Carmine

A federal court ruled last week that it is not only a trademark violation any longer to use another companys trademark to deceive search engine users in the paid ad headline. The court has further ruled, that you can not purchase a trademark as a keyword to bring up your paid listing on Google, Yahoo, MSN and other search engines. This decision stemmed from a national jewelry company, who bid on the term, dating ring to bring up their ad for the sale of the companies own diamond rings. The problem was that another company already had the trademark to the term The Dating Ring. When this term was entered by users of the search engines, the national companys ad came up for the sale of rings.

The defendant argued it never placed the trademarked term on any of its products or used the term dating ring on its Web site. Unfortunitly for the company, they did use the term in the content of their ad.

This ruling makes the practice of going after your competitors name very costly now. The issues as I see it may become the inability to use common terms that the causal user may search by, where they do not even know it is a trademark. In this case illustrated, the term, dating ring seems rather innocent to me. I had no idea there was even a company with that name. The law provides protection for companies name as it is used in commerce. However, when a company chooses such a general term for a name and does not have a large presence in the economy or even in the specific industry it conducts business, and then it seems unfair to require every company bidding on key words to conduct a trademark search for each and every term they will purchase. This type of investigation can prove to be most costly, where it is a standard practice in the P.P.C (pay per click) world to buy upwards of two to three thousand terms know as long tail terms, to bring in as many visitors as possible. The goal is of course to make a sale, collect information or what ever the desired conversion for the site may be. However, just because someone uses their web site in commerce and has purchased a term, that has a very plain or simple meaning, is not evidence that such a person or company intended to violate a small unknown companies trademark.

This article was written by Michael Goldstein for the Law Office of Goldstein and Clegg, a writters of the E-legal Lawyer Blog.

Save money on outdoor security lighting while at the same time, protecting your property (and your own personal safety) with floodlights that are activated when motion is detected by a sensor. Floodlights that are illuminated from dusk to dawn are high-energy consumers and can easily be replaced by automating the activating process.

Motion activated outdoor lighting has a shock value to would be intruders. Suspecting that your home is shrouded in darkness making it an easy target for burglary would be intruders are shocked when they are suddenly flooded with light. Its just common sense to expect them to move on to a less protected target.

In addition to protecting your property from criminals, motion activated lighting can provide an element of safety for you when you are returning home after dark or if you venture outside to investigate a strange noise. Strategically placed, motion activated floodlights can illuminate the driveway, entryways and other walkways around your home. Some insurance companies will even offer premium incentives for homeowners with this type of security lighting.

The basic mechanics of the motion detection sensor is fairly simple. The active sensor works by pulsing a stream of energy such as microwaves or sound that is sensitive to changes in the environment. Most lighting systems are of the passive variety designed to detect infrared energy. These passive systems known as passive infrared detectors can be calibrated to detect a person by picking up on the infrared energy they emit.

The motion sensor is sensitive to both motion and the amount of infrared energy that it is sensing. The electronics are designed to find a relatively rapid change in the amount of infrared energy it is sensing. This is why these sensing devices are triggered by a person or animal moving and not the slow gradual change that occurs in the infrared energy in the nighttime environment.

Motion sensors are also used indoors and are generally called occupant sensors. A special feature of many occupant sensors is that they detect not only the presence of a person in a particular area but also detect the absence of a person as well. The way they work is fairly simple and straightforward. The motion detector itself is designed to sense both the presence and the absence of a person, send the appropriate message or signal to what is called the control unit which then processes the information and sends a signal to a controllable switch which then either opens or closes a relay which either turns lights on or turns them off.

Besides providing security, the occupant sensor is a very effective energy savings device because of its capability to turn off lights when a room or area is not being used.

There are basically two different systems available for occupant sensors. One type involves a separate unit for the motion detector and controller and a separate unit for the power supply and switch (relay). This setup is the most popular type of occupant sensor and is generally the least expensive. A more recent innovation is called a wall box sensor and includes all the components housed in a single compact package. Wall box sensors are generally less powerful in terms of their detection capabilities than their older counterpart.

Another type of motion sensor uses infrared heat energy generated by a person. These passive devices do not emit any radiation and are strictly detection devices that are designed to be sensitive to any object that emits energy at a wavelength of approximately 10 microns, which is the maximum generated by a person. These devices are generally known as passive infrared sensors or PIR and are restricted by the fact that they are line-of-sight systems.

