Melida

Purchasing a boat can be an expensive investment and should not be taken lightly. Buying a boat is a huge undertaking, finding the right boat that meets your specifications is equally challenging, not only for first time boaters but also for veterans who have had many years of experience in landing the right boat. No matter how straightforward you think your requirements are, anything from a small boat to do the casual fishing in to a highly equipped fancy yacht to sail the ocean, sourcing the ideal boat on your own can be extremely exhausting without getting any guidance from an expert. This is where a boat trader can come in handy in pointing you in the right direction.

Boat Traders

A boat trader does most of the ground work for you in your quest to find your dream boat. You will need to provide as much information as you can to the boat trader to ensure the best match. Important details include the number of people that the boat must be able to have on board, frequency of boating, purpose of the boat (eg for pleasure, fishing, research etc) and what your budget is. It is also crucial to instruct the boat trader to factor in ongoing maintenance and operations costs of the boat so that you get a more accurate picture of the ownership costs.

Boat traders are well acquainted with the details of the different types of boats such as a fishing boat, a power boat, sailboats, a self-powered boat and personal custom made boats. Armed with that knowledge they can show you the pros and cons of the different boats which will allow you to make a better and more informed purchase decision. They can also help you in learning how to finance the boat and draw up a water tight purchase agreement. Remember to include a clause in your purchase contract to ensure a money-back guarantee and a replacement boat in the event the boat fails to live up to its promises. Warranties must be formally agreed upon in written format to protect against breakdowns. If you wish to make modifications to the boat by either replacing existing parts or making new additions to it, make sure the appointed boat trader knows about them. They can also obtain the necessary marine supplies and accessories on your behalf, making the whole boat purchasing experience that much more enjoyable and hassle free.

Of course ultimately you have the final say on how you would like to source your own boat. Nevertheless turning to a boar trader to do it for you is particularly useful as their vast experience in boat purchasing and knowledge in boats will ensure that you get the best chance in finding the ideal boat that meets all of your requirements with the minimum of fuss.

For more great information and advice on Boating, please visit us at http://boating.articlebee.net

Build Your Road to Success with Mission and Vision Statements

What are Mission and Vision Statements?

There is a lot of talk in the business world about mission and vision statements, but there's not a lot of clarity on exactly what they are. In simple terms, a Mission Statement declares why your business or organization exists. It defines the business you are in by identifying, in terms of the present, the market place and the products and services you offer. An example mission for a large health care company - why they exist:

"To market health care products with demonstrable health benefit to the customer, to be the leader in each product line, to return a fair profit to our stockholders, and to provide good opportunities to our employees."

In contrast, a Vision Statement describes a preferred future. The Vision Statement identifies attributes of what you would like your business or organization to become. An example vision for this large health care company - what they want to become:

"To be America's largest and most respected health care products company."

Why are they important?

First of all, it's a competitive business world. If you want to succeed, you have to plan for it. Without knowing where you currently stand and what you want to achieve, you are at a disadvantage. Secondly, the business world, and the very nature of work itself, is changing at an ever-increasing pace. It is a statistical fact that the most successful businesses are "visionary" businesses - those that position themselves to respond to the changing marketplace.

How do Mission and Vision Statements apply to me and my organization?

As an individual, you must understand your role and responsibilities in order to succeed. Nothing will help you define your role and responsibilities better than well-crafted Mission and Vision Statements that clearly say what you do and what you are planning to achieve.

The most important role of leadership is to define direction. It is a leader's responsibility to develop a vision that serves as the heart of any size organization. To be truly effective, every tier or level below the top should create a vision that is a derivative of the top vision yet serves as a vision for the organizational unit or group involved.

Create your Mission and Vision Statements today and begin your road to success.

Don Midgett, Author

Mission and Vision Statements: Your Path to a Successful Business Future 81 pages, is available in digital format (pdf) at http://www.missionvisionstatement.com

Don Midgett is the managing partner for the GenesisGroup, helping organizations and leaders discover their full potential. Don specializes in workshops on mission and vision, strategic planning, and team building.

To schedule an interview with Don, email him at don.midgett@missionvisionstatement.com or call 805-746-3161.

With the right home school textbooks, teaching your child math and English is easy. However, you might be a little bit more at a loss about how to instill an enjoyment of the arts in your child. Even if you are an artist yourself, it can be a little confusing trying to figure out what will be best for and is age-appropriate for your child. With a little bit of effort, you can bring out artistic traits in your child.

