yourself as they will affect the overall result of your project. Smaller fittings for plumbing can be purchased by your tradesperson. What services are available to my property? It is important to know whether you need gas or electric appliances (hot water unit, cooking appliances). If you live further out from the city, you may need LPG appliances. If you currently have electric appliances and you want to change to gas, speak with your tradesperson to determine if this is going to be cost effective and worthwhile in the long run. If you are building a new home, decide on the appliances you want before building begins, as the plumbing will need to be roughed in based on your product selection. What sort of Hot Water Unit do I need? There is a wide range of hot water units available and it can be quite daunting to try and choose one. If you are replacing an existing unit your choices can be limited, so speak with your tradesperson. The instantaneous hot water units are popular at the moment, but they use a larger gas line than the standard storage units. This can mean major plumbing changes which can be quite costly, though in the long run the instantaneous systems are cost efficient. See the Bourne Hot Water Selection Guide for more detail. Many of these points seem somewhat obvious, but the problem arises when you start taking things for granted. When you don't make sure that all your bases are covered, you may find that you have invested a lot of time, effort and money in a home renovation that you may end up unhappy with.

The art of deception

In this day and age it's not just the scammers out there that one has to be weary of. In the wonderful world of online marketing it seems that deception is much more prevalent that one might think. Who's being targeted? Why the newbie of course. There are many ways in which one can be deceived but the most popular is by affiliate programs or business opportunities. Can you remember back when you were just starting out as an entrepreneur or maybe you're in this position right now. You were told all you have to do is just promote the product by sending people to the affiliate site. Well to give them credit many times this may be your customized version of the site which just really appends a user name or code to the end of the site like somesite? mysite This is all fine and dandy except it breaks the number one rule of internet marketing which is "To make money over and over you have to build your own list". Say what; build my own list.....why do I need to do that you may ask. It's because 80% of all money made is done thru back end sales. What you should be told is to create a site or better yet setup an auto responder to catch the contact info. of everyone interested in your product or offer. By doing this it allows you to build your own mailing list of which you can market any number of offers to at will. This is the only way to build an income substantial enough to quit your day job. You collect the prospects info. first and then send them onto your affiliate mother site. Then in a few weeks time you can follow up with a series of messages to coerce them into becoming a paid client. Better yet you will be able to market many such similar products to your list over time making you the big earner not product owner. After all it's your hard work that got the contact interested in the offer to begin with so you should be the one to make long term gains. In being fare I have to say there have been a few affiliate sites that actually does provide you with the correct information up front so you are off to a correct start and not just building someone else's list. So by those of you out there that purposely do not inform your new affiliates of the benefits of building their own lists are you taking advantage of these affiliates or do you believe it's up to them to know the correct path to earning a living on the net? Think about it, not saying something sometimes makes you just as guilty as purposely misleading others. Well that's my two cents on the subject. Now that I have enlightened some of you and made others really mad I think I'll go and send this message to one of my list. To your success,

Fish better with the right fishing gear

There is absolutely nothing more frustrating than spending an entire day fishing without catching any fish. I finally discovered this truth after way too many days spent fishing without results. I never really thought about the fishing gear I was using and how that might affect my results. I thought instead about everything else. I changed sides of a lake or I changed lakes all together. I gave up my small boat for a day and tried fishing from the shore instead. I fished in the morning, at noon, and at night. Now I know that the best thing I could have done was make sure I had the right fishing gear for the task. If you, like me, do not have much knowledge of fishing gear, the best thing to do is inform yourself. I went straight to an outdoors and recreation store that supplied a wide array of fishing gear and a trained staff that talked me through what I needed. Look for a similar store in your area and stop in when you have some free time. You can also gain information on fishing gear online or in magazines. Use whatever resources you need to, just get informed. The transformation of your fishing career is about to take place with nothing but the purchase of proper fishing gear. Whether you look for gear online, in a magazine, or you talk to someone in a store, it is best to have a basic knowledge of the area you are going to fish in. You will find that there are different kinds of fishing gear for almost every kind of fishing. Fishing in a lake, a stream, or the ocean will probably alter the kind of fishing gear you need. You will need a different kind of pole, line, hook and bait for each kind of location you explore. It should be easy to find information on specific types of fishing gear that are appropriate for different situations. Try talking to fishing friends you have and see what kind of advice they will lend, though remember that no true fisherman will give away all his secrets! I used to hate fishing because I always ended up without the very thing I wanted: fish. My days of dreading fishing are long gone now. I took the time to learn more about fishing gear and then I bought the gear I needed most. Each fishing trip I've taken since then has been nothing but productive and full of fish. Get the right fishing gear and you'll be catching more fish than you know what to do with!

Anger management therapy for dementia patients

Older people sometimes develop dementia, a somewhat common condition that results in mental and emotional confusion. Some of these people, often those who are institutionalized, display anger outbursts due to relatively mild provocations, such as an unwanted meal item. At other times the anger is warranted, as when another resident initiates a conflict. For reasons like these and others, anger management therapy for dementia patients is becoming increasingly important. Symptoms That May Warrant Anger Management Therapy It may be difficult to determine at first who is eligible for anger management therapy. Residents with dementia who live at home or in nursing facilities often try to express themselves in non-traditional ways. While someone who wants their breakfast oatmeal served hotter can just say so, someone with dementia might be able to just make anxious sounds, pace, or even throw the oatmeal on the floor. If someone in your care exhibits dissatisfaction with some aspect of daily care, try to figure out what is bothering the person, and make any needed adjustments that you can. Dementia patients may raise their voice, swing their arms, push, shove, or yank at things or people to convey their irritation. Caregivers must learn to decipher true anger from confusion or self-defense against other aggressive residents. Anger management therapy should be considered for those who express real anger inappropriately. Some dementia residents may withdraw socially, stop talking to others, or gesticulate excitedly when they are upset. Sometimes these actions are in response to legitimate concerns, while at other times they may reflect unsuitable anger that needs to be redirected. If the person is able to understand and respond to caregivers in appropriate ways, he or she may be eligible for anger management therapy. Anger Management Therapy for Dementia Patients Any anger management therapy facilitator or coordinator who works with dementia residents will need to understand the way that those with dementia communicate, and the types of triggers that can draw their anger. This may require some training in long-term facility care, gerontology, and dementia behaviours. The therapist may attempt group or individual therapy, depending on the patient’s needs and abilities. In anger management therapy, the coordinator may try to make the resident understand the consequences of anger outbursts, or attempt to teach the resident how to redirect anger in acceptable ways. At times, the therapist might want to work with the resident’s physician, social worker, and family to achieve the best results. This type of effort could take a long time and may be only partially successful yet, any progress is undoubtedly helpful. Family members and caregivers who want to know more can visit websites like anger-management-information for more complete information on how to address this key social and interpersonal behavior. They also can get in touch with the doctor, nursing staff, and social worker for help in assisting a dementia patient through anger management therapy that may lead to improved outcomes for the resident and those that provide his or her care and support.

