Archive for January, 2009

Compare the Cheapest Free Line Rental Deals

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

Did you realise that it is really possible to obtain a mobile completely free including12 months free line rental? What that means is that you can obtain a free mobile phone with free inclusive minutes and free inclusive text messages without paying a penny for them!About now your bound to be wondering whether this is a trick, but you can rest assured this deal is the real deal!The trick is to play mobile retailers at their own game. Understand, phone suppliers sell free line rentla mobile phones simply to attract potential buyers through the door. But then they attach loads of catches to the offers to decrease the quantities of people that actually take out and successfully order a 12 month free line rental offer.The way 12 month free line rental offers operate is that customers sign a mobile contract in the usual manner, and pay the bill as usual. Then, at pre defined intervals within the term of the mobile phone contract the buyer are able to claim cash back. At this time the shop who sold you the mobile will send you a cheque. Normally three separate claims need to be made before you recover the total cost of your mobile phone.Now heres the deal, the vendors ensure the process of getting your money back pretty awkward, as they insist you provide phone bills (which you may mis place). They may also insist upon specific dates for the claim (which you may not remember) and put in place various other tricks and loopholes. So, you must be on the ball and beat them at their own game!Make sure you read the contrac, put all dates in your diary, keep paperwork safe and put in your claim punctual and you should geta mobile phone completely cost free for a full 12 months!The simple fact is that shops don’t mind giving away a few of these handsets cost free as it is good publicity for them. Being in a position to publicize “cost free mobiles” promotes the standing of their business, and, as they know merely a small number of customers will get past all the clauses required to get a 12 month free line rental mobile, it does not actually cost them that much money!A free line rental promotion may not be the best choice for everyone as you need to be prepared and ensure you finish all the tasks of your claim correctly, but, a 12 months free line rental mobile is for sure something worth considering if you are cost conscious.

Sharpen Your Attitude Edge

Friday, January 30th, 2009

An edge is all you need to get ahead in the world of selling. You either get the account or you don’t, and sometimes you get the account by a hair compared to your competitors. So just a slight edge is all it takes sometimes to win the competition’s business away from them.

Here is how to get and keep an edge as it relates to your attitude. Remember that in selling the whole decision is made subjectively based on the emotions, not the intellect, of the decision-maker. And one way you can sway them over to your side, assuming you have all the other components in place, is to attract them to you with your insatiably positive attitude.

But the difficulty in doing this is that having a positive attitude all the time is nearly impossible in a profession where the real “work” is staying positive and overcoming all the rejection and seeing the energy and time loss of deals that don’t get closed, sales that get missed, and opportunities that go to someone else. So how does a sales rep create and sustain an attitude so positive that it actually contributes energy back into his or her life?

Part of it has to do with daily affirmations. But that only goes so far. Plus, if you remember to do them, they start sounding rote and boring. So try something much more simple, much more powerful, and much more easier to remember than affirmations.

It is a power phrase. Or call it a mantra. Or call it a short little phrase that gives you a burst of energy and creates the attitude of positive expectation in your life.

Here is what I have used for many years and this little powerful and potent phrase has helped thousands of sales professionals all over the world:

“Today is going to be the most exciting day of my life.”

Say it as you are driving in to work tomorrow. Say it with expectancy. If you do not believe that this will work or make a difference, try it for a week and send me an email telling me I was wrong. But this short pithy phrase of positive power can give you the edge that you need to stay more positive, more focused, more disciplined, and more aggressive in reaching your goals. It will give you enough energy to get the edge and get the business. Remember that an edge, no matter how slight, is still an edge, and sometimes that is all it takes to win the business.