One thing you can do is keep a good attitude about the arts. Many children get an idea that art is something that is only for people who are "good" at it, but what they don't understand that all it take is effort. Let your child experiment with different mediums, and don't be afraid to let them play with things like watercolors or polymer clay. There's no reason your child should be limited to Popsicle sticks and felt if his interests lie in an another direction. Emphasize to him that things like drawing and painting are skills that can be acquired.

While you are giving your child a home school education, remember that artistic curiosity is spread through osmosis. Your child's interest in artistry will stretch if you expose him to the arts. Even children who don't have the attention span for a museum might be enthralled by watching a potter use an electric wheel, or by watching a caricature artist draw a picture. Letting your child see the process by which art is made will encourage him to try itself.

If your child is older, you might want to consider any classes that are offered through the community. This is a good way for your child to get involved outside of the home and he can end up making some friends as well! Find out what your child is interested in and speak about the options with him. Is he interested in painting, or does he prefer using pencils?

Another thing you can do is to give your child access to the raw materials. Encourage your child to keep a sketch journal, and keep one with him. Every day, try going out somewhere and drawing something that you see. Even young children will progress very quickly with this and they will have a record of how their skill has grown. You can also let them play with polymer clays and then show them the baking process used to set them.

Keep in mind that art should be fun and enjoyable. Bringing out the artist in your child is easy, and you will be giving your child a wonderful gift that will stay with him his entire life.

Find more information about home school material by visiting http://homeschool.get-the-info.net

How does your Tow Vehicle Stack up in the Real World

I was watching television the other night when a Ford commercial came on. They had two competitors vehicles hooked to an 11,000 pound trailer and the guy says something along the lines of, it would take two trucks to tow an 11,000 pound trailer unless you have a Ford F-150 with a fully boxed frame. Now, because of what I do for a living this commercial advertisement immediately got my attention.

My first thought was that a fully boxed frame might be a nice feature, but I found it difficult to believe that this was the reason the truck could tow more weight than any other half-ton truck on the planet. The last time I checked, reasons for strong tow ratings were due to factors like the engine, transmission, and rear axle ratio to name a few. This piqued my curiosity and I decided the next morning I would forgo my daily work plan and investigate this claim, that a half-ton Ford F-150 could in fact tow 11,000 pounds safely.

The first order of business was to check some published towing guides to confirm Fords claim. I started with the 2007 Ford Fleet Towing Guide. When I went to the section on half-ton trucks I discovered that the highest published tow rating listed for a half-ton F-150 was 10,500 pounds. Upon further examination I found that there was only one F-150 truck, out of 56 configurations available, with this 10,500 pound rating. It was a regular cab 4X2, with a 144.5 inch wheelbase and a 4.10 axle ratio. But wait there was a footnote, it read that this truck also required a heavy duty payload package, and in parenthesis it said (late availability). I dont know when this towing guide was published, or whether this heavy duty payload package was available at the time of this writing.

Lets look at where were at so far. Out of 56 configurations between Ford F-150 half-ton regular cab, supercab and supercrew trucks, two wheel drive, four wheel drive, short bed and long bed models with 3.55, 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratios there was only one F-150 half-ton truck rated to tow 10,500 pounds. The last time I checked a regular cab, two-wheel drive long wheel base truck was not the favorite choice among the masses in the truck buying category.

But wait, there was another problem; the TV ad said Ford had a half-ton F-150 that could tow 11,000 pounds, not 10,500. Before wasting a lot of time, for no reason, I decided to check a couple of other 2007 towing guides I had lying around to see if one of them could clear up some of this confusion. The 2007 RV Business Towing Guide listed 49, F-150 trucks in various configurations, of which the highest tow rating was 9,900 pounds. Again it was a regular cab, two-wheel drive with an 8 foot bed and a 5.4 liter V-8 engine. There were two footnotes which called for an automatic transmission and a 4.10:1 axle ratio. The 2007 Trailer Life Annual Towing Guide listed the same 49, F-150 configurations with the same model rated to tow 9,900 pounds. Now I was thoroughly confused. Can an F-150 tow 9,900, 10,500 or 11,000 pounds? I decided I better contact somebody at Ford about the TV commercial and find out whats going on. Who was right, the television ad or one of the published towing guides?