Er dvd review

Nominated for 25 Golden Globes and 110 Emmys, including 7 for Outstanding Drama Series, ER has long been one of the best prime-time shows on television. Premiering in September 1994 on NBC, the hour-long hospital drama vividly illustrates the intensity and fast-paced stress endemic to hospital emergency rooms across America. Brought into being by Michael Crichton - famous Hollywood insider, novelist, and brains behind such films as Jurassic Park, Twister, and Timeline - ER fulfills its creator's ultimate vision (it took over a decade of pitching the show before network executives bit) for a close-to-life glimpse of the technology and the humanity omnipresent in the ER. Since its inception, many cast members have passed through the halls of ER, many of them having gone on to become big stars in Hollywood… ER follows the exploits of a group of emergency room staff who work in a busy Chicago hospital. The show attempts to examine every detail of the ER experience. From the exhilaration of saving a life to the tedium caused by mountains of paperwork, all the highs and lows are covered. In the show's first year, a number of regular faces staffed the ER. Doctors Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards), Peter Benton (Eriq La Salle), Douglas Ross (George Clooney), and Susan Lewis (Sherri Stringfield) were regulars in the ER along with Head Nurse Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) and Benton's medical student understudy (and later ER doctor), John Carter (Noah Wyle)… Any given episode tends to run multiple plot lines throughout the show, interweaving scenes in short snippets intended to heighten audience emotion and create the aura of a stress-laden atmosphere. The show's high drama, coupled with subplots of the staffers' personal lives and the display of cutting edge medical technology, combine to make ER one of most adrenaline-inducing programs in television history… The ER DVD features a number of dramatic episodes including the series premiere "24 Hours" in which a long day in the ER is made longer when multiple casualties pour through the doors following the collapse of a building and medical students report for training (marking the first appearance for John Carter's character). Meanwhile, Dr. Benton performs a heart surgery normally reserved only for senior staff members while the staff is struck with a personal tragedy when Head Nurse Carol Hathaway is brought in following a suicide attempt… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "Blizzard" in which a major snowstorm first leads to an empty ER and then (following a 40-car pileup) one with overflowing capacity, and "House of Cards" in which, while trying to keep up with Carter, Deb nearly causes a patient's death… Below is a list of episodes included on the ER (Season 1) DVD: Episode 1 (24 Hours: Part 1) Air Date: 09-19-1994 Episode 2 (24 Hours: Part 2) Air Date: 09-19-1994 Episode 3 (Day One) Air Date: 09-22-1994 Episode 4 (Going Home) Air Date: 09-29-1994 Episode 5 (Hit and Run) Air Date: 10-06-1994 Episode 6 (Into That Good Night) Air Date: 10-13-1994 Episode 7 (Chicago Heat) Air Date: 10-20-1994 Episode 8 (Another Perfect Day) Air Date: 11-03-1994 Episode 9 (9 Ѕ Hours) Air Date: 11-10-1994 Episode 10 (ER Confidential) Air Date: 11-17-1994 Episode 11 (Blizzard) Air Date: 12-08-1994 Episode 12 (The Gift) Air Date: 12-15-1994 Episode 13 (Happy New Year) Air Date: 01-05-1995 Episode 14 (Luck of the Draw) Air Date: 01-12-1995 Episode 15 (Long Day's Journey) Air Date: 01-19-1995 Episode 16 (Feb. 5, '95) Air Date: 02-02-1995 Episode 17 (Make of Two Hearts) Air Date: 02-09-1995 Episode 18 (The Birthday Party) Air Date: 02-16-1995 Episode 19 (Sleepless in Chicago) Air Date: 02-23-1995 Episode 20 (Love's Labor Lost) Air Date: 03-09-1995 Episode 21 (Full Moon, Saturday Night) Air Date: 03-30-1995 Episode 22 (House of Cards) Air Date: 04-06-1995 Episode 23 (Men Plan, God Laughs) Air Date: 04-27-1995 Episode 24 (Love Among the Ruins) Air Date: 05-04-1995 Episode 25 (Motherhood) Air Date: 05-11-1995 Episode 26 (Everything Old is New Again) Air Date: 05-18-1995

