Archive for November, 2007

Lawn Care Solutions - Alternatives to Green Lawns!

Tuesday, November 27th, 2007

By Terry Blackburn If after giving it some deep thought, you just dont want to deal with grass maintenance, but you still want to create a great looking lawn using plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs, you should consider alternative options to grass. Who says a lawn has to be green? Other alternatives include: Clover leaf lawns Gravel lawns Rock lawns Mulch Wild vines Mixed plant lawns If you have a small front lawn and do not want to plant grass, any one of these alternatives will work for your lawn. Eliminating the grass factor does not mean you will be getting out of doing yard work. You will still have to weed, plant each season, and make sure that your current plants are healthy. Clover leaf lawns Using small leaf plants that grow quickly and densely will the illusion of grass without having to mow. Clover leaf is a good plant to use especially if you live in an area that receives a lot of rain. You should plant these plants in the fall. You should prep the lawn and seed as you would a grass lawn. Within a few weeks, you will have a lawn covered with this pleasant looking green plant. Maintaining these plants is easy. Make sure they receive plenty of water and trim them back on the sides of your lawn to keep them looking clean and neat. Since these plants do not grow very tall, you should not have to trim the tops. Gravel lawns Sometimes fine gravel that is mixed with different colors can be a nice complement to the trees and flowers that you have on your lawn. You can buy bags of gravel at your home and garden store. Before spreading the gravel, you should prep your soil and weed it thoroughly. Spread gravel evenly on the ground with a rake. If you have drainage issues, you should reconsider laying gravel because you may end up with bald spots each time it rains. You will have to weed more often in order to keep the lawn looking clean. Gravel lawns can look clean, simple, and will cut down on the time you will have to spend seeding and prepping your soil. Rock lawns A rock lawn is similar to a gravel lawn, except that you will be using rocks to decorate your lawn. You can spread a layer of gravel onto the soil and then arrange your rocks. You have many options here and you can combine mulch and rocks together to create a unique lawn. Mulch Mulch can be used on your entire lawn. You can buy different types of mulch that will match the rest of your landscaping. You should be prepared to weed more often and change out the mulch every few months. Wild vines Wild vines are similar to clover leaf in that they will grow on their own without too much supervision. You may have to trim the vines occasionally to make sure the lawn looks clean. There are many types of vines to choose from that will grow all year long. Mixed plant lawns If you want, you can mix your favorite plants and vine flowers together to create your own lawn. Be prepared to do your research, however. You should only mix plants and flowers that can work well together. Other wise, you will have plants and flowers competing with each other. The results could be very unpleasant. As you can see, there are many alternatives to grass green lawns. You may want a traditional lawn, but areas where you can incorporate these suggestions. Your lawn should be a representation of who you are, so have a little fun and create something beautiful. Over the years, you may want a change. Adding new features to your lawn will only enhance its beauty. Make sure that you have the right materials and tools before planting your lawn. You should be patient for the first few weeks as your plants, flowers, and grass are growing. Within a month, you should see some results. Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Producer of blog http://www.lawnsurgeon.blogspot.com. Author of “Your Perfect Lawn,” a 90 Page eBook devoted to Lawn Preparation, Lawn Care and Maintenance. Find it at http://www.lawnsurgeon.com I would be very interested to have your comments on this Article. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Blackburn http://EzineArticles.com/?Lawn-Care-Solutions—Alternatives-to-Green-Lawns!&id=382545 buy-xanax-online-pay-by-check xanax online ativan xanax prescriptions online cheap xanax without a prescription

Dress to Impress When Dating

Monday, November 26th, 2007

By Roman Zazulak One of the most important things to remember when dating is to look good. Most people not only rate your looks when you are on a date, but your style. While you dont have to look or dress like a movie star or model, you should wear clothing that is in fashion and looks appropriate on you. Nobody wants to date a mess, dating is a time when other people will evaluate you, so be prepared to make a good impression on them. First impressions are perhaps the most important. They last the longest and make the biggest impression on a person. Make sure during your first date that appearance wise, you show your strengths. If you are not normally over concerned with fashion, you might want to ask your friend, a family member or the lady at the clothing store their opinion. More than likely, you will get some good ideas on how to express yourself through fashion and look great for that date. Beyond choosing an outfit or clothing that accents your strengths; make sure that you are always clean and hygienic before going on a date. Nobody wants to sit and talk to someone for a few hours when they have dirt on their face or are all sweaty and smelly. Make sure you take the time to prepare for a date and use products that make you smell nice and attractive. It is also important to remember not to over due it. Many guys or girls will douse themselves with too much cologne or perfume. You dont want to use these products as a cover up, but want to accentuate your smell to make it pleasing. Two or three sprays are usually enough. If you are looking to make a great impression on your date, remember to dress to impress. In his quest for finding the perfect wife, Roman tried every method imaginable until he finally got married to Gigi in 2004. For more information about online dating please visit http://www.theonlinedatingnet.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roman_Zazulak http://EzineArticles.com/?Dress-to-Impress-When-Dating&id=463554 180 tramadol next day without prescription tramadol prescription online prescription drug ultram prescription and drugs tramadol injection

Is There A Liposuction Alternative?

