Author Archive
A Lifestyle Approach to Remedy Snoring
If you want to remedy snoring, you have to find the underlying cause. Snoring is not an affliction like the common cold, where you wake up one morning and you’ve just got it. It is something that normally arrives slowly over time. Most people can’t remember the day and date that their snoring started. It was sometime in my mid 30’s or some such vague description is the normal response to a question on its arrival.
The lifestyle approach to remedy your snoring, doesn’t treat it as a condition or a disease. But rather treats snoring as a symptom, or a warning, that the body is out of balance.
I like to think of snoring like the ground proximity alarm in a modern jet aircraft. (The one that goes “WOOP! WOOP! PULL UP! PULL UP!”, if the aircraft gets too close to the ground when it’s not supposed to). If you are a pilot, you’d prefer not to hear it. But if you did, you would be grateful for the warning before dire consequences arrived. I’m sure the warning siren must be very annoying when it is activated but a lot less painful than the alternative. Likewise snoring is annoying, but not responding to the warning may have more serious consequences.
The above example may seem extreme but the reality is there has been an enormous amount of research in recent years linking snoring to a range of serious conditions such as hypertension and coronary disease.
The human body is a truly amazing machine. It has the ability to self regulate a complex array of interacting chemical and electrical processes within fine tolerances. This ability of homeostasis means the body can keep the internal systems (e.g. blood pressure, body temperature, acid-base balance) in equilibrium despite changes in the external environment.
However if the body is subjected to persistent extreme conditions outside the normal bounds of function then it may not be able to rectify the situation without help. For instance if your body gets cold, it starts to shiver to maintain its core body temperature. But if your body is subjected to sub zero temperatures without any external heating then shivering alone will not be able to stop the inevitable deadly conclusion. But the act of shivering is, in itself, a warning for you to take some action; put some warmer clothes on for example.
Snoring can be set off by a number of different balance upsets such as your diet, your breathing, your stress levels, and your physical environment. If you systematically work through these factors two important things are going to happen. You’re eventually going to stop snoring and you’ll end up with a healthier body.
Once you start you may be pleasantly surprised, as often, a snoring solution doesn’t always require a big change in your lifestyle.
About The Author
Copyright © 2004 Kevin Meates
Kevin Meates writes for http://www.snoring-solutions-that-work.com where you can find a set of strategies for overcoming all types of snoring problems.
Please feel free to use this article in your Newsletter or on your website. If you use this article, please include the resource box and send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: mailto:kmeates@snoring-solutions-that-work.com
Handing in Your Resignation and Serving Notice
Have you made the right choice? Before deciding to resign from your current position and move to a new employer, you should weigh up as objectively as possible all the relevant factors: remuneration, working environment, location, travel demands, training and development opportunities, promotional prospects, and your future bosses.
Consider also what impact a job with the new company would have on your resume. Once you have received and accepted a formal written commitment from your new employer, you should serve notice immediately.
It is important to behave in a professional manner throughout the resignation process. Your character and your personal integrity should never be in question. Be positive; be co-operative; and avoid recriminations.
State that you are leaving the company and hand in your letter of resignation at the same time.
Be prepared for a reaction. If your employer presses you for reasons, give brief and positive answers. Don’t argue or complain. Don’t allow yourself to be deflected from your purpose or drawn into a protracted discussion.
Do everything possible to establish a friendly tone and leave a good impression. State that you are leaving because your new employment offers you opportunities for advancement. Your decision is the result of careful consideration.
Your written resignation should be concise and definite. Do not go into details or give your reasons for leaving. If you have any grievances, don’t express them in the letter. Give no cause for animosity. Ask if there is anything you can do to ensure a smooth transition.
In the letter, state that you are leaving and when. Give as much notice as possible. Two weeks is generally acceptable, but check your contract or the company handbook.