Hello from montreal exploring montreal s history

Every time I go to a new city, the spirit of adventure and discovery heightens my energy level and 6:10 am I was already awake. I read my guidebook for a while and then doze off again, only to be awakened by a major thunderstorm that drenched the city with a downpour. So I got up and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast and by 9:30 or so things had calmed down again, just in time for my explorations of the city. The Old Montreal Ghost Tour last night had already given me a bit of an overview of the old historic centre of Montreal and introduced me to some interesting characters. Five minutes from my hotel is the Place d’Armes, one of Montreal’s most famous squares. The old part of the city was still quiet, and I enjoyed a peacefull stroll through the cobble-stoned streets. I headed into one of Montreal’s Tourist Information Office, located right at the southwest corner of Rue Notre Dame and Place Jacques Cartier to stock up on maps and ask various questions of the helpful staff. Old Montreal in the morning has such a European feel to it, with the little cafйs just setting up shop and local residents getting ready to walk to work. The calm relaxed atmosphere contrasts quite sharply with the usual frenetic hustle and bustle that we are so used to in our North American metropolitan cities. After a relaxing walk that allowed me to admire the architecture and the narrow streets and alleyways I returned to Place d’Armes where my Old Montreal Walking Tour, provided by licensed tour guides from Guidatour, would be starting at 11:00 am. The meeting place was just outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral and our two tour leaders were already waiting. Our English-speaking group would be handled by Louis while the French-speaking group was entrusted to another guide, Bruno. Eleven of us tourists congregated around Louis and in his charming French accented yet perfect English he started to educate us about the history and architecture of Old Montreal, adding a dose of subtle humour. Naturally our tour started with the Basilica of Notre Dame, probably Montreal’s most visited building. Louis took us inside the basilica and we discovered that the C$15 admission ticket for the walking tour actually covers the $4 that the Basilica charges for admission. The Basilica of Notre Dame is a magnificent Gothic revival church, designed ironically by the Protestant Irish-American architect James O’Donnell who had also designed churches in New York City, and built between 1824 and 1829. In addition to a stunning Gothic revival exterior, Notre Dame features a dramatic interior, with a deep blue ceiling that is decorated with golden stars. It is one of the most unusual churches I have seen and its visual impact is stunning. Louis explained to us that for about Can$2000 you can get married in this church, but obviously there is a waiting list of at least two years. Celebrities like Quebecois singer Celine Dion and hockey great Mario Lemieux got married here. Notre-Dame Basilica was also the location of former prime minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s funeral, Canada's most well-known prime minister. Louis then took us through the side chapel out into the wedding chapel, officially called “La Chapelle Notre-Dame du Sacrй-Coeur” which unfortunately was seriously damaged in a fire in 1978. Much of the woodwork has been reconstructed in a more modern style, but the chapel is still an impressive space. After our first introduction to Montreal architecture we walked westwards just a few steps on Rue Notre-Dame and had a look at Montreal’s oldest building: the Old Seminary or “Vieux Sйminaire Saint-Sulpice”. Built in 1683 by Sulpician priests, this building used to be a manor from which the priests managed their vast land holdings. During the early years of Montreal’s history, the town’s citizens were exposed to frequent attacks by the Iroquois, and the Old Seminary represented a refuge in a place that was still mostly wilderness. The characteristic public clock was installed in 1701 and is among the oldest such timekeepers in all of North America. We then stopped to admire Place d’Armes, right in front of the Basilica, so called because it used to be a location for military manoeuvres as well as for religious processions. Place d’Armes is a veritable collection of architectural history. The New York Insurance building, dating back to 1888, was the first building to install the newly invented elevator, at the time making it the highest building in all of Montreal. The Hotel Place d’Armes just north, originally five stories high, actually had three stories added once the building was retrofitted with an elevator. The Aldred Building is a fine example of Art Deco skyscraper architecture and for many years it was the highest building in Montreal. Louis quite appropriately referred to the stepped back skysraper design as the wedding cake architectural style. The centre of Place d’Armes is watched over by a statue of Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maissoneuve, who founded Montreal in 1642. The north end of Place d’Armes holds another architectural marvel: the Bank of Montreal building. Founded in 1817 as the first bank in Canada, the Bank of Montreal decided to build an impressive headquarters in 1847 and created a neoclassical exterior modeled after the Roman Pantheon. The interior was completely redesigned in 1904 to 1905 by the famous New York architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White with a magnificent banking hall modeled after a Roman basilica. Heading west of St. James Street (or rue St-Jacques), Louis explained that this used to be Canada’s business centre during the 19th century. Many Canadian banks had their headquarters here until they were moved into downtown Montreal or later to Toronto. Railway and shipping companies also had their head offices here, many of them founded by immigrants from Scotland. The architectural mix on rue St-Jacques is impressive and Louis pointed out one example that has recently been renovated and reincarnated as the extremely upscale St. James Hotel. This trendy boutique hotel offers a penthouse suite that can be rented for around $5000 a night (in low season) and it is a favourite hangout of celebrities. To mention just one example, Madonna just stayed at the St. James recently at the end of June during her Montreal concert stop. Another truly impressive architectural jewel came into view: the former head office of the Royal Bank, whose construction began in 1928 according to designs by famous New York skyscrapers experts York and Sawyer. For a long time this building was the largest in the British Empire. The design is influenced by a Florentine palazzo and the impressive high ceilings of the Great Hall feature the coats of arms of eight of Canada’s ten provinces. Unfortunately no photography was allowed in either the Bank of Montreal or the Royal Bank buildings, but they are astounding examples of architectural styles of different eras. Louis then took us through the narrow streets of Old Montreal towards the city’s waterfront and the birthplace of the city. As a major port town and shipping centre, many of the buildings in Old Montreal were warehouse buildings featuring large windows to let in a lot of natural daylight. This was to reduce the risk of fire that would have been caused by artificial lighting at the time, putting at risk the precious cargo that these buildings were storing. I kept asking Louis numerous questions about the architecture and social history of Montreal. His knowledge of architecture was impressive, and to compare architectural styles, he was referencing numerous other well-known buildings in other cities such as New York City, Toronto, Boston and Chicago. He mentioned that a lot of historic buildings were torn down in Montreal during the 1960s as in so many other North American cities, but fortunately the architectural preservation movement gained strength and today all of Old Montreal is protected. Old Montreal languished for a number of decades since most of the action had moved downtown, but in the last fourty years Vieux Montrйal has experienced a revival that started with the major international event of Expo 67. Today, many of these former warehouse buildings have been converted into upscale condos and Louis informed me that even a small studio apartment will probably fetch a price tag of at least half a million dollars. Old Montreal has made a successful transition from a former commercial district to a vibrant tourism, entertainment and residential area. Close to the waterfront we arrived at Place d’Youville, an elongated public space that is located on the former riverbed of the Riviиre Saint-Pierre that was canalized in the 1830s and eventually covered over and dried out completely. The History Centre of Montreal is a former fire station and a rare example of Flemish architecture in Quebec. Just a few steps east is Montreal’s Museum of Archeology and History at Pointe-а-Calliиre. It is very rare to know exactly where a city was founded, but Montrealers know exactly where their city first came into being: on a narrow strip of land between the St. Lawrence and the Saint-Pierre River. Right there the first settlers built Fort Ville-Marie, using earth and wooden posts. As a matter of fact, on May 17, 1642, Father Vimont held a mass celebrating the founding of Montrйal, attended by Sieur de Maisonneuve, Jeanne Mance and some of the other founding colonists. Today, the museum consists of six buildings and introduces visitors to the city’s history in the most innovative ways. There is even an archeological dig here, unearthing further knowledge about the city’s history. Various festivals including a multicultural festival and a historic market weekend are also held a Pointe-а-Calliиre. Our route then took us back up to Notre Dame Street. The former Palais de Justice, built between 1849 and 1856, is a fine example of Canadian neoclassicism. Today the building houses the Quebec Court of Appeal. Across the street is the Ernst Cormier Building, opened in 1926 and named after the famous architect that also designed the main pavillon of the Universitй de Montreal as well as the doors of the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Our tour through Old Montreal appropriately came to an end at Place Jacques-Cartier, the gently sloping grandest public space of Old Montreal. Numerous restaurants with outdoor terraces line both sides of the square and the centre holds a variety of wooden stalls selling flowers, artwork and souvenirs. The north end of the square is overlooked by a statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who curiously faces away from Montreal’s port area. The statue is a testimony to the power of the merchants of British descent who wished to commemorate the British defeat of the French and Spanish fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar. The northeast end of Place Jacques Cartier is the location of Montreal’s City Hall, built in the Second Empire Style and opened in 1878. A fire destroyed the roof and the interior of the building in 1922 and the roof was reconstructed in 1926 along the lines of the city hall in Tours, France. Today, Montreal’s City Hall is still located in this historic building. Place Jacques-Cartier was a fitting place to end our tour of Old Montreal and everyone in the crowd thanked Louis profusely for sharing his local insight and knowledge. By this time it was almost 1 pm, and my stomach was telling me what it was time for: lunch at the Cafй du Chateau.

Finishingcollegeandfeelingconcernedaboutyourdebt helpfulinformationtoputyouontherightpath

Finishing College And Feeling Concerned About Your Debt-Helpful Information To Put You On The Right Path Many people that go off to college never expect to graduate and suddenly have to be terrified by the fact that they collected some big expensive debts while they were there and are responsible now for paying them back. Debt can build up before you ever notice and especially whenever you are spending years working your tail off during college. Student loans will cost you after you graduate from college, so being prepared is definitely where it is at and what is going to save you tremendous heartache. Debt is something that many people have to deal with throughout their lives and getting right out of college can be a scary time for anybody to have to worry about any sort of debt ordeal, there is no doubt about that. Paying back student loans that were collected during the time that you were in college can be very scary but knowing what to expect whenever that time does come is always better than not being familiar with it. These loans can be quite substantial, to say the very least but as long as you always make your payments promptly and in a timely manner, you will be just fine and will not have to worry about them coming after you, wanting their money. Creditors can be extremely pushy whenever it comes to collecting their money for anyone of you out there but avoiding them is only you prolonging the inevitable and you know that is never going to completely fix anything for you in a positive manner. Finishing college is a very trying time for anyone going through that experience and you totally deserve as little stress as possible because you have worked for so long and so hard, that the last thing you need right now is to be concerned and stressed over any type of debt. There are different things that anyone of you could try doing to ensure that you do not have to be bogged down with any sort of student loan debts after finishing college. Make sure you speak up front to the one's loaning you your money about all of the terms and conditions so that everything is completely understood. Your future could be brighter by you just taking some simple steps in planning and preparing in a more efficient manner each time that something does come up that will cost you money down the road. Having a financial plan is always extremely crucial when determining whether or not you are going to be able to live by your means or end up struggling severely down the road because of your debt. Make sure that you start saving money during college and planning for that time whenever you do finally graduate because that is the moment of truth and the time in your life where you will be responsible for paying back any student loans that you acquired during those years. Your debt is just that, it is your debt, nobody else is going to handle things for you, so be a grown up finally and handle your finances properly.