I searched and searched for any of the Ford representatives contact information who might quickly clear this matter up, but soon discovered it was a challenge to get to the top. The closest thing I could come to was a Ford Public Relations phone number I stumbled across on the Internet. I spoke with a young lady about my dilemma; she said she wasnt allowed to give me her name. I explained the problem between the television ad and the published towing guides and she told me that tow ratings are based on how the truck was equipped. I attempted to explain that I thoroughly understood this, but that this didnt answer my question. Her final response was for me to contact a local Ford dealer and they would be able to answer all of my questions. Now I have been at this RV towing thing for quite some time, but for the benefit of the doubt and to comply with the guidance I was given, I contacted a local Ford dealership. Im glad I didnt have to pay for the phone call because what I already suspected turned out to be right. I talked to the sales department and the service department and nobody could tell me what the highest tow rating for a 2007 F150 was, based on any configuration.

I let things rest for a few days, so I could get caught up on some work I was falling behind on. Low and behold I saw the same commercial on TV again. Now rather than just being curious I was starting to be concerned about the huge audience watching this same commercial advertisement. The next morning I did some research on the Internet. I soon discovered this commercial was part of the Ford Challenge advertising campaign. They even have a website for it. Take the challenge. See why Ford is the better choice. Im sure you have probably seen some of the other Ford challenge commercials involving the Ford Fusion and the Ford Expedition. Basically, the Ford Challenge advertising highlights some of the vehicles features and capabilities as compared to its competition. The F-150 boasts best-in-class payload and towing.

In an attempt to be fair, and not make judgment, I tried for a second time to contact somebody at Ford who might clear this matter up. This time I had to settle for sending an email to a customer service department under the listing of sales and advertising. Ten days later I received a response from the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center regarding the maximum trailer weight of a 2007 Ford F-150. It read, In an effort to assist you, we have researched on your inquiry. As per our resources, the maximum trailer weight in pounds for a properly equipped F-150 without cargo is 10,500 pounds. There was no mention of the advertised 11,000 pound rating in the e-mail response.

Now I thought I really need to contact somebody at Ford for an explanation. As a third attempt I went to media.ford.com. This is where all of the media types can access information not readily available to the general public. I registered, listed my credentials and was granted access. After researching the media site I called the point of contact for a press release referencing the F-150 11,000 pound rating, but never heard back. Next I contacted Fords Manager for North American Marketing and Sales Communications by e-mail. I didnt get a response for over a week, so I called and left a voice mail message. I still havent heard anything at the time of this writing. Personally I would think somebody at Ford would want to clear this matter up.

After some additional research it was my opinion, and my opinion only, that when Ford got wind of the 2007 Toyota Tundras offering of a 5.7 Liter V-8 with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, they felt threatened a bit. Early on, this year, Toyota stated this half-ton truck would have tow ratings of 10,000+ pounds. An Edmunds.com 2007 Toyota Tundra review stated that a properly equipped 4X2 regular cab Tundra can tow up to 10,800 pounds. This would have been the highest tow ratings in its class for 2007. According to Autodata, Ford saw its F-Series sales slip 14 percent in the first quarter of 2007. Was the Ford claim of 11,000 pounds a result of not being outdone? Not losing sales to its competition? After all, Ford trucks have been the king of the hill for quite some time.

I found it interesting that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 the highest tow rating for an F-150 was 9,900 pounds. In August of 2006 Ford announced the 2007 F-150 was capable of towing 10,500, and in January 2007 it was increased to 11,000 pounds. The only difference between these trucks, to justify this increase, is a fully boxed frame??

Vehicles go through rigorous testing to determine tow ratings. There are many factors involved like engine size, transmission, wheelbase, axle ratio, brakes, cooling systems, tow packages and much more. The problem that I see with tow ratings is that even though there are many factors involved and there is rigorous testing involved, there is no set standard to measure these things against, at least not that Im aware of.

Lets take a look at some actual specifications between the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tundra and then well do the math. The Ford F-150 in question has a 5.4L V-8 engine with 300 horsepower @ 5,000 RPM and 365 lb-ft @ 3,750 RPM. The Toyota Tundra has a 5.7 L V-8 engine with 381 horsepower @ 5,600 RPM and 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM. Both have a 4.10:1 rear axle ratio. Ford advertises a tow rating of 11,000 pounds and Toyota advertises a tow rating of 10,800. The F-150 has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) of 15,800 pounds and the Tundra has a GCWR of 16,000 pounds. Its interesting that the Toyota has the higher horsepower, torque and GCWR, but a lower tow rating!

Lets look at a simple formula used to determine vehicle tow ratings. The GCWR is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined. So if we take the GCWR minus the vehicle curb weight (the actual weight of the truck, less passengers and cargo) we know how much weight the truck can tow. In our example we will use the vehicle curb weight listed by the vehicle manufacturer.