Sample letter:
Dear ( )
I have decided to resign my position as (??..) at (company) effective (date) to take a position with (new employer). I greatly appreciate the opportunity that you and (the company) have given me to develop my skills and further my career.
I shall make every effort to ensure that the transition period goes smoothly for all concerned.
Yours sincerely
( )
Counter offer. Your decision was carefully thought out, so stick to it. Changing your mind makes you appear indecisive and creates a negative impression. It calls into question your long-term commitment and loyalty to your current employer.
During the period of notice, carry out your duties in a diligent and professional manner. Assure your boss that you will complete any outstanding task. If this is not possible, leave detailed instructions for your replacement. Check that all your records are in order. Inform your colleagues that you are leaving. When discussing things with them, resist the temptation to make disparaging comments about your present job or boast about your new one. Do your best to leave on good terms with everybody.
Exit Interview. Many companies expect their employees to attend an exit interview with the Human Resources Manager. If requested to do so, co-operate fully. Conduct yourself in a professional manner. Say only positive things about your employer and the company. Focus on accomplishments or learning experiences you had while employed there. Remember that anything you say is likely to be recorded in the personnel profile.
Visit the author’s website at: http://www.assignmentsplus.com
Gerard McLoughlin, author of ‘Four Minutes To Interview Success’, has contributed career-related articles to hundreds of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including: USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com, etc.
To receive FREE career tips on a regular basis, sign up today for The Assignments Plus Newsletter.
A Guide to Portable Dehumidifiers
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. That’s just one reason to invest in a portable dehumidifier. If you want to protect your walls, building foundations, furniture, electronics or even the strings on your piano, a portable dehumidifier can be just what you need.
Portable dehumidifiers work on the same physical principles as those of full-size units: cold air holds less water than warm air. All dehumidifiers draw in humid air from the room, cool the air so that the water falls into a reservoir bucket, warms the dried air back up to room temperature, and releases the dried air back out into the room.
The size of the fan, along with the power of the fan motor, determines how large a room your unit can dehumidify. Most dehumidifiers use blade-type fans, but some of the larger units boast the more efficient, squirrel cage-type fans, similar to those used in furnaces.
The advantages to portable units over full-size models are numerous. First and foremost, portables use less energy ? sometimes as little as half the energy of a full-size unit. This will save you a bundle on your next electric bill. Second, they are easier to move. Most people can pick up a 29-pound portable unit and move it from room to room, depending on where you need it most.
Best of all, portable dehumidifiers are almost as thorough as larger units. The square footage of air dehumidification, as well as the size of the reservoir, average as high as some of the mid-range full-size machines.
One downside to portables is that, because the components are packed more tightly, the compressor will tend to frost up and spread to other components. As a result, some manufacturers have included a frost warning light. When it goes off, you will know that the compressor needs to be defrosted.
Dehumidifiers Info provides detailed information about basement, home, small, portable, and closet dehumidifiers, plus dehumidifier reviews, and more. Dehumidifiers Info is the sister site of Humidifiers Web.
The Ghost of Expected Surprises
Here, Cratchet, what do you think you’re doing?
Uh, er, leaving sir.
Leaving? It’s 5 minutes to the hour. Shall I dock your pay accordingly.
Uh, er, no sir.
No sir? Well it’s back to work for you then, and be quick about it. And I don’t expect your mind to be off home before your body gets out the door either, what?
Uh, er, no sir.
Quite.
Will you be doing anything for Christmas, sir?
Christmas, Schmissmiss.
Uh, er, what sir?
Schmi, schmish. Smiss.
Are you okay, sir?
Schmee, smaa, ooh.
Mr. Scrooge, sir? Mr. Scrooge? Mr. Scroo?.
***********************************************************************
Oooohhh. Ooooooooooooooh!
What? Who? What? Oh!
EEEIIIIII am the Ghooooost of Expeeeected Surprises.
What? What? Again? Not again. Oh please, spirit, not again. Please no.