What medieval weapons and swords were used in the middle ages

We always see motion pictures describing medieval Knights who are armed to their eyeballs with exotic looking weapons - But did they genuinely utilise each of those armor? Perchance not too amazingly, the most popular type of medieval weapons handled by knights of the Middle Ages was a sword. A number of medieval knights in Armor also sported a gothic dagger with them not simply as a backup knight weapon, but as a thing to be wielded in each day endeavours. A typical medieval knight sword, a2armory/famsworfromh. html, might be utilized for cooking and for guard whenever travelling. Knights of the Middle Ages also discovered long pole weapons extremely useful during combat. The most used pole weapons were axes medieval weapons. They granted a knight on nag a clear-cut command and an prolonged reach when grappling with an assailant on foot. Some other medieval warfare weapons that were desirable with medieval Knights are the crossbow and archer weapons and the medieval chain weapons. The medieval cross bow was an outstanding weapon, but was frequently unwieldy and labourious to reload. It was most benficially utilised defensively and at a far range. The medieval flail was an good melee knight weapon and was used often in conflict. A medieval flail is a basic weapon-it had a long grip with a chain connected to the crest. The chain was more than 2 feet long and on the edge was a substantial iron ball with spikes projected all about it. It was an good melee style of weapon because it was not a stabbing knight sword, admitting the medieval warrior to thrust over and over really rapidly. There are a few of fluctuations when it comes to the spiked medieval flail. There is a lone ball battle mace and a 2 ball flail. Both versions do a good deal of disfigurement and used to be favoured by medieval Knights within armed combat. Despite all of these additional usable medieval weapons and Armor, chivalic Knights still chose their claymore Swords to every other weapons. Perchance this is why many celebrated chivalic Knights need suitable medieval times replica Swords.

Business loans translating potential for financial success and independence

A good entrepreneur knows that the essence of striking gold in business is finding the right opportunity and going after it despite the risks. These opportunities keep on sprouting when you are doing business. Or you might have stumbled upon one and contemplating taking it. Your financial condition may not help you to translate your potential for financial success and independence. Business loans can facilitate this translation. Obtaining finance is central for starting a new business or making business grow. Financing a business through business loans can be a formidable task. But a good preparation can easily sort out any matter detrimental to getting your business loans approved. Taking a loan for business is an important decision. A business loans borrower must understand that while taking loans can help a business grow, a wrong decision will mean debt and actually damage financial stability of a business. Determine how much loan amount you require as business loans. There are different business loans products to decide from. A well thought out business plan is the most significant part of getting a business loans approved. The business plan should have projection. Don’t go into details, a concise to the point executive summary which answers all the queries of a business loans, will gain easy acceptance. If you have an established business – financial statement, cash flow for the past three years will be required. When business loans application is reviewed, some of the following questions might come up in one version or the other. · How much loan do you require? · What about business profits, does it have enough cash flow, to service the debt? · Is there collateral to cover the loan? · Is there a reasonable balance between debt and equity? Business loans lender would pay much emphasis on your repayment ability. He would like to know if you have invested your own money in the business. He would not be very interested in taking risk in a venture where the business owner has not. For business loans it is important to know your credit history. The business loans lender will undeniably go through your credit history. Go through your recent credit history and find out faults and recent credit discrepancies. If there are inconsistencies, get them removed. A credit history that is questionable will most likely not get business loans. However, if you attach a letter explaining your credit conduct can evoke a favourable response. The worst mistake will be to hiding your faults. This will most certainly reject an otherwise encouraging business loans application. Few people realize it but locating a good business loans lender is integral to finding business loans. It is not easy to find business loans lender that abides by your needs. In fact it is an investment in itself. Look for business loans lender who is willing to work with you and for you. Business loans also depend on your character and your ability to be present yourself, your business details and your confidence. They also count in getting your business loans accepted. In case business loans application is rejected – make sure you know the reason why this happened. This will enable you to rectify mistakes next time you make attempt to get business loans. Collateral is chief ingredient for business loans. Secured business loans will require collateral and greatly add to the business loans application. Business loans without collateral are unsecured business loans. They are usually difficult to find. But unsecured business loans will only satisfy small financing needs. Business loans are available for most financing needs. Business loans can be used for starting a business, refinancing, expanding your business, purchase of equipments or any other commercial investment. Insufficient business funds are one of the leading causes of business failure.

Pirate costumes fit to walk the plank on the high seas

When looking for some great fun at your next Halloween party or masquerade ball, and yes, they are still around; you can have the hottest pirate costumes fit to walk the plank on the high seas. When looking at pirate costumes, you will find pirate hats and pirate swords, pirate mustache, pirate eye patches, but also the right pirate costume just for you. Halloween is not only October 31, where kids go door to door, make Jack-o'-lanterns and pumpkin carvings, but it is also Samhain, a Celtic Holiday, All Hallow's Day, and All Saints Day. Many may think that they are too old to play dress up or cannot find the right costume in the right size, but that is where the world has not changed, only now you can find the costume you are looking for online. Buying online, you will find the convenience of knowing what costume will fit without ever having to step into a dressing room. Just imagine dressing up as the scandalous Jack Sparrow, or as a female version in a women’s pirate captain costume. Halloween Costumes are meant to be fun, so why not a Sexy Pirate Costume. Piracy has been around since men first sailed the seas, and is still around today. The pirates we think of range from swashbuckling heroes to actual historical ones like Barbarossa, Blackbeard, Redbeard, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and William Kidd. There were both male and female pirates and they would all pillage and plunder to their hearts desire. The word pirate inspires by its meaning alone, "attempt, experience", basically "to find luck on the sea". Piracy in the Caribbean has sparked not only the minds of young children but fictional writers, and movies as well. The infamous Jolly Roger flag and Edward England's flag have been under the spotlight of history and Hollywood as well. Piracy reigned in the Caribbean from 1560 to the 1760s and still today, yet this was when Piracy was at an all time high. It sparked interest because of conflicts between England, Spain, the Dutch, and France. Most of the pirates of that time were of English or Dutch Origin. Halloween, and the costumes surrounding it, gives not only children but also adults as well to be something else even if only for a few hours. It’s striking that many believe that America was the first to don Halloween costumes but masquerades and masks have been around for centuries. Halloween is also celebrated in other countries as well, including Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. Dressing up in a sexy Halloween costume gives you a chance to attract the opposite sex in a hot and appealing way to say trick or treat, whether you decide to hide yourself behind a mask or not. It is a time-honored tradition to celebrate a festive holiday. Halloween does not have to be scary, horrifying, or only about haunted houses. It is simply a way to dress up in theatrical costumes and have fun. Why not go as that sexy pirate and steal the heart of the one you love. Autumn is the perfect time of the year to throw away your ordinary wardrobe and go to costume parties wearing the latest Halloween fashions. Therefore, why not have some fun while you are getting candy and other sweets wearing a risquй pirate costume.