Copyright (c) 2006 Scott Love
Scott Love equips sales people and managers with tools that double their performance. To have him speak at your next meeting or convention, contact him at 828-225-7700. Visit his website for free tools and resources, http://www.scottlove.com

Folding Premium Poker Hands

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

One of the most difficult things to do in poker is fold big hands. In a game where you may only see a premium pocket pair or big slick once every few hours, it is tough to get away from the poker hand even when facing a tough flop or an out of position raise. In smaller games, or with a larger stack, the situation may warrant playing a hand like pocket jacks or pocket tens with the option of getting away from them on a flop that misses your hand. Making these decisions can be based on prior experience with your opponents, as well as position. Using these two factors to evaluate where your poker hand stands will make you a more profitable player in the long run, if you can avoid stacking off needlessly with a hand that is beat more often than not.

Your opponent’s tendencies play a role in playing a premium hand just as they would in any other hand. If you make a raise in position, and a player calls you after limping from out of position, you need to ask yourself how many hands they have played, and what are the chances he may be trapping and slow playing a stronger hand. In position, a continuation bet after a check is a strong play a large percentage of the time. If you are called, and the board is not looking good relative to your holding, consider checking behind on the turn and then folding to any bet on the river, or calling if you deem it appropriate. Once you cede on the turn, know that your options to take away the pot will greatly decrease, so avoid going crazy on the river after showing weakness on the turn, most novice players don’t process tricky plays.

Position is obviously relevant, as it always is a consideration for any strong player. If you hold something strong in early position, an aggressive player may make a call from late position simply because he has more options when he acts after you. This is a prime example of where to be careful post flop, and make a decision is to what you are going to do in the event the flop doesn’t hit you, and your continuation bet is called. When in position against the blinds or an early position limp or raise, you have this advantage, and your hand becomes even more potent. Be aware of your position and the players to act before or behind you whenever you are playing a pot.

Many other less significant factors can be used to find places where folding is a better idea than going broke with one pair, and you will discover those as you journey deeper into the world of poker. Explore new areas of your game, and challenge your notions of how the game should be played, and you will progress as a player. Folding a big hand is one step forward in improving your game.

Gaming Hall Taking Risks: Guide to Taking Chances

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

In case you have not yet mastered gaming establishment betting, you’ll find more about that here.

new no deposit casino bonus

A valid description of a betting house is a structure that offers friendly gambling. Guests will be encouraged to wager by challenging one-armed-bandits or trying out alternate games of chance. Betting saloon games mainly include absolutely determined chances constituting them which insure the gambling establishment holds on to dominion over the gamers. A number of gambling house games can get you obsessed speedily. Let’s scrutinize the classic one-armed bandit, an electronic contraption with three plus drums which swivel when a crank on its side is yanked. The instrument as a rule recompenses corresponding with a row of pictures displayed on the front panel of the appliance. Lamentably, gaming room games put forward some semblance of control, hoodwinking the betting enthusiast — the victim is handed decisions, but actually they can’t realistically level the gamer’s long term negative odds. That is brought about by the the gaming room not repaying the full amount as expected. This philosophy is usually noticeable in well-known casino games such as blind poker, craps, roulette or blackjack.

Five card stud poker is undoubtedly an incredibly trendy casino game. The gambling devotees, playing with partially hidden cards, place bets in a central pot which is ultimately given to the winning player controlling the winning set of cards. (As everybody knows, the best bluff may well prevail as well.) Comparable to poker, blackjack is likewise a highly popular casino game. A sizeable amount of its acceptance is based on its particular mix of luck and technique and decision making, not to forget a practise named card counting. The aforementioned is an approach in which betting devotees will significantly switch the probabilities of the game in their favor both by betting and fundamental opetations correlating with the cards dealt. Craps is a acclaimed game based on the throw of dice. Patrons are placing bets on the end result of 1 spin, or on a sequence of cycles on 2 dice. Contrary to blackjack, there’s no conceivable long term killer system punters can play on to boost the chances. Roulette is an immensely popular casino based game of chance: a croupier twirls a roulette wheel that has thirtyseven (classical roulette) or, alternatively exactly 38 (Vegas roulette) independently marked cells in which a tossed pellet will then settle, which marks the final winning number as well as the supplemental odds. Supposing that the participant has bet on a number which wins, which is to say they are actually lucky, the accolade is going to be thirty-five to 1, the stake being given back. Ergo in total it is increased by 36.