The Toyota Tundra has a GCWR of 16,000 minus the curb weight of 5,200 = 10,800 pounds, which is the advertised tow rating of the Tundra in our example.

The Ford F-150 has a new GCWR of 15,800 minus the curb weight of 5,125 = 10,675 pounds, which is 325 pounds less than the advertised 11,000 pound tow rating. Things dont add up here! And I dont understand how the trucks GCWR increased from 15,300 to 15,800 pounds with little or no change to the truck. Even with the higher GCWR this truck cant tow 11,000 pounds, at least not mathematically.

This simple formula works for any towing application. I mentioned that I tried to contact Ford on five separate occasions, to explain this difference in the calculations. The only response I received at the time of this release was from the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center, regarding the maximum trailer weight of a 2007 Ford F-150. It read, In an effort to assist you, we have researched on your inquiry. As per our resources, the maximum trailer weight in pounds for a properly equipped F-150 without cargo is 10,500 pounds. Without another response from Ford I have to assume that this basic formula, which works in all other scenarios, is correct in this scenario.

Perhaps an even larger problem is, the consumer doesnt really understand vehicle tow ratings and nobody on the vehicle manufacturing side of the house is really attempting to educate consumers on this topic. I mean really, advertising an 11,000 pound tow rating to the masses when in reality only one version of the F-150, out of 56 available, can tow close to the advertised weight. And sadly in the real world of towing it cant even do that. Let me explain.

When a manufacturer determines a tow rating it is usually based on an empty vehicle, without many options, and the weight of the driver. Most weights used for the driver are listed at 150 pounds. I think the last time I weighed 150 pounds was sometime in junior high school. Heres how this tow thing really works. You want to buy an F-150 to tow a Recreation Vehicle. For starters you want a supercab so there is room for the family. And of course you wouldnt be caught dead without four wheel drive, and it has to be a short wheelbase model. Next on the list, you want something that has decent fuel economy because you will be using it to drive to work when youre not towing the trailer. So you compromise and go with a 4.6 Liter V-8 with a 3.55:1 axle ratio. Out of those 56 configurations of F-150 trucks you now have one to choose from. Thats right, one model meets your criteria and the tow rating of your new F-150 is 6,000 pounds, not 11,000.

This takes us back to the empty truck with a driver who weighs 150 pounds. Lets look at the real world again. You have a wife and two children whose combined weight is 330 pounds, being conservative. The additional options you want on your truck like the bed liner, brush guard and side steps added 150 pounds, again being conservative. Now, do you plan to put anything in the back of the truck when you go camping? Well its a good place for the bikes and lawn chairs, and dont forget about your tool box. Since we have been conservative to this point well just add another 130 pounds for cargo. And the difference between your actual weight and the 150 pound driver is, lets say 40 pounds which in my case is still on the conservative side. Now lets do the math. A 6,000 pound tow rating minus 650 pounds of added weight equals a 5,350 pound tow rating. You see, everything you add on, or load in to the truck takes that same amount away from the vehicles tow rating.

Oh and dont forget the tongue weight of the trailer youre towing. Additional weight like tongue weight and other weight added to the vehicle cannot exceed any vehicle weight ratings like the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). While were on the subject of weights, I mentioned another weight rating earlier that isnt talked about very often, the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). In the real world the GCWR is very important when you are talking about towing because it is the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded tow vehicle and the fully loaded trailer combined. If you go to a set of scales and weigh the fully loaded truck and the fully loaded trailer it cannot exceed the GCWR of the tow vehicle. We can go one step further and say that regardless of the advertised tow rating if you subtract the curb weight of the vehicle (plus any added weight) from the tow vehicles GCWR it will give you the amount of weight the vehicle can actually tow. In our last example the GCWR for the truck in our example was 11,500. The curb weight was about 5,360 plus our added weight of 650 pounds. But dont forget to subtract the 150 pound driver. So our truck can tow 5,340 pounds before it exceeds the GCWR. The GCWR takes all factors into consideration, unlike the vehicle tow rating. Head to the scales to find out how things stack up in the real world of towing.

It doesnt stop here; there are many other things to consider. For example the hitch receiver on the back of the tow vehicle has a weight rating too. The truck might be able to tow 5,340 pounds, but if the receiver is rated for 5,000 pounds thats the most you can tow. You see everything in the towing system is based on the weakest link in the system. As you can see there is a lot more involved with tow ratings than a television commercial advertising a fully boxed frame. I could write an entire book on the topic. Well, actually I did. Much more information is available in my book, The RV Book, and DVD titled Trailer Towing, Weights, Hitchwork & Backing, available at www.rveducation101.com

All I really know is the last trailer I owned weighed in at about 7,300 pounds when it was loaded to go camping. My ton truck at the time had a tow rating of 8,800 pounds and I was below the GCWR. Towing the trailer was not always a pleasurable experience. I get nervous when I hear about a ton truck capable of towing 11,000 pounds, dont you?