Chocolate heaven discover the hidden treasures of chocolate

Nowadays there are so many different types of chocolate on the market, that we are literally ‘spoilt for choice’. With so much publicity on what we should and should not eat, many people are turning to plain chocolate. Not only does plain chocolate have less sugar than other types, but it also contains a high proportion of cocoa solids. These are formed of pure chocolate and cocoa butter - a hard, white fat. The percentage of coca solids is always listed on the wrapper of the chocolate. Some percentages are as high as 75% or even higher, indicating the chocolate is exceptionally smooth and of high quality. The most popular chocolate of all is milk chocolate. Most children adore it. Sweeter than plain chocolate it has extra sugar, full cream milk, and vanilla added to it. Then there is white chocolate, which contains only cocoa butter, milk, sugar and vanilla. Because of the added milk, both this type of chocolate, and also milk chocolate, need to be melted with care over a gentle heat. Otherwise they will thicken, and although edible, will not re-melt. Chocolate drops (or nibs, as they are sometimes called) are easy to melt. The can be used as a decoration on cakes or as an ingredient in the popular chocolate brownie cakes. Some firms sell chocolate for use in a current favorite ‘chocolate fountains’. These make an eye-catching image for a special occasion, with the melted chocolate continually flowing like a colored waterfall – just ready for guests to dip marshmallows, strawberry’s and other small fruits, into the ‘fountain’. It is a good idea to have plenty napkins around to catch the drips! Those who are diabetic often complain about how restricted their diet is, but at least they can have a piece of chocolate. Diabetic chocolate is on sale in various outlets, and has a lower percentage of sugar than other chocolate. Apart from chocolates and bars of chocolate, we can also buy chocolate flakes, these contain both cocoa butter and vegetable oil. The butter adds flavor, and the oil helps to give the flake its crumbly consistency Some specialist shops sell blocks of cocoa butter. This can be melted, mixed with cocoa powder and used to paint sepia colored pictures onto cakes or plaques. Vermicelli is yet way another type of chocolate. These tiny strands are used for coating truffles and cakes. Occasionally the name can becomes confused with Italian vermicelli - fine strands of pasta! A current fashion is to decorate a wedding cake with curls of chocolate like tall rods standing around the sides of the cake. They can be home made but it is a time-consuming job and not easy to make them all a similar size. So it is a good idea to buy from a specialist shop, when they will all be an equal length and thickness Another type of coating which is bought by confectioners is known as Ganache. This mixture of cream and chocolate is very versatile. Melted and flooded over cakes, it is delicious to eat, and sets with a gloss. The higher the quality of the chocolate used, the greater the sheen on the coating. Alternatively, it can be left to firm and piped Modelling chocolate another commodity which can either be bought or home-made. This consists of liquid glucose and chocolate. The glucose makes the paste pliable and easy to model - chocolate roses are particularly popular. And finally, we come to a type of ‘so called chocolate’ which can cause confusion. Packaged under various headings it is often called Chocolate flavor cake covering, or chocolate flavoured coating. They all have one thing in common - although they contain cocoa powder, the cocoa butter has been extracted and replaced with vegetable fat, which is why the manufacturers cannot call it chocolate. The addition of vegetable fat makes the ‘chocolate’ easier to melt and work with. But it has a drawback – because of the lack of cocoa butter it does not have the same eating quality as pure chocolate. © Pat Lock 2007

Dynamic annual rate dar mortgage comparisons made easier

A proposed change in interest rate measures in the UK could make it far easier for consumers to compare the cost of mortgages, with the new interest rate measure offering increased transparency on the cost of borrowing. The Council of Mortgage Lenders claims that the new interest rate measure, which is known as the DAR or the Dynamic Annual Rate, will make the cost of borrowing far clearer to consumers, thus making it simpler for borrowers to compare loans in order to find the most competitive deal. Currently, lenders in the UK use the Annual Percentage Rate measure, also known as the APR, in order to calculate the cost of borrowing. When using the APR to calculate the cost of borrowing the lender calculates on the basis that the loan will be kept on over the full term, ie 25 years. However, with many people switching mortgages before the end of the 25years, the APR does not offer a true comparison. Also, when using the APR measure no fees, charges, or arrangement fees are taken into account - the APR is based solely on the actual amount borrowed. The DAR interest rate measure will differ in that it will take into account fees, charges, and arrangement fees. It will also be calculated over the length of time that the loan is likely to be kept. This is because many borrowers that take on Home loans and mortgages decide to pay off the loan in full after a few years - usually when a special offer such as a fixed rate runs out - and remortgage to a better value package. Experts state that the DAR calculation will make it easier for borrowers to calculate the accurate cost of a loan, and will enable them to benefit from far easier and more accurate comparisons on similar loan deals. This will enable them to determine if and when they can benefit from switching from one product to another, and will also allow them to see how interest rate changes will affect the various costs associated with Home loans and mortgages. An official from the Council of Mortgage Lenders said that this new measure makes information for consumers more 'comprehensive' and 'meaningful', and that it could prove very useful for consumers that are not sure with regards to how long they will be keeping the home loan or mortgage on before paying it off.