Finally, a device called an ultrasonic occupant sensor uses a system that sends out ultrasonic waves, which then pick up on how often these waves are reflected. Operating much like naval sonar devices, these sensors detect motion through a change in the frequency of the waves that are reflected. These devices are among the most sensitive sensors when it comes to detecting movement.

RAB is one of the leading manufacturers of motion sensors and provide a variety of sensors, each configured for specific purposes. One of the most popular models is the Stealth 110. This unit provides 110-degree coverage, which translates to 50 out and 70 wide. Generally used in commercial or industrial settings, the Stealth 15LV is primarily used as a motion detector in corridors. This unit has a 15-degree coverage and can detect motion as far away as 75 using a 12 scan. The Stealth 200 provides 200 degrees of coverage or 30 out and 100 wide. The primary application for this model is along the side of a building for close coverage.

RAB also offers motion sensor light kits that dont involve the more complicated wiring found in the above-noted models. These units have either a bell or a bullet floodlight that illuminates whenever motion is detected in the area covered. The STL110H series has 110 degree coverage or 50 out and 70 wide. The STL200H series has a 200 degree coverage or 30 out and 100 wide.

LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for outdoor lighting LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount outdoor lighting fixtures, visit us at LightnBreezy.com

Texas Holdem poker is a card game that is played on a large table that will seat nine to ten players and a house dealer. The game is similar to seven-card stud with the winner being the player who has the best five-card poker hand. The difference is each player is dealt only two cards and common cards are placed in the center of the table at the rate of three cards, one card, and a final card. There is a round of betting after each dealing of cards. The first round follow the two cards to each player. The ongoing rounds follow the cards placed in the center of the table.

The start of the game is from the dealer button that is passed from player to player. The two players next to the player designated the dealer put up the small blind and the big blind. On the next dealt hand this scenario is set up again as the dealer and the blind payers are passed on to the next players. The game always moves from right to left in this poker game as it does in other poker games. From this point on the play is similar to any seven-card stud game except for the common cards. Players bet, call, raise, or fold in turn. The amount of the bet depends on the whether the game is a limit game or no-limit. The number of raises allowed in a limit game is usually three unless the hand comes down to heads up between two players.

In a real game, not online, a card that falls from the table is considered dead. A miss deal will be dealt with by the pit boss whos ruling is final. The dealer usually controls a dispute between players or if severe enough the pit boss is called in.

Holdem poker hands are rated the same as they are in any other high poker hand game. The players can state they are calling, raising or folding, but then they must complete their bet or fold the hand. A move toward the pot with chips in your hand is considered at minimum a call. Cheap shot plays are not tolerated in first class poker casinos.

Enjoy yourself playing Americas most popular poker game whether you will play online or in a live casino. Some of the mistakes a new player can make in a live game cannot be made in an online game. For example, there is no way online you can bet out of turn.

Read some books written by world-class players and you will improve your game very quickly.

This article is the property of Best casinos guide

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble vitamin that can be found in most tissues of the body. It is also an important antioxidant and works to protect cells from damaging free radicals that may lead to certain eye diseases, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Vitamin C helps body cells grow and stay healthy, including those in bones, teeth, gums, ligaments, and blood vessels. It also helps the bodys response to infection and stress, and helps use iron efficiently. It can vastly improve health and prevent many serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It does so by inactivating toxic oxygen free radicals which can potentially damage lipid membranes, proteins, and cellular DNA.

Also an anti-oxidant, vitamin C protects the skin from UV radiation damage which causes age spots. It can actually reverse some of the oxidative damage in the skin cells.

Vitamin C deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency in humans leads to scurvy. Early symptoms in adults include fatigue, weakness, aching joints and muscles. In later stages, scurvy is characterized by anemia, bleeding from the gums, petechial and sheet hemorrhages, and delayed wound healing. Eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day will provide enough vitamin C and other important vitamins and fiber.

The best sources of Vitamin C
Fruits, especially citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, contain lots of vitamin C. Vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli and potatoes are also great sources of vitamin C.