Here is my Ford Challenge to Ford. Let me review this one ton F-150 that can tow 11,000 pounds. Ill hook it up to an 11,000 pound trailer, take a test drive and write a review. If Im wrong about my doubts that it can tow an 11,000 pound trailer safely and effortlessly Ill be the first to admit it. Ill keep checking my e-mail, but wont get my hopes up.

Ill leave you with a few thoughts to ponder:

1) Dont let commercial advertising plant a seed that all F-150 trucks can tow 11,000 pounds, when in fact only one model is rated for 10,500, at least thats what the Ford towing guide says. And then do the math and see what that one truck can tow in the real world.

2) Are truck manufacturers crossing a fine line with advertised tow ratings? I have been involved in a few legal cases, as an expert witness, where people were paralyzed and killed. The common factor in these cases involved improperly matched tow vehicles and trailers. Dont depend on automobile dealerships and RV dealerships to always give you 100% accurate information. Do your homework before purchasing a tow vehicle and trailer.

3) Are RV manufacturers building trailers too heavy for todays trucks? Is this the reason for increased tow ratings? If a trailer has a GVWR that is higher than the tow rating of your vehicle it is a mismatch. If you load the trailer to its GVWR you will exceed your tow vehicle rating.

4) At this rate what will happen with tow ratings by 2010?

UPDATE: 1 JUNE 2007 After numerous attempts to contact Ford representatives and after writing this article I was finally contacted by the Ford Public Relations Group, Ford Truck Commercial Manager. I believe that was his title. He claimed that the Gross Combined Weight Rating for the half-ton truck in question was raised from 15,800 pounds to 16,400 pounds, as of 31 May 2007. It was originally 15,300 pounds, then 15,800 and now 16,400. I questioned what changed on the vehicle to account for the latest increase in the GCWR and was told the shackle and bumper attachments were improved and something about the unique tires the truck had. He also informed me that the truck passed the same rigorous truck durability testing cycle that all Fords trucks are put through to determine its capabilities. On more than one occasion he mentioned that Ford was not just manipulating the numbers. One problem I still see is that there is no standardized testing for vehicles to determine tow capacities, so basically it is left to the manufacturer to determine ratings. I still have my doubts about any half-ton truck being able to safely tow 11,000 pounds, but for the record Ford finally came forward and said their truck can do it. Ill let you, the consumer, be the judge.

Readers comments: http://www.rvuniversity.com/article.php/20070607122121304

Happy Camping

Mark Polk

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner rveducation101.com

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

Sign up for your free "RV Education 101" Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/

More and more people are getting involved with the challenge and excitement of sports betting. Many of them have found that the safest and most convenient way to do their sports betting is online by going to a top rated sportsbook. There they can find all of the information they need to bet intelligently and increase their chances of winning. This is because a good sportsbook has experts who will make recommendations based on their study of every aspect of teams, individual players, and upcoming events. It doesnt matter whether you like to bet on team sports like football or soccer, or individual sports like golf or horse racing. A good sportsbook will provide you with information on any sport.

This is because the experts look at more than just the current betting odds and betting lines. Take soccer betting as an example. The sports betting experts will make recommendations based on their evaluation of how teams match up against each other and how the individual players on a team match up. Theyll take into consideration any injuries to players that may impact the outcome of a game and even look at how possible weather conditions will affect the play. With this information bettors can decide which teams to bet on and how much to bet. This will greatly increase the odds of successful sports betting.

If you like sports betting then find the right sportsbook for you. Your account will be secure and your privacy protected. You can also make your deposits in a variety of ways and your winnings will be paid promptly. Sign up today and place your bets.

Professional SEO. He helps a number of online gambling sites like:

Sportsbook
Since 1997, Hollywood Sportsbook has provided millions of internet sports betting enthusiasts with a secure internet sportsbook experience.

The saying you are what you eat really is true. When you are trying to build a better physique and grow muscle the proportions of what you eat are a large part of the gains that you make. When I say proportions, I am talking about the percentages of protein, carbohydrates and fats that you take into your body. This is nothing new, Im sure you are thinking, but let me get into this a little deeper and maybe you will have a better understanding of this.