Best deals from airline credit cards

Airline credit cards, primarily aimed at a travelers’ convenience, are the result of collaboration between credit card companies and different airline companies. These are very popular reward cards and are a step further to frequent flyer cards. Frequent flyer cards can be airline sponsored or bank sponsored. Bank sponsored credit cards allow more flexibility, as the miles earned can be used on many airlines unlike airline-sponsored, which focuses on single airline. Apart from numerous incentives, transactions on airline credit card can add substantial savings for the cardholder. Generally, for every dollar charged on the card, you earn one “point” which is equivalent to a travel mile. In addition, these cards can be used with a wide range of services like hotels, car rentals, car wash, and shopping malls. Purchases made and hence the accumulated points (once they reach the required level) can be redeemed for free travel miles for the next trip. Who Should Go For An Airline Credit Card? Airline credit cards are wise economic decisions only for those who: * Have a good or excellent credit history * Do not carry balance , in other words pay your monthly bill without any dues and on time * Charge a lot to the card and use it for everthing * Are flexible when it comes to redeeming the accumulated miles Choosing the Right Airline Credit Card A good airline credit card with wide compatibility functions helps to consolidate the benefits of 2 to 3 credit cards into one. The system of operation for these cards is no different from the normal credit cards. Some points to ponder in choosing the right card are: *Interest rates: Most of these cards have a high Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Typically, they tend to be 5-6% higher than the normal cards. *Annual fees: The annual fee for these cards is a main concern for the cardholders. In many cases, the annual fee paid is not relative to the rewards received. It is better to compare the fee for a number of cards, narrow the choices to the ones with moderate fees, and compare the rewards given on these cards to make the final decision. *Redemption criteria: The redemption criterion is a key factor in determining the right card. You should consider the blackout dates that are applicable for redeeming the frequent flyer miles. There could be an upper limit on the number of miles that can be accumulated and their validity. Some cards will let you convert accumulated points to cash. In addition, there can be more restrictions if the balance in not paid in full or if you are late with the payment. *Balance transfers: Some airline credit cards will allow balance transfer at a lower interest rate. This shifting of balances could help in increasing the flyer miles on the card. With balance transfer, you can achieve the double benefits of accumulating more flyer miles and debt consolidation. *Other lucrative services: There are various other extra travel services offered by these airline credit cards. These include and are not restricted to discount on car rentals, travel insurance on purchases using your card, emergency cash withdrawal from the card while traveling and discounts in certain restaurants and shopping malls. Airline Miles Credit Card Another variant to the airline credit card is the airline miles credit card. As the name indicates, these cards accumulate miles per dollar spent. There are varieties of airline miles credit card each offering different terms and conditions on the airline miles per dollar spent. Hence, you need to check for the minimum number of air miles necessary for a free trip and the duration of validity of the accumulated miles. With increased competition, many airline miles credit cards offer attractive incentives on sign up. These include additional bonus on first purchase, 0% APR for certain introductory period and on balance transfers. Though these are attractive offers, you need to consider the cost of maintaining these cards after the initial offer period. Airline credit cards, especially airlines miles credit cards are a good buy only for those who are regular flyers, as these cards tend to have high interest rate, annual fees, and other fees. In conclusion, as with any other card, you can reap good benefits only if you take time to read and research the fine print with the various offers. Careful search should give cards that offer low interest rates, no annual fees, more miles on dollar spent, and freedom to travel on any airline with no blackout dates. The best airline credit card is one that gives good value for money, in terms of accumulated miles and rewards.

Long term financial planning requires careful consideration

The old adage says Haste makes Waste, and caution is your only friend. How true such a proverb is when it comes to the world of personal financial planning. Caution means that you stop and look at all options before making any decisions in order to ensure that more often than not the result is a sound decision with a positive outcome. This step is almost mandatory when dealing with issues of financial planning, 401(k)s, and future money needs like retirement funds, etc. Poor financial decisions can result in catastrophic consequences like late payment, a deteriorating credit rating and even bankruptcy. When investing in real estate for short term purchases, one of the options you may be considering is an interest only mortgage. These can be a tricky investment and so you may want to consult with your financial advisor, before entering into a mortgage of this type. And, since it really can’t be considered a piece of your investment portfolio, a will more than likely be part of a business venture or investment. This is where the looking at all the options really comes into play. An interest only mortgage is not a good financing option when you are looking at purchasing a piece of property for a long-term investment purpose or are going to claim capital gains on the property. Interest-only mortgages are for quick profit transactions. You get in, and you get out. No hanging around in the middle. In. Out. Fast. Easy. Why do I say that? Because interest only mortgages do not allow for an increase in value to you, there isn’t an equity growing measure included so you can’t get more out of the transaction, really; and, your investment debt never decreases. Short-term implications and considerations of interest only mortgages have one main point. The payments are pretty low during the term of the payment, but that is simply because the overall liability is never going down. Other than that, this mortgage product really shouldn’t be a regular item of consideration in your financial planning portfolio. The interest only mortgage offers little in the way of tax deferred savings when compared to the bigger products like IRAs, MSAs, and even 401(k)s. Sure the interest is tax deductible, but not at a one-to-one ratio. Even SEPs for the self-employed individual can have a one-to-one ratio of tax savings. Over the long-term financial planning picture, if you were to consider an interest only mortgage in comparison to a regularly amortized mortgage you would see that when the regularly amortized loan is paid out, there is still a long line of payments to be made on the interest only loan. The amount of savings could be quite substantial if you consider the time value of money. Time value is easy to understand once you learn it. The basic concept is that the dollar is worth more today than it will be worth tomorrow (history seems to confirm this). So money put in savings today, will ultimately be worth more than money you start saving in ten or fifteen years. This is why financial planners urge folks to plan for retirement at such an early age instead of waiting until age 35 or 40 to start saving for the future. While an interest only mortgage may seem like a viable option to you, be wary and consider all the other possibilities. Chances are a reputable financial planner will have other options that benefit you more in the long run.

Why getting a free web hosting might be a bad idea

Whether you're posting awesome gaming tips or you'd simply like to share pictures of your family and friends, you need a good webhost. A webhost essentially provides you with the space and the domain for your webcontent, and as you can tell with a quick search using the Google search engine, there are many free services out there. What exactly are you getting when you look at a free webhost. Many people start building their websites up using the first free webhost that they find, but is this really a good idea? There are many things to keep in mind when you are examining candidates for this service. Reliability is one of the first factors that you should look for in terms of getting the right webhost. How receptive is your webhost to ensuring that your site remains up, and are they reliable when dealing with things like hackers or infractions from other source? There are many things that can be done to your site from an outside source, so how is your webhost going to handle it? Similarly, how committed is your webhost to making sure that your site stays up? Free webhosts are often reticent to offer you any assurances in this regard. What resources does your webhost have available? Good server technology and network redundancy are two things that are essential to being a good webhost, and in many cases free webhosts do not provide the later. Your hosting package should have several connections online, ensuring that if one drops another can take its place. Similarly, make sure that your webhost is able to provide you with good tech support. Make a test call if necessary, but if your site goes down, you might be depending on these people to help you get it back up. You should also find out if your host is the end of the line in terms of service or if it is reselling hosting services. This is a good way to find out if your webhost will provide you with quality service. Note that free webhosts can be notoriously unreliable in all of these regards. With a free webhost, there is a good chance that you will end up doing a lot of independent research and trying to find your own solutions. While this might be interesting if you have time and trying to learn about webpages, this can be a real problem if your needs include putting up a site, making sure it stays up and making it look at least semi-professional. These are all things to consider when you are thinking about whether or not to pay for webhosting. When it comes to webhosting, all to often you get what you pay for. As with any resource, remember that you should network and find out what other people have done. Are they enjoying their web service. Ideally, you should be able to consult someone who is using the webhosting for the same reason that you are. While there are some good free webhosts out there, you'll find that with paid webhosts, even ones with a small charge, are usually far superior.