We recommend you try to be very much wary though, as many of betting establishment games of chance are rated somewhat addictive. Certainly far too many lives are reported to have been damaged by gambling and while it admittedly seems like fun, do please aspire to restrain yourself.

Find Discount West End Theatre Tickets Online

Monday, January 26th, 2009

Short breaks always seem like such an excellent plan – to leave behind habits & habitats, see something brand new; perhaps listen to something different. But without an idea, weekends away can time and again fall a bit short, a case of ambling around a huge town, constantly popping into retail outlets & recognising monuments. This may be good enough if you are comfortable to go with the flow, on the other hand if you prefer being occupied & ‘doing’ something then West End theatre breaks can be a great option.

Even though you could continually go to Spain, why would you need to? There is loads of talent & amusement far nearer to you in London. Notably, the City boasts a range of theatres, most of which are bunched together somewhere within London’s West End – a place in which day to day life appears to become a little better & the whole lot turns out okay eventually; or at least if not, you can get caught in electrifying moments & feel a little bit of a better human being.

However for plush, bright entertainment throughout a London theatre break on the whole people attend musicals. These can be anything from the heart-wrenching tragedy for example Les Misérables to the rollerblading enjoyment that is Starlight Express. Although, enthusiasts of rock & roll, doo-wap and men and women in tight leather will only be concerned about one show – Grease. Taking the United Kingdom by storm in the nineteen-seventies, this well-known show has for no reason ceased to impress spectators, transferring with consummate ease to the big screen. Featuring a fine-looking John Travolta and an exceptionally skinny Olivia Newton-John, the movie went on to be listed for an Oscar.

A great number of people will have a soft spot in their heart set aside for Grease, no matter what age they are, or indeed what sex. Its one of those family-friendly motion films that is enjoyed by countless generations; by the same token the theatre show is entertaining for both young and old equally. The ease and energy of Rydell High is infectious, the late 1950s clothes are so desirably retro, and the music numbers are so catchy that you will be singing in your seats. Visit the LSBO website for great savings on London’s West End musical shows.

Get Carter (1971) Deconstructed

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

Get Carter (1971)- the classic English gangster movie, uses the Hero’s Journey…

1. Introduce hero, his character, inner challenge [escape his mob boss - his Ordinary World], the outer challenge / antagonism [find his brother's murderer] and romantic challenge [Britt Ekland]. Warned not to embark on the adventure (interdiction). Context introduction (they’re watching porn movies). Status of the hero ["they're killers, just like you."]

2. Journey to the Mentor. We get to know the hero’s character through his actions.

3. Strange creatures in the World of the Mentor [the people in the pub].

4. Meeting with the Supernatural Aid / Mentor [Margaret lets him down].

5. Hero seizes a magical gift [the gun at his brother's flat]. Reminder of the outer challenge [Carter's brother in the funeral casket]. Hero being pursued [the jeep is watching].

6. Hero journeys to the First Threshold [the guesthouse]. Loyal allies encountered [Edna, his daughter et al] Hero searches for an antagonist [asks the funeral director and friends about his brother's death]. References to the antagonism.

7. Appearance of the (supposed) mentor. Hero searches for guidance from the mentor. It is refused.

8. Hero searches for an alternative mentor.

9. Through chance, the hero meets the antagonist’s lieutenant – but is unsure of his role and the lead antagonist.

10. Hero pursues the antagonist’s lieutenant – to discover the identity of the antagonist.

11. Hero enters the antagonist’s lair (evades the threshold guardians guarding the lair).

12. Meeting with the antagonist. Mutual respect between the antagonist and hero. Hero meets a shape shifter here. Link between the hero’s Ordinary World and the antagonist. Hero unsure of the antagonist’s role.