The basic facts do not change. There are many fads and theories out there, but I want to set the record straight when it comes to nutrition. The general idea is that you want to have something like a 30/40/30 split for protein/carbs/fat. This is a solid idea for general nutrition, but for building your body and to grow muscle, you need to up the ante.

What you really need to do is think about your goals, where you are at in your quest, how much you currently weigh and what level your training is at. I go into this in more detail in the RIPPED Weight Training e-book, but simply put, the more you train, and the higher your intensity you need to increase the amount of intake and switch up the percentages. The higher your training level the more calories, protein and fat you need.

Percentages arent all you need to think about though. What exactly are you eating? Are you getting your calories from Twinkies or tuna? Are your fats from beef or from fish? The quality of food you consume is extremely important when you want to build a body worth showing and to grow muscle. The less processed foods you eat, the better.

The other thing I will say is; dont get obsessed with having exact amounts in your diet! What I mean by this is if you are close to the amounts you need, dont stress out about Oh, Im only at 22% fats, what am I going to do to get that other 3%? Relax, already! The effort you are putting into this cant be distracting to your overall fitness and bodybuilding goals. Get close to what you need and forget about it. Obsessing and getting all anal about your diet isnt going to help your gain. Remember the positive thinking mode. If you are thinking Oh, my diet isnt right, thats going to effect my intensity. Well, if you have it in your mind that it will effect your intensity, then it is going to effect your intensity. Let it go. You want to grow muscle or not?

The next thing I want to talk about is supplements. Everyone uses them, but not many people really understand what they are putting in their body. Again, I am not going to go into too much detail here, but minimally you want to be using creatine, and some sort of whey-isolate protein powder. You pretty much cant go wrong with these. I will say though, if you have liver or kidney problems, talk with your doctor before taking creatine. It is tough to get some of your percentages close without using supplemental nutrition, so I strongly urge you to educate yourself on this aspect of your diet.

Remember, diet and training cannot be thought of as two separate things. They must work together to help you reach your goals. I dont care if your goal is to be the next Mr. Olympia, gain 20 pounds of pure muscle or lower your fat percentage. Nutrition and fitness go hand in hand as you are building your body. As I said, you are what you eat, so make sure you think about what you are putting into your body.

Steve Gwillim's R.I.P.P.E.D. Weight Training Program and Bodybuilding Book: http://www.rippedweighttraining.com/

You will find truckloads more grow muscle info in his manual then you ever thought possible.

Body Building Weight Training Program

Unleash The Peak Performance Caged In You!

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It is great to have a business idea. The real test comes how it is marketed! Let me explain. You may have built the best mouse trap but if no one knows about it then you cant make any money.

Some years back, I had a great idea. Why not come up with a solution for bounced email. As you know, it is very frustrating when you send someone an email and it comes back as undeliverable or bounced. It breaks the chain of your workflow. Now you have to stop what you are doing; pick up the phone or track down the persons new email address. Wouldnt it be nice to be able to forward that bounced email to someone and they find the persons new email address?

So I thought I will create a Post Office on the internet where people can register their OLD & NEW email address, similar to how we fill out a change of address form and give It to the post office when we change our physical address. I contemplated on the idea for a long time because I knew it would be a major undertaking. To make sure my idea has merit, I checked with several people (friends & strangers).

Sounds wonderful! is what all the people said when I told them about the idea. I checked if there was anything similar already on the internet. I did not find anything so it made me more confident to pursue the idea.

I started development with my own money in the hope to beat anybody else. The solution finally materialized. I even came up with a catchy name Switchemail. The idea being very simple that when you change email address, instead of informing a bunch of people, you register in one place and now if anyone out there has your old email address and they get an email bounced back, they can simply forward it to us and we will send it to your new email address. The idea works great. After painstaking and diligent testing and countless hours of sleepless nights, we got the whole thing to work right.

Now all we needed was a huge database. In order for us to forward the email to a persons new email address, we need the person to be registered on our site. Theoretically, if majority of the population was registered with us then it works flawless. You get a bounced email, you forward to findperson at switchemail dot com and we find the new email address. We even forward the email to the persons new email address if we have the persons permission.

Realistically, how do we get everyone to sign up? We give first month free and only charge $1/month. So money is not the issue. It is getting the word out. We are not Microsoft or have a multi-million dollar budget. Any ideas would be welcome?

Bob Young writes for http://www.Switchemail.com that provides Solution for bounced email. He can be reached at administrator at http://www.Switchemail.com

You have arrived at Phase 2 congratulations! Now, its time to get comfortable with the new rules of the game. So, what additions are there to the food list?