Saturday, November 24th, 2007

By Alison Stevens Liposuction is considered a relatively safe procedure; however, there are many reasons why a person may seek a liposuction alternative rather than undergoing cosmetic surgery. If youre not comfortable with the idea of surgery, if you are on medication or have a medical condition that would prevent you from having cosmetic surgery, or if you think the cost of liposuction could be too great, then there are liposuction alternatives for you to consider. Medical and cosmetic research and technology are constantly providing new methods of non-invasive body sculpting without the need for surgery. Many of these alternatives produce favorable results without the potential side-effects of liposuction. Firming Creams There are a number of creams on the market claiming to improve the firmness and texture of the skin. Many are aimed at reducing cellulite and stretch marks. Creams containing aminophylline are sometimes claimed by their users to reduce fat deposits but there is no scientific evidence to back this, and the claim is not made by the marketers of the products. Lipodissolve This is one of the latest techniques in non-surgical liposuction. Developed in Europe for cosmetic purposes, it is now being used in some parts of Europe as a liposuction alternative. Lipodissolve involves injecting a combination of medications and enzymes directly into the fat, which causes the fat to be dissolved and expelled through the bodys urine. The European developers of the technique have concluded that lipodissolve is a safe method for eliminating localized fat deposits. Mesotherapy This method, also known as liposculpting, can provide excellent results for those seeking a non-invasive, non-surgical liposuction alternative. Mesotherapy involves small injections of a combination of natural plant extracts, medicines and amino acids into the problem areas to dissolve the fat. The fat is then eliminated from the body with other wastes. The procedure is relatively painless and does not require an anesthetic. There is no recovery time associated with mesotherapy. Diet and exercise Improving the diet and getting more exercise are still the best and safest ways to lose weight and change the bodys appearance. Remember that liposuction is not a weight loss method it is a procedure to shape the body. As an alternative to any of the above procedures and treatment, learn to accept your body shape the way it is and learn to dress in a manner that downplays your body size. Any of the above methods may be suitable liposuction alternatives; however, it is always advisable to seek professional advice before starting any treatment. Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Liposuction Website to offer knowledge and advice to anyone seeking information on liposuction or a liposuction alternative. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alison_Stevens http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-There-A-Liposuction-Alternative?&id=458668 book on how to eliminate credit card debt legally eliminate credit card debt credit card debt elimination advice loan for credit card debt elimination legally ethically negotiating

Part Time Job Search - When You Want To Work Just A Little

Saturday, November 24th, 2007

By Terje Ellingsen Finding a part time job can be difficult but not impossible. You can do a part time job search on the internet and you can also search for seasonal employment. Which kind of persons are looking for part time or seasonal jobs? Students at high school or college stay-at-home mother or father retired persons are the main categories. What these people have in common is that they want a job that fits their lifestyle, making some extra cash as well as filling social needs like meeting people. There are companies on the internet which have specialized in providing part time or seasonal job opportunities. Even though you are not looking for developing a career, some of these part time jobs can easily turn into a long termed and fulfilling career. Which companies are searching for part time employees? These companies are in all kinds of industries but have a working schedule that is characterized by an uneven distribution of workload necessary. Therefore they need good, hourly employees to help them during their busiest times. Examples of these kinds of businesses are jobs in restaurants retail stores What is special with a seasonal job is that it’s perfomed during a specific period of time. Examples would be retail jobs during the holiday season farming, lumberjack jobs tourist guides like guiding people at attractions or working at an amusement park during the summer months Retail job opportunities are rapidly increasing during the holidays and fill up even faster. When the holidays are over, so is the job. It is similar with summer jobs — during the summer, places like amusement parks hire by the thousands but when the fall arrives, all the jobs are gone. If you want a seasonal job you need to know when and where to start looking. I recommend that you search online for seasonal or part time jobs and supply the search text with the area you want to work. If you do this regularly, you’ll find the job you want sooner or later. Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website 1st-Self_Improvement.net Terje is a Sociologist who enjoys contributing to the personal growth and happiness of others. He tries to accomplish this by writing about self improvement issues from his own experience and knowledge. For example, job and career issues as well as searching for financial independence opportunities. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terje_Ellingsen http://EzineArticles.com/?Part-Time-Job-Search—When-You-Want-To-Work-Just-A-Little&id=104374 cheap phentermine cod buy discount phentermine online phentermine com online us phentermine canada pharmacy