Why

: Many articles supply answers, but here I do not. Here, I ask the questions. If you want to rack your brains for finding the answers to these life conundrums. But, I warn you. Beware. These are not easy, and though somewhat hilarious and funny, they are real and true to life. Should I begin? Ok, here I go: 1) How come Tarzan has no bears even though he grows up with wolves in the jungle? 2) Why does glue not stick to the insides of the tube or can that it comes in? 3) Why do they use sterile injections when executing someone who is condemned to death? 4) Why do we press down harder and harder or the remote controls even though we know that the batteries are low? 5) Why is it that when someone hits us in the ankles with his supermarket trolley and then appologizes, do we say that everything is ok? I mean, things are not really fine. Why is it that we do not say that it hurts? 6) Why is it that whatever the color of the bath soap, the bubbles are always white? 7) Why is it that you will never find a day when mattresses are not on sale? 8) Why is it that online casinos always offer big prize money for their tournaments but never reveal the real name of the winner after the competition is over? 9) If human beings evolved from monkeys, why is it that there still are monkeys? 10) Why did the Japanese Kamikaze pilots wear helmets during the second World War? 11) Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest but, then, duck when the empty gun is thrown at him. 12) Why do banks charge a commission when you go into debt even though they know that there is no money in that account? 13) Why do people go back again and again to the refrigerator hoping that something new to eat will appear there? 14) Why do people move their vacuum cleaner over a thin thread lying on the floor, bend down, pick it up, examine it, and then, place it on the floor again and move the vacuum over it again? 15) Why do people believe it when they are told that there are more than four billion stars, but when they see a sign that says wet paint, they have to touch and check? 16) Why does a plastic bag not open at the end where you first try to open it? 17) Why do you never hear jokes about father in laws? 18) Why are there dead insects inside enclosed electric lamps? 19) Why is it that in winter we try and keep the house as warm as it was during the summer when back in the summer we hated the heat? 20) Why is it that every time you try and catch something that is about to fall off the table, you always hit something else and drop that instead? Conclusion: Life has many oddities and conundrums: some funny, some less. I have mentioned but a few. Think of more? Send them to me.

Areas of employment for dental assistants

Areas of Employment for Dental Assistants A career as a Dental Assistant will open many doors of opportunity. Dental Assistants will be among the highest growing occupations from now until 2012. This is because people are starting to take a better interest in their oral health. Technological advances have led many individuals to the dentist office for cosmetic dental procedures rather than just cleanings and major dental work. Also, people are living longer, so their teeth need more care to stay healthy throughout their life. The most common place of employment to find Dental Assistants is in the dental office. Here they provide a variety of services. They often help to comfort scared patients prior to procedures as well as give them follow up care at the end of the appointment. Dental Assistants clean the tools used as well as make sure each work unit has the necessary tools and equipment ready for the next patient’s procedures. Dental Assistants in the dental office work very closely with Dentists and Hygienists. They often sit in on all procedures, handing staff the necessary tools. Dentist offices are generally small so Dental Assistants often help with lab work. This includes making molds of teeth for caps, bridges, and other dental work. They may also be required to assist with the taking of X-rays. A common place for Dental Assistants to be employed is in prisons. With more and more prisons being built all over the Nation, Dental Assistants are in great demand for Federal, State, and privately owned prisons. Working as a dental assistant in a prison setting requires more caution that in a regular dental office. All Nursing Assistants need to be aware of the risk of communicable diseases that are transmitted via saliva and blood. However, the rate of these diseases, especially HIV, is much higher with a prison population than the general public. Also, some inmates might try to attack by biting. Nursing Assistants in a prison setting need to be alert, and never let down their guard. Inmates often look for any opportunity to escape or obtain weapons. They can use a dental tool as a weapon against you, other staff, or other inmates. It is very important that you keep very close track of all dental tools in a prison setting. Never leave a tool in the reach of an inmate for even a moment. If you discover a tool is missing, immediately notify your supervisor and follow the procedures outlined in the prison policy. For those Dental Assistants wanting to help the lower income populations, securing employment in a Child Development Center, Head Start, or Migrant program is an excellent way of giving back to the community. Often, these populations can’t afford dental care and would go without it if the services weren’t offered as part of a government program. Employment in these types of agencies as a Dental Assistant often pays less than other employment opportunities in the field. However, many Dental Assistants make the choice to help those in need rather than earn more money. There are many opportunities to work as a Dental Assistant for agencies who serve the disabled. Often, Dental Assistants are afraid to work with such a population. However, once you feel comfortable with disabled people and their disabilities, you will be able to provide proper care to those who are in need, regardless of their mental capacity or physical appearance. A career as a Dental Assistant offers you many areas of employment including dental offices, prisons, low income programs, and for facilities who serve the disabled. The ability to choose the type of environment you want to use your Dental Assistant skills in makes the field even more inviting. If you are not sure if a particular type of agency is a good fit for you, talk to them. Ask if you can shadow another Dental Assistant who works there for a few days. This should give you plenty of exposure to the activities that take place in that agency. Word Count 670

Colorado horse camping and trails

The beauty of Colorado is quite inviting to nature lovers everywhere and the miles and miles of scenic trails winding through the state make Colorado even more appealing. There are thousands of miles of trails in Colorado, ranging from easy to quite challenging and strenuous. Some trails are designated for hiking and bicycling, while some are used for all terrain vehicles and off-roading. There are also hundreds of miles of bridle trails winding through the gorgeous landscapes of Colorado. There are 54 national recreation areas in Colorado that offer several miles of trails for horseback riding, including 6 national parks, as well as 20 Colorado state parks with equestrian trails. Three US Forest Service campgrounds provide horse camping sites and 2 of Colorado’s state parks offer campgrounds with nearby horse corrals. There are also horses for rent at several of the recreation areas and state parks. San Isabel National Forest in central Colorado has four designated trails for horseback riding and 2 campgrounds that offer horse sites. Alvarado Reservation Campground has 3 horse camping sites that allow 8 people each. Toilets and drinking water from a hand pump are provided and the campground is near the breathtaking and challenging Sangre de Cristo wilderness trails. Don’t forget to carry a Coleman emergency poncho in case you’re caught in one of the common afternoon thunderstorms. The Purgatoire Reservation Campground also accommodates 8 campers with horses and provides a selection of 8 horse camping sites. Jacks Gulch campground in northern Colorado just west of Fort Collins offers 5 horse camping sites with corrals and several nearby trails for riding. Visitors to Jacks Gulch can also enjoy bicycling, hiking, fishing, riding ATVs, and observing a variety of wildlife, especially an abundance of birds. Vega State Park in central Collbran, Colorado has convenient parking for horse trailers with access to hundreds of miles of trails for horseback riding in the Grand Mesa National Forest. Horse camping is not available in this Colorado state park, but corrals are located next to the rustic cabins and not far from the family campgrounds. Corrals can be reserved ahead of time. One of the four developed campgrounds in Colorado State Forest State Park, Brockman Campground, has recently added corral facilities for horse camping. State Forest State Park offers over 50 miles of trails and roadways that can be used for horseback riding, as well as hiking, bicycling, boating, and fishing opportunities. This park also has cabin and yurt rentals year round. If you’re interested in camping and horseback riding in Colorado but don’t own a horse, both Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park have stables conveniently located within the facilities that offer guided tours and horse rentals. Just south of Denver, Cherry Creek State Park is quite popular year round because of its extensive and scenic trails and wide array of amenities, including a marina and a model airplane field. If you are horse camping in Colorado, it is important to remember that all the horse feed used on state or national grounds must be certified as weed free. This includes hay and pellets. Check with the campground or park you plan to camp at ahead of time for other regulations regarding your horse. Some corrals do not have water so it may be necessary to bring buckets or a hose.