Mmmm Fruit
The best part about Phase 2 is that you get to add fruit back into your diet, with the exception of very sugary fruits such as pineapple, watermelon and bananas. Low glycemic-index fruits such as apples, oranges and grapes make great, portable snacks.

Yummy Vegetables and Legumes
There were very little restrictions on this in Phase 1. So, you may be a little surprised to see this category. There were a few times that were not on your list. Here you can add back barley, pinto beans, black-eyed peas and carrots.

Hello, Bread
Bread, pasta and rice are back! Of course, you should only have the whole wheat and grain varieties. Make sure to check the ingredients for white flour or enriched flour. Look for multigrain, rye and oat and bran bread, brown rice and whole wheat pasta.

Easy Cereals
Eggs for breakfast may have become a staple during Phase 1. Here is your opportunity to change it up a little. High-fiber cereals with low-fat milk are now permissible. You can also have oatmeal (not instant) with low-fat milk and fruit. Feel like a muffin? Reach for a bran, sugar-free one. Whole-wheat bagels are also allowed.

The Night Cap
If you have missed your night cap, there is cause to celebrate. Although not all alcohol is back, you can now have red and white wine

Sweet Chocolate
Yes, bittersweet and semisweet chocolate is now allowed in moderation. So, make sure to occasionally indulge and avoid feeling deprived.

Thats the updated food list. At this point, you may be wondering how this is going to work. You had such great success on Phase 1 and are a little hesitant to let loose. Its a valid concern. After all, who wants to spoil a good thing?

The important part of Phase 2 is to add each component back gradually. Dont indulge in all these items all the time. Monitor your weight loss. If it slows, you may be allowing yourself one too many indulgences. Cut back a little and see what happens. Remember, if you fall off the wagon, you can jump back on Phase 1, if needed.

Another important thing to remember is that moving to Phase 2 is highly recommended, though not required. Staying on Phase 1 is tempting, especially if you have experienced success. But, Phase 1 is not meant to be a long-term meal plan. Moving on to Phase 2 is an important part of learning how to control your weight in the long-term.

So, take the plunge! After a few weeks, Phase 2 will become second nature and the pounds will continue to melt away.

Reggie Dunn is a long time diet enthusiast and follower of the South Beach Diet.
You can find more information on the South Beach Diet at http://www.online-diet-reviews.info/south-beach-diet.html

7. Drive mirroring through software: Drive mirroring basically means that you can use a program such as Norton Ghost, Acronis or Drive Image to make an exact copy of all of the contents of your hard drive. The process can be done manually or automatically. The data image can be done on DVD, CD, to another hard drive or across the network to another computer. Some programs allow incremental backups where initially you create a full backup and after that only the files that have been changed from the last backup are backed up. One of the advantages of drive mirroring is that it allows the backup of the operating system files along with the data. In the case of a computer crash you can replace the failed drive run a disaster recovery CD or floppy and restore your computer to a working state in a matter of minutes.

8. File synchronization: File synchronization programs have been around for a long time. They allow you to have a real time copy of the data in two places simultaneously. The synchronization can be set to happen at a specific time or in real time. The idea is that if you change a file on the master computer the corresponding file on the remote computer also changes.

9. External hard drives: With the price of hard drives dropping everyday they present a great alternative for backups. Units equipped with USB or Firewire ports are the most recommended. They are portable enough to be taken offsite. You can either buy ready to use units or you can buy an enclosure that holds several drives and populate it with hard drives. Some of the ready to use units come with a basic backup programs that allows one touch backup of specified directories or complete hard drives.

10. Drive Trays: Computers can be easily equipped with hard drive trays that allow the easy removal of hard drives to be stored away from the computer for safety. The advantage over portable USB or Firewire is that internal hard drives use a faster connection to the computer.

11. Backup to disk: As hard drive prices have been decreasing, backing up to disk has become commonplace as a replacement to tape backups. A server or a unit attached to the computer is set up with several disks and the backup software is scheduled to backup the files to a different disk every day of the week. The advange is that there is not tape library to manage and the process can be totally automated. In addition the process is much faster than with tape.

As we can see there are many options for file backups with different levels of reliability, automation and price. Ideally, the wedding photographer will use a combination of the above backup strategies. Relying on a single strategy can be fatal to your wedding files, your business, and professional reputation.

Setting up scheduled backups is a must. With the data volume that the typical wedding photographer deals these days a couple of days without backups can create a big liability in the event of a disaster.