Landscape Gardening

Friday, November 23rd, 2007

By Ansyari A.Ma. Landscape gardening has often been likened to the painting of a picture. Your art-work teacher has doubtless told you that a good picture should have a point of chief interest, and the rest of the points simply go to make more beautiful the central idea, or to form a fine setting for it. So in landscape gardening there must be in the gardener’s mind a picture of what he desires the whole to be when he completes his work. From this study we shall be able to work out a little theory of landscape gardening. Let us go to the lawn. A good extent of open lawn space is always beautiful. It is restful. It adds a feeling of space to even small grounds. So we might generalize and say that it is well to keep open lawn spaces. If one covers his lawn space with many trees, with little flower beds here and there, the general effect is choppy and fussy. It is a bit like an over-dressed person. One’s grounds lose all individuality thus treated. A single tree or a small group is not a bad arrangement on the lawn. Do not centre the tree or trees. Let them drop a bit into the background. Make a pleasing side feature of them. In choosing trees one must keep in mind a number of things. You should not choose an overpowering tree; the tree should be one of good shape, with something interesting about its bark, leaves, flowers or fruit. While the poplar is a rapid grower, it sheds its leaves early and so is left standing, bare and ugly, before the fall is old. Mind you, there are places where a row or double row of Lombardy poplars is very effective. But I think you’ll agree with me that one lone poplar is not. The catalpa is quite lovely by itself. Its leaves are broad, its flowers attractive, the seed pods which cling to the tree until away into the winter, add a bit of picture squeness. The bright berries of the ash, the brilliant foliage of the sugar maple, the blossoms of the tulip tree, the bark of the white birch, and the leaves of the copper beech all these are beauty points to consider. Place makes a difference in the selection of a tree. Suppose the lower portion of the grounds is a bit low and moist, then the spot is ideal for a willow. Don’t group trees together which look awkward. A long-looking poplar does not go with a nice rather rounded little tulip tree. A juniper, so neat and prim, would look silly beside a spreading chestnut. One must keep proportion and suitability in mind. I’d never advise the planting of a group of evergreens close to a house, and in the front yard. The effect is very gloomy indeed. Houses thus surrounded are overcapped by such trees and are not only gloomy to live in, but truly unhealthful. The chief requisite inside a house is sunlight and plenty of it. As trees are chosen because of certain good points, so shrubs should be. In a clump I should wish some which bloomed early, some which bloomed late, some for the beauty of their fall foliage, some for the colour of their bark and others for the fruit. Some spireas and the forsythia bloom early. The red bark of the dogwood makes a bit of colour all winter, and the red berries of the barberry cling to the shrub well into the winter. Certain shrubs are good to use for hedge purposes. A hedge is rather prettier usually than a fence. The Californian privet is excellent for this purpose. Osage orange, Japan barberry, buckthorn, Japan quince, and Van Houtte’s spirea are other shrubs which make good hedges. I forgot to say that in tree and shrub selection it is usually better to choose those of the locality one lives in. Unusual and foreign plants do less well, and often harmonize but poorly with their new setting. Landscape gardening may follow along very formal lines or along informal lines. The first would have straight paths, straight rows in stiff beds, everything, as the name tells, perfectly formal. The other method is, of course, the exact opposite. There are danger points in each. The formal arrangement is likely to look too stiff; the informal, too fussy, too wiggly. As far as paths go, keep this in mind, that a path should always lead somewhere. That is its business to direct one to a definite place. Now, straight, even paths are not unpleasing if the effect is to be that of a formal garden. The danger in the curved path is an abrupt curve, a whirligig effect. It is far better for you to stick to straight paths unless you can make a really beautiful curve. No one can tell you how to do this. Garden paths may be of gravel, of dirt, or of grass. One sees grass paths in some very lovely gardens. I doubt, however, if they would serve as well in your small gardens. Your garden areas are so limited that they should be re-spaded each season, and the grass paths are a great bother in this work. Of course, a gravel path makes a fine appearance, but again you may not have gravel at your command. It is possible for any of you to dig out the path for two feet. Then put in six inches of stone or clinker. Over this, pack in the dirt, rounding it slightly toward the centre of the path. There should never be depressions through the central part of paths, since these form convenient places for water to stand. The under layer of stone makes a natural drainage system. A building often needs the help of vines or flowers or both to tie it to the grounds in such a way as to form a harmonious whole. Vines lend themselves well to this work. It is better to plant a perennial vine, and so let it form a permanent part of your landscape scheme. The Virginia creeper, wistaria, honeysuckle, a climbing rose, the clematis and trumpet vine are all most satisfactory. close your eyes and picture a house of natural colour, that mellow gray of the weathered shingles. Now add to this old house a purple wistaria. Can you see the beauty of it? I shall not forget soon a rather ugly corner of my childhood home, where the dining room and kitchen met. Just there climbing over, and falling over a trellis was a trumpet vine. It made beautiful an awkward angle, an ugly bit of carpenter work. Of course, the morning-glory is an annual vine, as is the moon-vine and wild cucumber. Now, these have their special function. For often, it is necessary to cover an ugly thing for just a time, until the better things and better times come. The annual is ‘the chap’ for this work. Along an old fence a hop vine is a thing of beauty. One might try to rival the woods’ landscape work. For often one sees festooned from one rotted tree to another the ampelopsis vine. Flowers may well go along the side of the building, or bordering a walk. In general, though, keep the front lawn space open and unbroken by beds. What lovelier in early spring than a bed of daffodils close to the house? Hyacinths and tulips, too, form a blaze of glory. These are little or no bother, and start the spring aright. One may make of some bulbs an exception to the rule of unbroken front lawn. Snowdrops and crocuses planted through the lawn are beautiful. They do not disturb the general effect, but just blend with the whole. One expert bulb gardener says to take a basketful of bulbs in the fall, walk about your grounds, and just drop bulbs out here and there. Wherever the bulbs drop, plant them. Such small bulbs as those we plant in lawns should be in groups of four to six. Daffodils may be thus planted, too. You all remember the grape hyacinths that grow all through Katharine’s side yard. The place for a flower garden is generally at the side or rear of the house. The backyard garden is a lovely idea, is it not? Who wishes to leave a beautiful looking front yard, turn the corner of a house, and find a dump heap? Not I. The flower garden may be laid out formally in neat little beds, or it may be more of a careless, hit-or-miss sort. Both have their good points. Great masses of bloom are attractive. You should have in mind some notion of the blending of colour. Nature appears not to consider this at all, and still gets wondrous effects. This is because of the tremendous amount of her perfect background of green, and the limitlessness of her space, while we are confined at the best to relatively small areas. So we should endeavour not to blind people’s eyes with clashes of colours which do not at close range blend well. In order to break up extremes of colours you can always use masses of white flowers, or something like mignonette, which is in effect green. Finally, let us sum up our landscape lesson. The grounds are a setting for the house or buildings. Open, free lawn spaces, a tree or a proper group well placed, flowers which do not clutter up the front yard, groups of shrubbery these are points to be remembered. The paths should lead somewhere, and be either straight or well curved. If one starts with a formal garden, one should not mix the informal with it before the work is done. Ansyari : http://neo-gardeningtips.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ansyari_A.Ma. http://EzineArticles.com/?Landscape-Gardening&id=527457 how do i order tramadol legally online help buy online ultram tramadol no prescription required 200 tablets bupropion buy tramadol online bupropion antidepressant anti