The recommended amount of vitamin C for most healthy people is 60mg/day. The following list provides the amount of vitamin C contained in these common foods:

One 8-ounce glass of orange juice - 97 mg
One cup of strawberries - 85 mg
1 medium kiwi fruit - 75 mg
Papaya 1 medium 188 mg
Grapefruit juice 6 ounces 70 mg
Cantaloupe, cubed 1 cup 68 mg
Mango 1 medium 57 mg
1/2 cup raw green peppers - 45 mg
1/2 cup cooked broccoli - 37 mg
1 baked potato - 26 mg
1 raw tomato - 24 mg
Cauliflower, raw 1/2 cup 23 mg
Kidney and liver are good animal-derived sources of vitamin C

How to prepare foods to retain vitamin C
Vitamin C can be lost from foods during preparation, cooking, or storage due to oxidation. To prevent loss of vitamin C:

Serve fruits and vegetables raw whenever possible Steam, boil, or simmer foods in a very small amount of water, or microwave them for the shortest time possible

Vitamin C supplements
When shopping for Vitamin C supplements, take special care to watch out for esterifies C and time-released C. It has not been scientifically proven that these can be absorbed as easily as ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C Toxicity
Excess vitamin C not needed by the body will just be excreted in the urine. Gastrointestinal effects are the most common adverse effects associated with high doses of vitamin C taken over a short period of time.

While vitamin C is generally not considered toxic, large amounts over 1000mg can cause stomach upset, and kidney or other problems including:

Diarrhea
Bloating
Cramps
Kidney Stones
Anemia (Destruction of Rbcs)
Rebound Scurvy
Infantile Scurvy

Large amounts of vitamin C can reduce the body levels of copper. People with iron overload diseases must avoid a vitamin C overdose, as it increases iron absorption. Individuals who have kidney stones should seek their doctors advice. If a pregnant mother takes 6,000 mg of vitamin C, the baby may develop rebound scurvy due to a sudden drop in the daily intake.

When are higher levels of vitamin C necessary?
Higher levels of vitamin C are needed when a person is under environmental stress such as trauma, fever or infection. Full saturation is reached with daily intakes of 200-500 mg per day (in 2-3 divided doses). Also, In order to neutralize the damaging free radicals found in tobacco smoke, smokers in general use more vitamin C than nonsmokers.

Is vitamin C good for colds?
Many people increase their vitamin C intake to try and either prevent or fight off a cold. While the research is not definite on the real benefits of this practice, extra vitamin C is usually safe in amounts up to twice the RDA of 60mg.

Studies have concluded that taking vitamin C doses as high as 1g/day over a long period does not prevent colds. However, relatively high doses of vitamin C will modestly reduce the duration of cold symptoms. The relation of dose to therapeutic benefit has not been properly explored, but in trials testing the administration of vitamin C after cold symptoms occurred, there was some evidence that a large dose produced greater benefits than lower doses.

For more free information on vitamins and supplements, please visit http://www.swansonvitamins.xscoop.info

V. Michael Santoro is a published author. He co-authored his first book with his teenage daughter. The book is entitled, Realizing the Power of Love, How a father and teenage daughter became best friends... and how you can too! He also writes articles on various healthcare topics.

I hear allot about VOIP what is it?

VOIP stands for voice over internet protocol. Basically it means making phones calls over your local area network (LAN) or even across the Internet.

VOIP is normally cheaper than your PSTN thats public switched telephone network i.e. your local carrier.

VOIP is a good choice for businesses as well to save money on long distance calls if they have many satellite offices. VOIP service providers usually have lower fees because they are not a government regulated currently as the phone systems which at one time were a monopoly. VOIP can even be free if you connect directly to another VOIP client.

VOIP routers can send your incoming phone calls to you anywhere thus cutting down on the number of lines and you can be reached anywhere you have a Internet connection.

This and the combination of technologies like WiFi are going to make for one huge network. That voice, data and video will be sent everywhere and from anywhere. With this VOIP technology you have allot more features as well such as Caller ID, Call Forwarding and answering services all from your computer or PDA.

There are some issues to still be worked on.

Here are some:

The amount of band with required.

Security issues- what type of encryption should be used and how much is going to slow down the call and network?

This is a exciting and new technology which I will be writing more about.

Benjamin Hargis Phuture Networks http://www.phuturenetworks.com
http://www.computersecurityadvice.com

With the advent of the Internet, a whole new way of handling legal issues and getting legal advice has come into being. Today, it is possible to obtain legal aid online, in several different forms. Here are some examples.