Keeping a backup copy at a remote location is also a must. It doesn't matter how many copies of your data you have, if all of them reside at the same location they are potentially exposed to the same level of risk.

Some photographers have found that for weddings more than a couple of years old it is wise to give a copy of all the files to the client. This makes the client happy and the photographer gets an extra backup copy.

It is also recommended that you take the outmost precautions at your place of business including an alarm system and that you physically secure your computers with antitheft cables and that you keep all the backup media in a safe. Also, your working computers need to be equipped with surge protectors and battery backup systems to avoid damage due to lighting or electricity spikes.

In addition to the above strategies the wedding photographer must have liability and disaster recovery insurance.

To some, the above guidelines may seem paranoid. However, the wedding day memories are too precious to be lost.

Juan Carlos Torres is a very respected and awarded wedding photographer in Oregon. He has a Masters Degree in Remote Sensing with a strong background in digital image processing and photography. He is a member of the several professional photographer organizations including the Professional Photographers of America, the Professional Photographers of Oregon, the Wedding Photojournalist Association, and the Oregon Wedding Photo Guild. His wedding photographs are unique and very artistic and have been featured in national and international magazines. For a sample of his works please visit Portland Oregon Wedding Photographer and Salem Oregon Wedding Photographer For a discussion on wedding photography see our Blog at Oregon Wedding Photographer

Being environmentally friendly is very important to many people these days but knowing what products to buy for the home is not always an easy task. When it comes to flooring, bamboo is just one of the choices you have, not only is it eco friendly but it is also of a very high quality, extremely tough-wearing and looks great too.

Strength

Bamboo is a plant which is very versatile and can be used as a source of food as well being used as a traditional building material in Asia. Despite being a type of grass, bamboo has been found to be 10% stronger than Red Wood. There are many bamboo products that you can buy for the home including decorative room dividers, kitchen utensils and kitchen work surfaces. Another benefit of bamboo is that it doesn't suffer as much from expansion and contraction in the way that hardwood flooring does.

Color

You have two main colors to choose from - blond and amber. Blond is the natural color of bamboo whereas amber-colored bamboo has been "smoked" and is called "carbonized bamboo"

Grain

If you are looking for the bamboo to have a very simple and clean pattern then go for a vertical cut because the horizontal cut will show up the nodes. Which cut you choose greatly depends on personal choice so make sure that you have had a look at some samples before buying.

Installation

Bamboo is no easier or more difficult than any other types of flooring to install. If you plan on installing bamboo floors yourself then buy the "click lock" system rather than gluing.

As you can see bamboo is one of the best choices for flooring in the home. It appeals to many people so whether you are an eco warrior, style guru or have a large family running around the house, bamboo is one of the best choices you can make.

George Kerr writes about many products you can buy for the home including bamboo flooring and cork flooring.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) has, at times, been referred to as impotence. Simply defined, ED is the inability to achieve or sustain an erection long enough or firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. ED affects the lives of many men and their partners. Although more common in older men, it can and does effect men of all ages.

The Massachusetts Male Aging Study is perhaps the most comprehensive study to date on ED. It found that 52% of males between the ages of 40 and 70 have some degree of ED ranging from mild to severe. The study confirmed that the incidence of ED increases with age 39% affected by ED at age 40 increasing to 67% by age 70. It also found that most ED is caused by physical factors related to the vascular system problems (blood flow). Z-STRIPSTM are designed to increase blood flow to the penis and so, it may be the answer for you. It may also be the answer if your ED is due to psychological or a combination of physical and psychological issues.

Signs of erectile dysfunction include:

• Erections take longer to achieve
• Erections require more stimulation and are not as rigid
• Inability to obtain a full erection on occasion
• Inability to sustain an erection throughout sexual activity
• Less intense orgasms and ejaculating more quickly
• Total inability to achieve an erection

If a pattern of ED develops it can have a dramatic negative impact on the man and his partner. It can become a source of mental and emotional stress on both, damaging their self-image and threatening their relationship. Before this happens, it may be time to treat your ED with Z-STRIPSTM.

Dont wait until its too late

Erectile dysfunction is best treated promptly. Lack of use of any organ can cause progressive loss of function and atrophy due to the increasing loss of healthy tissue. This is particularly important in the case of penile health. Heres why

Penile tissue stays healthy and functional only with a constant supply of oxygenated blood. This only happens with regular erection episodes. So, without regular erections you can lose healthy penile tissue which will only lead to the increasing loss of function. Eventually, this loss becomes irreversible.

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Erectile Dysfunction Treatments