Dating Made Simple

Thursday, November 22nd, 2007

By Charleszetta Sharrieff I don’t know what all the fuss is about with this datingbusiness. I was flabbergasted to find out that millionsand millions of hard earned dollars are being spent by people who use Dating Services to find themselves a mate.Lord knows, it’s a shame what the world has come to. Back in my day, dating ( it was called courting then) wassimple and to the point. None of the playing games you youngfolks do today. A young man would see a young lady he fanciedand wanted to meet her. He didn’t go to no dating service.Let me say now, Big Mama ain’t got nothing against datingservices, I guess they serve a purpose in these hectic times.But, as I see it, you young’uns can do well to at least trythe old ways. Less hassle and it won’t keep your pocketson empty. ‘Cept for the money you need to show your ladya good time. This is a given. If you want to woo (sorry myage is showing) win her over. Can’t be a member of the CheapAss Club and expect to get to 3rd base with the ladies. Now, if you’re a gal spending money on finding a man, whatthe hell are you thinking? Child, money can’t find you a good man. You got to get up off your rusty dusty and go whereyour kind of man hangs out. Big Mama can guarantee you won’thave a problem catching some eyes. And maybe, even the eyesof the guy you are looking for. Listen to Big Mama. We womenalready got it covered. It’s in the DNA. We have what menneed. As the saying goes,” Women want it. Men need it.”So, that’s half the job done. Guys, you got to do the same. Be brave and venture intoWomen’s World. Go where they hang out. Let your natural,confident self catch their attention. And you will. Youknow that there are 3 women to every 1 woman. So, you canrelax. Finding the right one wii be easy for you. TrustBig Mama. I got you covered. So, it’s no big thing to find you a date or even a mate.It’s about knowledge. Knowing what to do and when to do it.You have a choice. You can either do it the hard way, or doit the simple way- Big Mama’s Way. Even so, from time totime I will give you the 411 on a site that I think has something for my babies to learn while helping them findwhat they want, and even what they need. It’s been nice talking to you. Come on over and visit Big Mama at Big Mama’s Place. http://www.mamas-place.blogspot.comhttp://www.instantdatingsuccess.com/?hop=datemaster Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charleszetta_Sharrieff http://EzineArticles.com/?Dating-Made-Simple&id=214316 buy finasteride trade propecia is a prescription medication finasteride lowest prices online pharmacies for propecia finasteride