One of the most common ways to obtain some legal advice or counsel via the Internet is by way of some of the legal message boards that are provided by some attorneys and lawyers associations. Here you can find a wealth of information on very basic legal questions that have to do with a specific state of location. Persons may anonymously ask about just about anything. For example, there may be an inquiry about child custody laws in a given location. Someone else may want to know about the basics of drawing up a will. Others may be concerned about putting together a living will. A single person with no immediate family may ask for advice on how to arrange his or her affairs so a friend can make decisions in situations where the single person is incapacitated. While the counsel given in these forums in meant to be general, it often can be a great way to help people start on the path to handling their situations.

In other case, you can actually engage the services of an attorney to handle a situation for you. For example, you may be able to contact an attorney online and have a will drawn up or get help in drafting a living will. Simple legal aid online can save you from having to make a bunch of phone calls and go on several appointments before finding an attorney that will have the time to perform these relatively simple services for you. Keep in mind you may pay a set price for the services you want, or there may be a per hour fee applied to the work. Make sure you understand the terms of payment before you begin any process. Also, it never hurts to check with the bar association and make sure the attorney is legitimate.

Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of obtaining legal aid online is the fact that you can do it from home. From the comfort of your chair, you can easily verify the credentials of any attorney who offers online services, check on the price schedules for any number of attorneys in your area, and even search for legal services based on what type of legal help you happen to need. For persons who are ill or unable to leave the home easily, these online legal aids are often the ideal solution to getting their affairs in order.

James Woodley is the writer for the website http://legal-aid.webinfo-site.com.

Please visit for information on all things concerned with Utilizing Legal Aid Online Services

Shopping online for mortgages ought to be trouble free, even should you have poor credit or no credit score. You can nonetheless find a bad credit lender that can facilitate you. The internet has expanded the international marketplace in a way never before possible, granting people looking for financial products such as loans unlimited choices. Whenever you shop for a loan online you are utilizing the largest marketplace in the world.

The secret to getting the cheapest home mortgage even with poor credit is to firstly be optimistic and persistent. Make contact with as many banking institutions and lenders as you have the time for. There exists out there one or more online lenders who are able to assist you to get the best mortgage loan for you situation.

The solution is to find them, and to do that you may have to invest some time shopping around and completing as many application forms as feasible. As luck would have it you could complete most of your research on the internet which will save time and achieve results quickly. Be sure to check out your credit history report before applying to ensure it's correct as it may affect your ability to find the best interest rate. Close to 50% of credit bureau reports contain inaccuracies.

The interest charges on home loans in general can cost the householder nearly TWO TIMES the cost of the house over the term of the mortgage. Therefore, it's very important to shop around for the best rates. To get a quotation for online lenders, all that is required, is to complete a simple one page application and you will receive offers within minutes.

Mortgage Loan Reviews
Find the best mortgage loan reviews and information online.

(c) Noel Hynes, 2005. Reprint rights granted to copy and publish this article so long as the article and by-line are reprinted intact.

A canoe trip is a great way to appreciate Nature!

A well-planned canoe trip is always filled with fun and adventure. If you love cruising the sea or the beautiful lake areas then a canoe trip would be a great choice for you. You can spend hours paddling about on a canoe trip and have plenty of time to enjoy the scenic beauty as it unfolds around you.

There are many such canoe trips available through canoe outfitters and trip coordinators worldwide. Depending on where you are situated, you can plan a canoe trip as part of your family holiday enjoyment or alternatively as part of a group outing.

A canoe trip is a popular choice for many people as it provides all the beauty associated with nature while the canoe itself is not that difficult to maneuver. The canoe used in modern day canoe trips is a relatively small and rigid craft. Depending on the size of the canoe used on your canoe trip, it is paddled along by one or more people sitting and facing the direction of travel.

The craft is propelled through the water by the use of single blade paddles and thus the speed reached while on a canoe trip is controlled and maintained by the paddlers. The canoe that you utilize for a canoe trip will probably be open on top and have a pointed area at each end.

Of course, a canoe trip is not the only way to enjoy a canoe. Competitive canoeing is enjoyed worldwide and features sprint canoeing (racing) and slalom as part of its many aspects. A slalom canoe is closed like a kayak to afford protection from the water and this kind of craft is not generally used for a casual canoe trip. The aim of slalom canoeing, vastly different from a canoe trip, is to navigate a canoe or kayak through a course of gates placed among river rapids, at the fastest possible speed!