13. Hero further investigates the antagonism.

14. Warning before entering the Ordeal [the cat-fight in the pub].

15. Hero about to return to his Ordinary World. Farewells to the Allies.

16. Reward for returning to the Ordinary World [Britt Ekland]. Reminder of the inner challenge [Carter's boss].

17. Hero pulled into the Ordeal [Thorpe warns Carter to leave].

18. Belly of the Whale – physical separation [Carter catches Thorpe in the toilets].

19. Road of Trials. Threshold Guardian resists the Adventure [landlady conflicts with Carter].

20. Road of Trials [Carter questions Thorpe].

21. Road of Trials. Hero diverted to the antagonist’s rival. Meeting the antagonist’s rival. Conflict with the antagonist’s rival. Hero realizes he has been diverted.

22. Reward for venturing into the Ordeal [sex with Edna]. Hero’s true nature revealed.

23. Hero forced into the Ordeal [attacked by the antagonist's lieutenants - whom he defeats] Assisted by the magical aid.

24. Conflict with the allies. Back-story. Significance of the journey.

25. [Pursued by the antagonist's lieutenants] to the Oracle. Led to the Oracle by the Shape Shifter.

26. Meeting with the Oracle [Brumby].

27. Meeting with the Goddess [Carter learns that his daughter was raped in the porn film].

28. Journey to the Sword [Carter puts the girl in the trunk].

29. Hero seizes the Sword [Carter kills Albert].

30. Woman as Temptress [girl puts Eric onto Carter].

31. Night Sea Journey [Carter on the boat; Eric et al wait for Carter to get off the boat].

32. Near death experience [the shoot out with Eric et al]. Death of the Shape Shifter [in the trunk]. Rebirth.

33. Atonement with the Father [Carter confronts Brumby]

34. Apotheosis [Brumby showed the porn film to Frank which led to his brother's death; Brumby dies].

35. Ultimate Boon [Carter knows what to do; sends the film to the Vice Squad]. Buys the heroine.

36. Refusal of the Return [Carter pretends that he won't harm Kinnear].

37. Rescue from Without [Margaret's death will help trap Kinnear; the Police arrive].

38. Antagonist sets up the hero [Kinnear arranges for Carter's assassination].

39. Magic Flight. Eric journeys to the place of the Final Conflict. It is a dangerous place.

40. Crossing the Return Threshold [Carter confronts Eric].

41. Master of the Two Worlds [Kinnear arrested, Eric killed].

42. Freedom to Live [Carter physically enjoys the win].

43. Carter assassinated.

Learn more…

The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at http://managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author’s name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://managing-creativity.com/

What Are The Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Saturday, January 24th, 2009

An estimated 23,000 people die each year in the United States from Alzheimer’s disease. It is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly, making it the eighth leading cause of death among that age demographic. Alzheimer’s cannot currently be cured, but understanding the seven stages of the disease can help researchers, care-giving family members and those afflicted.

Alzheimer’s disease most often affects those over 65. It is extremely rare for the conditioner to occur earlier.

Alzheimer’s affects the cortical tissues of the brain, causing them to atrophy. On autopsy tangled webs of brain tissue filaments (neurofibrillary tangles) and patches of degenerative nerve endings, called senile plaques are found. It is believed that these abnormalities cause a disruption of the electrical impulses in the brain.

It is a devastating disease, robbing the individual of their memories and ability to recognize their loved ones or care even to complete simple tasks for themselves, but there are treatments available to help slow the course of Alzheimer’s disease and researchers are working hard to find a cure. Understanding the stages of the disease is the key to both.

There have been a number of attempts to describe the disease using a medical model but for caregivers and the rest of us it is easier to use the seven step functional stages to understand the changes brought on by the progression of the disease.

Stage 1 is described as a normally functioning adult without noticeable symptoms and no changes in memory.

Stage 2 is often mistaken as part of the normal aging process. The individual notices their declining memory issues and some functional loss as well. They may have trouble remembering the names of familiar people and places.