Traits Of Successful Relationships

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

By Tim Connor A few weeks ago in my weekly relationship tip, I asked my subscribers to consider some self development relationship questions. I received a number of responses people asking me my opinion of the necessary traits of successful relationships. So here they are and in no particular order of importance. - The ability to get past the infatuation stage quickly. - Realistically managing your expectations of your partner. - Continuing to work on your own self-esteem. - Letting go of old baggage at least once a week. - Having a similar life outlook. - The willingness to accept that there are other ways of looking at things than your own. - Staying focused on what is right, positive and good about your relationship. - Maintaining your own identity. - Taking responsibility for your share of the relationship successes as well as issues. - Keeping you ego out of the relationship entirely. - Not seeing the behaviors of your partner that you dont like as faults. - Not invalidating your partner in any way either in public or private. - Avoiding emotional game playing. - Having a safe emotional environment. - Keeping the romance alive. - Having some common goals. - Being able to talk about money issues without getting defensive or in a blame mode. - Spending adequate time together. - The ability to have honest, open and vulnerable sharing of feelings, needs, fears, dreams, hopes and frustrations. - Having a sex life that is fulfilling and satisfying. - Doing something fun together at least once a week. - Similar spiritual values. - Managing differences in a positive way. - Maintaining a high level of trust and respect. I will guarantee that you can add an item or two to this list. It is by all means not the end all in successful relationship traits or behaviors. But it is a start. If you have most of these Ill guarantee you are well on your way to a long and mutually nurturing and reward life with your partner. No relationship is without stress, problems or frustrations. The key to success is to develop systems or routines for disarming these before they tear away at the fabric of your relationship. Tim Connor, CSP is an internationally renowned sales, management and leadership speaker, trainer and best selling author. Since 1981 he has given over 3500 presentations in 21 countries on a variety of sales, management, leadership and relationship topics. He is the best selling author of over 60 books including; Soft Sell, Thats Life, Peace Of Mind, 91 Challenges Managers Face Today and Your First Year In Sales. He can be reached at tim@timconnor.com, 704-895-1230 or visit his website at http://www.timconnor.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Connor http://EzineArticles.com/?Traits-Of-Successful-Relationships&id=317306 buy-valium-1 valium prescription without mexican diazepam without prescription buy valium online with mastercard

How Often do you Think About What you are Going to Say?

Monday, November 19th, 2007

By Karlynn Baker How often do you think about what you are going to say prior to actually saying it? As a counselor, I have been trained to understand that working with Native Americans, there may be a quite a long pause before my client makes a response to something we are discussing. Native American children are taught through folklore, that they need to think carefully about the words they are going to use. The reason for this is that they believe that once statements are made, the words used will circle the globe for ever and ever, influencing the world. Perhaps all cultures should embrace this concept. If you feel you are ready to give a “knee jerk” response”, you need to take some time and reflect on what it is you want to say and how to convey your message without negativity. Count in your head to ten. This can help delay any inappropriate response you were thinking about. You may also decide to leave the room in order to calm down. No change happens overnight, but with practice and a commitment to change it happens. If more of us would take time to reflect on our words, there might be fewer heated arguments and more harmony among all of us. Karlynn Baker is originally from Los Angeles, but moved to Arizona to receive her Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with a specialty in addictions. Karlynn owns The Employee Assistance Program, of Tucson, Inc.Mental health services are offered to companies under contract and the sessions for their employees are confidential and free. Karlynn shares a positive message every morning on KSAZ 580 AM, entitled “A Thoughtful Moment.” She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She enjoys life with her husband, David, her three daughters, and two adorable grandsons. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karlynn_Baker http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Often-do-you-Think-About–What-you-are-Going-to-Say?&id=10499 tramadol no prescription overnight order qoclick ultram ultram online without prescription tramadol order by 3 00 pm