Competitors are timed as they complete a descent of the rapids while passing through the different colored gates at an incredibly high speed, a far cry from the peaceful paddling of a Sunday afternoon canoe trip! Still, if excitement is your game, you can still pursue it by enjoying a canoe trip through fast moving waters, as the experience earned by paddling and maneuvering your craft will stand you in good stead should you do it competitively.

There is also another sport that offers excitement to any competitive canoe trip enthusiast. It is the game of canoe polo and is not for any faint-hearted casual canoe trip paddlers. This is a competitive sport played between 2 teams of five players each. Each team is seated in a canoe and must try and get the ball into their opponent's goal area, the winners being the team who score the most goals. The best way to work out in preparation to playing canoe polo is to take part in vigorous canoe trips as often as possible. This canoe trip training will help to increase strength levels while also increasing the paddlers ability to control the craft.

It's always exciting to travel and camp while on a canoe trip. Large distances can easily be covered on a canoe trip and the canoe can transport bulky loads with ease. A canoe trip offers a vastly different experience than does backpacking and allows for observation of aquatic life and wildlife typically found near the shore.

Any fishing you might intend as part of your vacation plan is easily accomplished while on a canoe trip. Remember when planning a canoe trip that the USA and Canada boast the most beautiful lakes and canoe trip vacation areas. Almost one quarter of the worlds freshwater lakes abound in Canada, so you can be sure of a huge available choice for your canoe trip. Not only are day trips available for canoe trip enthusiasts but long excursions of 3 weeks or more are often also available.

There are also weekend courses on the water, which will help you to spruce up your canoe trip skills, an important consideration before embarking on any canoe trip, however short it might be! Safety whilst enjoying a canoe trip should be everyone's top priority and some canoeing skills will go a long way to enhancing your whole canoe trip experience!

Copyright 2005

More on Canoe Trips

Colorado Springs grew on the back of the Pike's Peak Gold Rush dating back to the 1850's, and in the 1870's attracted many, as its dry climate and mineral waters were thought to cure tuberculosis and other diseases. Fast forward: In 2006, Money Magazine rated Colorado Springs as the best big city in which to live (cities with a population over 300,000). Because of its natural attributes, the mineral waters, climate and the rugged Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is also a strong tourist destination.

The city has its 'old west' history, yet is distinctly modern. There are several blue chip companies that have their base of operations here (Agilent, SNIA,and Atmel to name a few) and the area is also a major center for military establishments (Fort Carson, United States Air Force Academy)and national defense agencies(Peterson and Schreiver Air Force Bases, NORAD and more). The population has grown to such an extent that measures are being taken to tackle the problem of traffic congestion. This kind of forward-thinking benefits citizens and visitors alike.

There are numerous visitor attractions in Colorado Springs and an average of 250 days of sunshine a year in which to enjoy them. It it easy to list seven adventures.

1. Rock climbing. The Garden of the Gods park lives up to its name. It has stunning red, sandstone rock formations and is a terrific natural playground for the residents of Colorado Springs. It is also a popular destination for rock climbers. Pike's Peak reaches 4302 meters. The air is thin and there can be snow any day of the year. You might check out the Pike's Peak Alpine School for guided rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing & snowshoeing, alpine touring, trekking and expeditions, avalanche clinics, for all ability levels.

2. Hiking and Biking Trails abound at Bear Creek Regional Park, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and Fountain Creek Regional Trail, to name a few.

3. Whitewater rafting. There are over a dozen companies in the area. From beginner to extreme, you will find what you need. Amenities include changing areas, wetsuits, meals, etc., that vary with each company.

4. Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, one of two mountain zoos in the nation. They participate in conservation and breeding,and their work includes wolves, gorillas, zebras, giraffes, and leopards. The zoo is actually on the side of a mountain.

An unusual attraction is situated near the zoo, called the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun. It really has little to do with Will Rogers and is in fact the tomb of Spencer Penrose. Penrose was a local adventurer and financier of Colorado Springs business enterprises, including the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and the Broadmoor Hotel. His eccentric wish was that his tomb be named after his friend. It's worth a visit for the splendid view from the observation tower there.

5. Horseback riding. Anything from a working horse ranch to riding stables, beginner to experienced riders.

6. Ballooning. How would you like to see Pike's Peak from this angle? Or fields full of antelope? You can also ride in a sailplane (glider).

7. Fly fishing. Walk-wade, float, your choice. The guides are excellent and really enhance the experience.

Recommended sites:

Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway

Cave of the Winds

Manitou and Pike's Peak Railway - ascends to the summit of 14,115 foot tall Pikes Peak

Manitou Cliff Dwelling

There is also golf, bike tours, scenic tours, casinos, shopping and more.