Stage 3 is defined as early Alzheimer’s disease. There is progressive difficulty with involved tasks in demanding situations and often growing anxiety and denial. Memory and recall difficulties become apparent, concentration becomes effected and there is generally a loss of productivity.

Stage 4 or mild Alzheimer’s, disease is characterized by a flattening of mood and continued denial of the disorder. Familiar faces, following directions to frequently visited places and orientation of persona and place are still intact, but assistance with complicated tasks becomes necessary.

Stage 5 Alzheimer’s disease is considered moderate and the person in this stage can no longer get along in daily life without the assistance of others. They can remember major information about them selves and others but recall of newer information is difficult. An individual at stage 5 needs assistance picking proper attire and making most decisions.

Stage 6 is considered moderately severe and people begin to forget large amounts of information about themselves and others including the names of their spouses and children. They will need help with all the activities of daily living and disturbed sleep patterns becomes problematic and delusional or obsessive behavior, acute anxiety and violent behavior can arise.

Stage 7 is the last stage of the disease, and in severe Alzheimer’s disease speech is reduced to only a few words and is mostly unintelligible. Individuals lose their ability to sit up or walk. They cannot smile and even lose their ability to hold up their heads. The brain seems unable to direct the movement of the body.

Alzheimer’s disease isn’t curable but there are treatments that can slow its progress and promising research that may one day lead to a cure. Understanding the stages of the disease and its progression can help those who are afflicted, their loved ones and researchers ensure the best treatment now and promote hope for the future.

Contact Existing Customers To Increase Business Sales

Friday, January 23rd, 2009

One of the best ways to increase your sales and one that
won’t cost you a lot or take a huge amount of time is by
selling more to your existing customers. This can be a
lengthy process and expensive to win over a new customer.
between advertising, sales calls, and approvals. With
existing customers the process can be much quicker,
smoother, and less costly.

Existing customers already know you and what you can do.
Your challenge is to learn about additional opportunities
within your company, and go after them.

If the cost of sale for an existing customer is so much
lower than for a new customer, why don’t small companies go
after their existing customers more aggressively?

Because they have been conditioned to grow their customer
list, and because they simply may not realize the potential
that exists in obtaining repeat sales from existing
customers.

Bringing in new customers is sometimes more exciting for
sales people than expanding sales to existing customers.
Don’t interpret this to say that small companies shouldn’t
aggressively go after new customers. The purpose here is to
suggest that substantial growth lies in repeat sales to
existing customers.

Stay in touch with existing customers to learn their
ongoing needs. Inquire into their challenges so as to
discover needs they have that you can fulfill. It may be
that someone in another department has a problem that one
of your company’s products or services can solve. It is
only by being in touch with customers that you learn about
such opportunities.

Try to find up selling opportunities. Not only more of the
same, but larger orders and new features. A satisfied
customer is a great candidate for expanded sales. The
customer has respect for your capabilities and ability to
deliver. The customer will listen to your pitch and likely
tell you about possible obstacles.

They will probably tell you about their limited budgets or
opposition from another department. They might slip you
some information about the existence of a competitor. You
are then in a position where you can help solve the
problem. Perhaps by offering a quantity discount or
throwing in some additional service that will convince
others in your company that you should provide more of your
products or services.

Let existing customers know when you come out with a new
product or service. Regardless of whether they buy, they
can provide feedback and may become buyers for the new
product down the road.

Seek out leads from existing customers. They can often
provide referrals to others in their companies or to
individuals associated with other firms they do business
with. It always helps in soliciting a prospect to be
referred by someone the prospect respects. Existing
customers represent a potential gold mine. Not only for the
present, but for helping expand your company’s future.