Wagging the Dog: Plan Ahead for What Happens After the Show

Saturday, November 17th, 2007

By Susan Friedmann It might seem a little backward. After all, why would you want to waste time and energy worrying now about things that wont happen until the show closes? Doesnt it seem like putting the cart before the horse? It might seem that way, but the reality is that preparing now for post-show activities is one of the wisest decisions you can make. By clearly deliniating your plan for after the show, youll be able to streamline your operation, delegate people to the proper duties, ensure all leads are followed up in an effective manner, and maintain valuable business relationships. Key to this are these nine questions: 1. Has a lead taking system been organized for visitor requests? One of the most valuable things an attendee shares with you is their questions. By asking for specific items, or special features, or novel new applications, attendees are letting you know what they are in the market to buy. However, many lead cards only record the bare minimum contact information. Make sure your team has a place to note visitor requests and have them use it! 2. Has a daily debrief session been scheduled? The temptation for many booth staffers is to flee the exhibit hall as soon as the show has closed, catch the shuttle bus, and enjoy the attractions of a new city. However, it is important that your team meet as a whole every evening to discuss the days events, enjoy any triumphs, discuss any concerns, and plan for the next day. 3. Will Thank You letters or e-mails be sent to every registered visitor? In our information overload society, Thank You notes have become the rarest of correspondence. Yet they are a quick and easy way to let your attendees know that you appreciate their time and attention and that you will value their future business! Its a nice, personal touch. Delegate one or two staff members to this task, and have it done within 48 hours of the show close. 4. How will show leads be handled? Without a system in place, lead management can be a nightmare. Some will go into the common pool, others will disappear into booth staff pockets to be followed up independently and still others just disappear. Designate a location for all leads to be collected, and make your team aware that ALL leads need to go to this common pool. Keeping some back will skew your trade show results downward! 5. How will sales from the show be tracked? This will differ by company, depending on the types of products or services you sell. However, there needs to be a system by which you can track sales, especially those that are directly attributable to show participation. 6. What kind of reward or recognition will booth staffers receive? Exhibiting is tremendously hard work, especially at larger shows when your team is on for many days in a row. Make sure to give your team a tangible reward. Yes, representing your company is part of their job but the extra effort and preparation that goes into successful exhibiting deserves a reward. Its nice to have a known treat for your team to work toward, plus a surprise to spring. 7. How will the show be evaluated? Youll want to know more than Gee, we were busy every minute! Business decisions are made with hard numbers, including the number of attendees, number of sales, number of qualified leads, and other factors. Talk with management before the show to find out what kind of information is important to their decision making and evaluation process and make sure you come back to the office with that information! 8. Did we manage to stay within the estimated show budget? Budgets are an invaluable trade show tool. Compare what youve spent to what you were supposed to spend. Are there areas you saved money by pre-registering for show services, for example? Did you go over budget in other areas? Unforeseen circumstances sometimes push costs up, but consistently missing your targets may mean either budgets or choices need to be adjusted. Discuss which it is, and make changes as needed before the next show. 9. What other show opportunities nationally and internationally could be explored? One or more of your employees should plan on attending networking events. During this time, it is a good idea to ask about other shows exhibitors have participated in. Were they pleased with the event? Will they exhibit again? Make sure this information is brought back to headquarters, where it will play a vital role as part of the first step in the next round of exhibiting. Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies, working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. For a free copy of 10 Common Mistakes Exhibitors Make, e-mail: article4@thetradeshowcoach.com; website: http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Friedmann http://EzineArticles.com/?Wagging-the-Dog:-Plan-Ahead-for-What-Happens-After-the-Show&id=152343 discount phentermine no prescription where to buy phentermine without prescription where to buy phentermine online buy phentermine without a rx