We have reached seven haven't we? Please enjoy your vacation in Colorado Springs.

K. Petit

K. Petit is an adventure travel enthusiast. Read more at http://www.playourplanet.com

If you can not talk there are three different products on the market to give you a voice. There is not any reason for you not to be able to communicate with the world. Do you need one of these amazing devices or do you know someone who does.?If you have answsered yes or no to either question, read on.

(1) TTY MACHINE FOR SPEECH INPAIRED ONLY

(a) A TTY Machine is a telephone with a keypad.

(b) It is an operator assisted which is called a relay service.

Your call is placed by a special TTY Operator.

--- You type your message to your phone contact

--- When the other person answers.

---You will type your message

--- You will be able to hear your the other person speak.

A. TTY MACHINE FOR DEAF OR SPEECH IMPAIRED

It is a telephone with a keypad and small screen.

---Your call is placed by a special TTY Operator.

---You type your message to the operator.

---The operator will type a message to your phone contact.

----The entire phone conversation will be done by typing.

(d) This service is especially valuable to the person who can not speak or hear.

(2) THE ELECTROLARYNY

(1) A small electronic machine which fits the palm of your hand.

(2) It is placed up against your neck.

(3) You then mouth your words.

(4) The vibrations make words.

(5) Your words are heard.

Problem:

When the device is placed against your neck it will cause soreness.

Both the electronic devices listed above are FREE through the California Access Program. If you do not live in California contact your utility company and find out what program they have for the hearing and speech handicapped.

The phone number is 800-806-1191 and the fax # is 800-889-3974. The website is www.ddtp.org.

---You need to contact the California Access Program for an Application.

--- It needs to be signed by your doctor and faxed or mailed to the above number.

---When you application is processed a Field Representative will call you and come to your home.

---At that time, you will receive training in the equipment best for your special needs and install it.

(3) (SGP) SPEECH GENERATING DEVICE

(1) The SGP device is not a device you can receive FREE. Medicare and most insurance companies will pay for this amazing electronic device.

(2) This is a small computer you carry with you.

(4) You type on the keyboard push a button and the computer will speak.

(5) You can even pick out the voice you like from several samples.

(6) This electronic device gives you a voice to the world without a relay operator to get involved in your telephone call.

(7) You can carry on your usual conversation with people in the same room or on the telephone. Ask your doctor or your speech therapist about this amazing device. There are several different computers to choose from.

There is not any reason one of the above choices will not work for you a loved one or friend.

Tell somebody about the choices for them to use - and to have their voice heard.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read any of my numerous articles on several different subjects.

Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007

Linda is the author of her first published book, Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids.

Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped. He wants out of the Blue Vase and exchange he will tell Christy and Brad where Pirates Treasure is Hidden.

Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates Treasure. You will think were you there right there with them.

Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. http://www.lmeckler.com

Check out my new 4 E books Titled:

How To Appeal Medical Bills

Appeal and Collections Letters for Medical Providers

Boost Your Self Esteem and Blossom

Stop Computer Pain on my website http://www.lmeckler.com/store

Check out my website http://www.lmeckler.com

Have you ever seen Joe Versus the Volcano? I watched it the other night and it made me think. "Why do we have to get shaken out of our stupor with a near death event or a tragic event to decide to live our lives the way we want?"

Why do you want to go throughout life living it with less vitality, fun, ambition and adventure than you are capable of? I don't know, but we all do it to some degree. We all have an area of our lives that we spend time doing or being a part of when we would rather be, do or have something else.

Then one day we get an inkling that we're not happy and that maybe we would like to change something. So we set a goal and get fired up, try the change for a bit and get sucked back into a life of mediocrity. All the while beating ourselves up for failing. At the same time reinforcing our ideas that we never were meant to succeed. Must be the genetics. Can't do it without the support of my spouse, boss, children, or family.

The real reason we never accomplish our goals and dreams is because we give up. If we didn't give up, we would eventually find a means to achieving our dreams. One step after another, down the path, discovering new things along the way and getting wiser as we go.

Piece by piece, one step at a time on the journey, the clues to solving our life situations present themselves. But those that turn around at the first obstacle of CHOICE, never even get on the path of success.