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on
your web site as long as the byline is included and the
article is included in it’s entirety. I also ask that you
activate any html links found in the article and in the
byline. Please send a courtesy link or email where you
publish to: support@multiplestreammktg.com

Copyright © 2005

Abe Cherian is the founder of Multiple Stream Media,
a leading performance-based Internet advertising
company dedicated in helping small businesses create
online presence, brand recognition and online automation.
Main company web site: http://www.multiplestreammktg.com

Abe Cherian’s online automation system has helped
thousands of marketers online build, manage and grow
their business. Learn how it can benefit you too.

Locating A High Quality Author

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009

One of the most difficult tasks for the person who is in need of the services of a high quality author is determining just who can do the work. Being capable is one thing, being available to do the work is another thing.

There are several things that you, the hiring party, can do to ensure that you find a capable and available author:

1. Does the author have experience? Importantly, is he or she able to write on the proposed topic? A good author will have samples of his or her work readily available for your perusal. Do not assume that all of the author’s work is posted online; sometimes “we” authors hold our best work back from the public due to fears of piracy or because of third party confidentiality.

2. If the author is to cover a topic outside of their areas of expertise are you willing to pay extra for the research the author may need to do in order to accomplish the task?

3. Is the author available to work on your project now or is he or she presently busy with other assignments? How tight is your deadline? Can you work with the author’s schedule or is your schedule not flexible? Would you consider using the same author at a future date for a different project if no agreement can be made to do the current project?

4. Does the author have references? Can you get a person’s name and phone number and contact them about their work?

5. How much does the author expect to be paid? Does the author list on his or her website a pricing structure? Can you get an ironclad estimate? What payment methods are expected?

6. Is the author writing as a ghostwriter or do you want the author to use his or her name and submit the articles to article directories for links back to your site?

As an author, before I accept any assignment I prefer to discuss over the telephone details of what the hiring party wants, what I can do for this person, and attempt to get a better feel for the job. I do not hard sell my work; if someone is interested in my capabilities then we move forward. If not, we both move on.

Matthew Keegan - EzineArticles Expert Author

Copyright 2005 — Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including: advocacy, automobiles, aviation, business, Christian themes, family, news, product reviews, travel, writing, and more. Please visit Matt’s blog for absolutely stunning and humorous writings from the master himself!

Writer’s Tool: A Treasure Chest

Monday, January 19th, 2009

While taking a creative writing course in college, my instructor introduced me to an invaluable tool–a Writer’s Treasure Chest. This tool is easy and fun to make and will come in handy time and again throughout your writing life.

First, you’ll need something to house your treasure. It could be a plastic tub or a cardboard box. Decorate it, if you wish. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like.

Now for the adventure! To fill this chest, your imagination is your only limit. Mine contains newspaper clippings that I feel will make for good stories, pictures clipped from magazines, travel brochures, tourist information guides and advertisements.

Let’s look at each of these:

Newspapers often run stories of a bizarre nature. These can be wonderful seeds for creative ideas! If you write crime stories, there is a wealth of information for that as well. And don’t forget slice of life stories, there are invaluable resources for this genre, too.

Pictures make up the bulk of my Treasure Chest. I’m a very visual person and these help me to “see” the things I am writing about much better. I have pictures of people of all types, sizes and in different sorts of dress. I may just clip out the eyes, arms or hair because it caught my creative eye. Some photos may have an “attitude” that I want to capture in my writing. Don’t forget places! Fields, a mountain stream, diner or small town street will often lead you in the right direction. Pictures of home exteriors and interiors are invaluable, also.

Travel brochures are priceless for information on different parts of the world as well as additional photos. These can be had for no cost at a travel agency or trade shows.

When traveling, stop at the tourist centers. They have numerous brochures covering shopping, sites of interest, museums and city attractions. These are also free and you may choose as many as you like.

Advertisements are wonderful for ideas on décor, furniture and clothing styles. You can decorate an entire house and cloth your characters just by looking at advertisements!

These ideas are a good base for any Writer’s Treasure Chest. Depending on the genre you work in, you may expand accordingly. Half the fun is in the hunt and the ideas you glean will be priceless.