Garlic As A Second Language

Friday, November 16th, 2007

By Marjorie Dorfman “Three nickels will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.” ~Old New York saying. Have you ever been curious about why garlic smells the way it does? Well, wonder no more. Read on about this hearty and versatile member of the lily family and find out how it came to be on everyones breath everywhere you would think to look. If body movements denote their own language and a picture is worth a thousand words, then how many smells make up a sentence? Depends on the sentence, you might say. Well, thats true. “Jack and Jill went up the hill” doesnt fare quite the same with our nostrils as: “The garlic in Grandmas carbonara wafted into the dining room, making all of our mouths water.” “Smells by any other name are still smells”, as one of my neighbors who was never without her gas mask used to say. Certainly within the animal kingdom, smells comprise their very own form of communication. My contention is that so does garlic; for no matter which country one calls home and no matter which language is ones native tongue, the cuisine of almost every culture recognizes and utilizes garlic in one form or another. In that sense, it is a second language for everyone who crosses its wondrous, smelly path. A man named Arthur Baer once said that there is no such thing as a little garlic. Whether this is due to its magical culinary power or because there can never be enough protection against vampires hanging in ones home, is a matter of opinion. The superstition of garlic as a deterrent against evil and vampires is deeply rooted in Balkan folklore. The vampire legend is based partly on a real homicidal maniac; Vlad Tepes Dracula, whose name means devil in Romanian. In the fifteenth century, he ruled Walaachia, which is now part of Romania, as Vlad II and was affectionately known as Vlad the Impaler to his closest friends and enemies. (He didnt have many of either by the time his reign was finished due to his bloodthirsty predilections.) Bram Stoker and later Hollywood romanticized the vampire, transforming him into a lonely, erotic, tragic figure, seeking lovely damsels to free him from his curse and to join him in an eternal game of chess within the chambers of his dark and drafty Transylvanian castle. The word vampire comes from the Slavic word obyri or obiri, which evolved into the Bulgarian word vampir. Some say the Greek word , nosphorosos, meaning plague-carrier, that evolved into the old Slavonic word nosferatu is a synonym for the vampire. In our culture the words are interchanged often. Many of the early myths lumped vampires, witches and were- wolves together. It was thought that a vampire could be changed into a wolf. This would occur whenever the bat form wasnt in stock and Bela Lugosi was working on another film. The vampire would enter the house of the unwary and drink the blood of their children. To protect themselves, the common people would scatter salt or seeds around their doors and hang cloves of garlic in their windows. The vampire was thought to be a compulsive counter and would have to know exactly how many grains of salt or seeds there were before he could enter the house. (This can also be viewed as the beginnings of OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which will be the topic for another article, coming soon to your local theatres.) Warding off vampires along the misty backwoods of Transylvania is not likely to be one of your biggest concerns about garlic today. (But then again, who knows?) Garlic has its own history as well as its own language. Although it is not certain when it was discovered, it was probably first dispersed by nomads on the steppes of central Asia several thousand years ago. As early as the 8th century BC garlic was growing in the garden of Babylon. Chinese scholars spoke of it as far back as 3000 BC and there is also a reference in the Shih Ching (the book of songs), a collection of ballads said to have been written by Confucius himself. Garlic was so prized in ceremony and ritual, that lambs offered for sacrifice in China were seasoned with it to make them more pleasing to the gods. Garlic was part of the Sumerian diet in the Middle East over 5,000 years ago. By 1000 AD, it was grown all over the known world, and was universally recognized as a valuable plant. It was introduced into France by Godefroy de Bouillon, not the bouillon cube inventor, but the leader of the First Crusade, who when he returned to France in 1099, was declared King of Jerusalem. Many cultures elevated garlic beyond a dietary staple, and suggested that it had medicinal and spiritual purposes. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, used it for treating infections, wounds and intestinal disorders. Roman legionnaires attributed their courage and stamina to garlic and took it with them as they conquered the world, thus spreading its use and cultivation like bad rumors everywhere they went. Ancient Egyptians worshipped garlic as a God, and its name was often invoked at oath takings. (It is not known whether the oath takers first rinsed with mouthwash out of respect for the nostrils of the gods.) During the era of Egypts great pharaohs, according to ancient papyri, garlic served as food, medicine and offering. It was found in the tomb of Tutankamen and within the funerary complex of Saqqarah as well as in inscriptions in the pyramid of Giza. Garlic was so valuable that 15 pounds of it would purchase a healthy male slave. It is also written that workers building the pyramids were given garlic (as well as onions and radishes) each day to help increase their vitality. It was so important to their diets that it caused work stoppages when the workers were deprived of their allotted ration. According to Charmidas, unfaithful Egyptian husbands relied on garlics unique “scented” properties to hide evidence of infidelity. They would chew on a clove or two on their way home from visiting their mistresses so that their whole body was impregnated with the odor, insuring that a jealous wife would be unable to detect another womans