Once you DECIDE that you will achieve your goals, dreams, ambitions and aspirations to be, do, have more, it's only a matter of finding out what you need to know to make it all work.

In one study I looked at of 700 people, only 14% said that they achieved most of the goals they had set out at the beginning of the year. Of that 14% only 1% said they accomplished everything they set out to do. The other 86% said they accomplished some to none of what they set out to do. I say this only because; I think it's important to note that most of us don't do what we set out to. The other thing to note is that there is 14% of the population that is doing something that most of us are not. And we need to learn it.

Here is another interesting note. 42% of us write down the same darn goals every year. We obviously know what we want, because we keep wanting it year after year, so lets learn how to get it.

The Truth Will Set You Free.

"We cant all be a start, but you can be better than you are" Ray Burton

I was talking with my personal training client Larry the other day. Larry is 74 and like all 74 year olds, has quite a bit of life experience and with a little prodding, is willing to share.

We were talking about the movie "The Secret" and the power of thought. We went back and forth and at one point I said "I believe that if something has been accomplished by someone on earth, then anyone can do it." So starts the debate..

He said "do you remember the other day when I asked if I did this exercise, would I look like you?" I knew where he was going with this and said "Yes..". He looked at me and said " You said "no", and I appreciated your honesty. You said that you didn't choose your parents and they were too young to be mine!"

Well, like most situations, I spouted off a smart assed answer and was called to task for what I said at a later date. What I really meant was that he was 74 and physically, it was past his time to look just like I did. Youth has its advantages and disadvantages.

"This reminds me of a story about my grandson." He said. "He was only six at the time and they were talking about positive thinking and that you can be anything you want as long as you concentrate your thoughts and efforts on becoming it".

He smiled. "After about 30 minutes my grandson piped up and said, "But I can think about being a pig as much as I want but I still can't be a pig".

Ah, from the mouths of babes the truth speaks. It's a harsh fact but there are things that are physically possible with the right tools, opportunities and enough time while others, well..they are called miracles.

There are enough stories and personal accounts to make miracles a definite possibility but I would rather take the approach of..

"We can't all be a star, but we can be better than we are".

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If youve been asked to write a letter to help with fundraising for a group or charity that youre involved with, you may be staring at a blank piece of paper wondering just what to write.

Heres an actual letter that was used to raise a substantial sum towards a refit of church equipment and was sent to local trusts and grant-making bodies.

Its important to keep your letter to just one page, with supporting information of no more than two pages. Include one photo if you wish and if its relevant.

Dont resort to begging, but write an informative letter which helps the donor to understand what your projects aims and goals are.

Although this is an actual letter, names and information has been changed, for obvious reasons.

Dear Mr Bentley

I am writing to Bentley Charity Trust on behalf of Finedown Baptist Church, as your guidelines indicate that you offer support for churches.

Finedown is a rapidly growing town situated in central Flintshire. It has a thriving business centre, with some of the top financial companies in the country being based locally.

We have a thriving youth group for local young people. We have a 68 members and offer services in both the morning and evening.

The church building is used by a number of different local groups because of its good acoustics, this includes the Watley Moor singers and the Big Down band. We also host activities such as yoga, fitness club and local coffee mornings for the local community.

We refitted our entrance seven years ago. However, the entrance doors are now in need of substantial repair if we are to be able to continue using them and welcoming in the community. The estimated cost of this work is 9995.

We have already raised the sum of 7900 through our fundraising efforts but need a further 2095 to be able to carry out the necessary work.

As a Trust that is interested in supporting and preserving buildings which are of value to the local community, we would be most grateful if you could consider assisting us with this project.

Please feel free to call me on 1234 678910 if you would like any further information.

Yours faithfully,

Jen Carter
Chair of the Fundraising Committee

Do ensure that you print this on headed paper, if you have it.

It's important that it's signed by the person whose name is on the bottom of the letter, this is not the time to be in a hurry and "pp" the letter on someone elses behalf.

If you would like an acknowledgement that your application for funding has been received, add a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.

Only send off letter to trusts that offer funding in your area and your type of project.

Once you've sent off your applications, be patient! Most of these boards only meet every two or three months, so it may be some time until you hear whether or not you've been successful.

If you are offered a grant, always write and say thank you. Write again once the project is up and running to let them know of your progress.

About the Author

Jennifer has successfully submitted fundraising applications for several major projects.

For further fundraising ideas and further sample letters, visit her fundraising ideas website.