Jh2 never be jobless again

Some Tips on How Not To Lose a Job Nowadays, finding a job can be very tedious. However, some people contend that trying to keep a job to avoid the risk of losing it is in even harder. This is because they are trying whatever viable means there is, in order not to lose their jobs. Unemployment is a devastating condition in the society. It wrecks dreams and ambitions, and the goal to have a happy and decent life. In fact, unemployment had such an effect in the United States in 1990, where it only recorded 45% of its population working and from here; only 24% are working full time. That is why it is extremely important for a person to find a job and try harder not to lose it. Today, the percentage of people who are employed gradually increases and the wage that they earn escalates as well, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. The families that only earn from $10,000 to $50,000 in a year are already less common because the others are earning a lot more. For people who already have a job and desire not to be jobless again, here are some tips that they must follow in order to stay on track: 1. Employees should always try their best to improve their performance This entails a chain reaction within the work force in the company. The employee should, by all means try harder to do their job well as well as improve their performance in order to increase productivity. Once productivity has been improved, the income of the company will grow, meaning there will be more funds for remuneration and more probabilities that the company will adhere to its employees' cultivation and motivation. 2. Avoid procrastination If a person does not want to lose his or her job, procrastination should be avoided. Making up lame excuses, even if there is the slightest truth in it, will never justify the work undone. 3. It is better for a person to find a job that he or she truly likes. It would be harder to keep a job that a person does not like. This will only result to poor performance and everything. It is better for a person to find a job that would bring meaning to his or her life. The main point here is that people should know how to turn failures into success in order to focus on one common goal: never to lose a job again.

Villas and apartments from elegant resorts

Elegant Resorts latest Villas and Apartments brochure has just been released, introducing a whole host of new villas and, for the first time, apartments have also been included - to offer a much wider choice and even more flexibility. This brochure offers a wide range of properties to suit all - couples, small or large groups, families and even groups who may be celebrating a special occasion and require their own island complete with home gym and private cinema. Other facilities that can be enjoyed include: gourmet chefs or cooks on site, butler and maid service, laundress, private pools and jacuzzis, designer interiors, in-villa spas, games rooms, tennis courts, fully captained boats with water-sports, motor cruiser and captain, water ski boats, private cars and chauffeurs - the list goes on. Villas with home cinemas include, Cove Spring House, Villa Maco Lodge, Casa Loniceria, Villa al Boschiglia and Son Salas. Tranquil gardens, magnificent views and sublime beaches complete the paradise. Flexibility and privacy come immediately to mind when selecting a villa or apartment, and the unique appeal of indulging in your own space is often a welcome alternative to the more traditional hotel experience. A choice of cooking favorite meals (or having them prepared for you by a private chef) is often part of a great holiday, and can also be a godsend to families with small children - alternatively why not use the opportunity to explore local restaurants. The portfolio spans not only the Caribbean: Barbados, Grenada, Antigua, St Lucia, St Barths, Mustique, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, but also Orlando and the Gulf Coast of Florida in North America, and Europe: Portugal, Mallorca, Italy and Greece. It consists myriad styles and sizes from one bedroom such as Porto Zante Villas in Greece, Oceano in Portugal or Villa Atalante in St Barths - up to estates like Mount Hartman Bay in Grenada or Cove Spring House in Barbados, with the capacity to sleep 20 -22 people, or the total privacy of Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, a perfect hideaway for up to 28 people. Styles are also varied - the Tuscan-style Villa al Boschiglia in Italy, barefoot casual in Captiva or Naples in Florida, the traditional comfort of Royal Westmoreland in Barbados, the cutting edge contemporary feel of Cerulean Villa in Anguilla or Son Salas in Mallorca, a 17th century Mallorquin estate surrounded by 50 acres of olive, orange and lemon groves. Families and more active groups can enjoy the Orlando Luxury Villas, providing a refined experience, but with all the attractions of Disney and other theme parks nearby - as well as a choice of championship golf courses on the doorstep. Private Jets can also be easily arranged to make the very most of precious time and to create that effortlessly stylish holiday to each unique villa or apartment. Exclusive Special Offer Elegant Resorts are also offering clients an exclusive special offer at The Old Sugar House in Barbados. Guests who book 7 nights will receive a further 7 nights free from Ј640 per person - save up to Ј435 per person. Price is based on 10 adults sharing this 5 bedroom property and includes 14 nights accommodation and return private car transfers. Flights and all meals are extra. This offer is valid from 1 August - 15 December 2007 & 1 May - 30 September 2008 inclusive.

Solutions for depression

This article is aimed at helping people who are often in a state of depression. I have had many of periods in my life where I have found it difficult to carry on and where in truth I have wished that my life would just end. Depression affects people in many different ways. From a personal note it affects my sleep patterns and makes the smallest things irritate me. I have even been sick in the morning after spending the night worrying about my present situation. Most of the time I am not so much depressed at what is happening now but am fearing what might happen in the future. This fear may be about financial matters, a social occasion, health or about my family. I had basically had enough of constantly being depressed, about being in fear of the future and needed to learn about how to control my depression. After seeking inspiration from a variety of sources, I had what I hoped was enough ammunition to keep my fears and phobias at bay. I will at times have an off day where I feel quite low and this is where I use my new found knowledge. How to control your depression I am a very quiet person and I like to keep myself to myself. Some would say that I border on being a loner, which I would quite agree with. Too many people have hurt me throughout my life and to tell you the truth I prefer being on my own. I am not a peoples person. I also like to keep my problems to myself. This was my biggest failure, what I needed to do was to talk through my problems and fears with somebody else, a member of my family for example. This was not easy for me to do and it took a great deal of courage to talk to anybody about the areas of my life which made me feel depressed. I did however go down this route and it did have a positive effect. To talk about my problems was like taking a weight off my shoulders. The person I confided in was my father. He listened and then came back with some superb advice and a couple of suggestions of what I could do. This is my second piece of advice. We need to spend less time worrying and more time seeking solutions to our problems. We need to ask ourselves why we are depressed and what can help us to remedy our issues. My father also stated that I should only do things and go to places that I wanted to. I have always found it hard to turn down invitations to for example a party and have found myself often somewhere that I do not in reality want to be. He also told me about one of his friends. His name was Mike and he had just been diagnosed with cancer. The doctors had told Mike that he only has a maximum of six months to live and he is only fifty-nine. He asked me to imagine how he must be feeling. I went home and thought about Mike, I was sure that he would love to swap shoes with me. It is not just about Mike, he has a wife and three children, what must they be going through. I started to appreciate my own health and that of my family a bit more. By opening up and talking about why I was depressed was the best thing I ever did and is something I will continue to do. My dad certainly helped me to think in a more positive way. This advice I am sure will not help every person who is depressed as depression is an illness. It has however helped me and I am hoping it will be of benefit to others.