perfume. Garlic, known by its Latin name, Allium sativum, may very well be one of Mother Natures greatest gifts to man (and woman of course.) It is a powerful natural antibiotic. It reduces blood pressure in hypertension and is useful in lowering “bad cholesterol”. One advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the bodys natural intestinal bacteria. It is excellent for use in colds and infections. Garlic oil is often used to treat earaches and ear infections, especially for infants and children. During World War I, garlic was used as a field wound dressing and antiseptic. It has also been shown to be an effective treatment for fungal infections, such as Athletes Foot. The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, is destroyed when heated, and is only released from the clove when crushed or bruised. Thus, for most treatments garlic needs to be crushed or raw. (Stay away. This means you!) Garlic has other uses as well. Peeled cloves placed in a room are said to ward off disease. The whole bulb is hung in new homes to dispel negativity and evil spirits. A clove placed under the pillow of sleeping children is said to protect them. Dreams of eating garlic means that you will uncover secrets. (Maybe now you will find out who the mother of your baby really is!) Garlic is mentioned in the Bible as being used by the Hebrews to increase and maintain virility. Early travelers across the Rocky Mountains inserted garlic into the nostrils of their horses and mules to prevent them from collapsing due to the lack of oxygen. Explorers in the mountains of South America chewed wild garlic to relieve altitude sickness. Native American tribes treated many ailments with wild garlic, although they were helpless against the forces of Manifest Destiny and the eventual demise of their garlicky birthright. For culinary purposes, one rule of thumb to remember regarding the potency of garlic is: the smaller you cut it, the stronger the flavor. One raw clove finely minced or pressed releases more flavor than a dozen cooked whole cloves. Chopping finely and/or pressing a clove exposes more surfaces to the air, causing a chemical reaction that produces that strong aroma. When cloves are cooked or baked whole, the flavor mellows into a sweet, almost nutty flavor which makes a surprisingly nice addition to desserts, such as ice cream or brownies. Whole, unpierced cloves barely have any aroma at all, while raw garlic is the strongest in flavor. When sauting, be very careful not to burn it. If you do, the flavor will turn intensely bitter and youll have to start all over. And now the issue we have all been waiting for with bated (or at least somewhat bad) breath. Why does garlic smell the way it does? When cells are ruptured by cutting or pressing, they release an enzyme called allinaise chemically changing the inherent allin into allicin, a sulfur-containing molecule, which results in that pungent mainstay found in kitchens around the world. If you are a garlic lover, its wise to surround yourself with others who enjoy it as well, or try munching on parsley to rid yourself of garlic breath. (As far as I know, there is no cure for parsley breath!) It is said that to rid your hands of the smell after peeling or chopping garlic simply wash your hands and then rub them on a chrome faucet. (I dont know. Thats what they say.) There are many different types of garlic (Allium). Although only the cultivated variety is utilized medicinally, all of the other species have similar properties in a greater or lesser degree. The Crow Garlic is widely distributed and fairly common, but the bulbs are very small and the labor of digging them out great. It is frequently found in pastures and affects the taste of milk when eaten by cows. Ranson garlic grows in the woods and has a very acrid taste and smell. It also has small bulbs, which renders it impractical. It is, however, quite a beautiful plant with broad leaves that resemble Lily-of-the-Valley and star-like flowers that are a dazzling white. The Field Garlic is rather a rare plant. Both this and the Crow Garlic are often used as potherbs or for flavoring. There are some species of Allium grown in the garden, whose flowers are even sweet smelling, but they are exceptions and even these have the garlic scent in their leaves and roots. All in all, Id say garlic was a pretty good deal. I even like the smell and am considering marketing it as perfume. (I had the same idea about manure for horse lovers. That didnt work but) In his own way, Bela Lugosi lives within the soul of every dish prepared with garlic; not as a vampire, but rather as a dinner guest who avoids daylight and mirrors and knows a good meal when he sees one. If you run into him among the misty ghosts of Hollywood celluloid, say hello, for I am a fan. But just in case, try some of the Vampire Away Garlic Dip provided by The Snack food Association and included at the end of this article. Its chilling and frighteningly good with ridged or regular potato chips to all who dare to eat it. Put in a few extra cloves for good measure. After all, you just never know whom you might run into within the Hollywood of your mind. Vampire-Away Garlic Dip 1/2 cup skim milk 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese 2 small garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons chopped chives 1/8 teaspoon paprika 1/8 teaspoon curry powder 1 teaspoon onion salt Directions: Go to the nearest cemetery after midnight on a chilly night in October. Blend all the ingredients in the blender until smooth. Then wait and see what happens. If nothing does, go home and enjoy your dip because it worked! Starting out writing ghost and horror fiction some twenty years ago, this freelance writer hails from Brooklyn, N ew York and currently lives in Bucks County with her many animals. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marjorie_Dorfman http://EzineArticles.com/?Garlic-As-A-Second-Language&id=677 buy phentermine with out a prescription buy phentermine online with no prescription cheap phentermine overnight phentermine 37.5 tablets no prescription