EEEIIIIII visited yoooooou laaaast year, Scroooooooooooooge.
Oh, yes, spirit, that you did. That you did. Ooooooooh, and here I forgot!
FOOOOORGOOOOOT!!!!!
Oh, please spirit. Not so loud. Not again. Not again.
Why am I heeere again, Scrooooooooge? Why again?
Uh, uh, because I forgot the very thing that comes around every year. I forgot, yet again, Spirit. Silly me. Oh, silly silly me. I’m a bad man, spirit. Please have mercy. Oh please.
What is the Deeeeefinition of Expeeeected, Scrooooooge?
Um, of course, yes, I know this, why it’s something known in advance. Yes. Known in advance, spirit. Something you can see coming. It’s clear. It’s clear now, spirit. Foresight. Advanced knowledge.
And yet you are caught unprepaaaaaared again this year, Scroooooooge!!
I am, good spirit. I am wholly unprepared. I didn’t see you coming either, I fear. Stupid, silly man that I am. Oh spirit. Please. What is to become of me?
Yoooooouuuuuuu knoooooow.
Oooooh. Not that spirit. Anything but that.
Yeeees. Scroooge. Revise yoooooour buuuuuudgettt.
My, my budget, spirit? But I have a budget.
Muuuuuussssst yooooou beeee reminded agaaaaain? Yooooou have a moooonthleeey budget, Scroooooge. Buuut you have nooooo alloooocation foor annual expeeeennnssses.
I forgot, spirit. I forgot.
Eveerrrry year yooooou have nooooo money fooooor Christmaaaaas. Noooo money foooooor birthdaaaaay gifts, noooooo money foooooor caaarriage insurance, noooo caaaash for property taaaaxes.
No spirit. Never a penny. Never a pound. Never a schekel I fear. I’m tapped out and credit cards haven’t been invented yet!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH! Never meeeention credit caaards, Scrooooooooge!
Sorry, spirit.
The Ghoooost of Future Expeeeeected Surprises is beset with credit caaaaard nightmaaaaares! Yoooooou don’t waaaant a visit from hiiim.
No spirit, no. Not him. I’ve learned my lesson spirit. I have. I know I have. I will budget for annual expenses from now on. No longer will Ebenezer Scroooge be surprised by the expected. Caught without cash for things he knew, and always knew, were coming…yet again.
Caaaaash fooooor Christmaaaaaaas gifts too, Scroooooooooooge?
Wa, uh, ee, well, uh?
About The Author
Rick Hoogendoorn has been in the financial services industry in Victoria, BC since 1991. Happy Holidays from Cheri Crause & Associates Inc.
Getting Started: Creating a Business Plan
You’re excited. You have a great idea for a profitable online business. Maybe it is an original idea that has not been marketed online before. Maybe you have come up with a new spin on the ordinary. Whatever it is that has influenced you to start your online business, be sure that you have a plan before you begin. This is not the time to “pick it up as you go”. These are some basic things that should be included in your business plan.
The business summary should give a brief description of the entire business and is an integral part of the overall business plan. After you have completed the business summary you should begin to list the objectives or the goals that you want to accomplish through the business. Next and perhaps most importantly, you should develop your marketing plan. The marketing plan will address all the specifics of the business. When developing the marketing strategy you should consider the following:
Target Market
The target market is all the customers that you expect to see visiting your site. For example will your product be more appealing to college students or those who are in retirement?
The Competition
Consider the competition for your product when determining the marketing strategy. Choose a product that will be seen as unique and useful. Visit sites that are offering the same or similar products. Find out the cost, and how they are marketing their product. Find out the pros and cons of their business and try to improve your product based on their flaws.
Do Your Research
Research the various methods for advertising online. You should become educated about search engines and how they work since each one is different. Also be sure that you know how to submit your site to search engines. You should be prepared to spend a small amount of money on advertising, but the profits that you will gain from the advertisements will prove to be money well spent.
Pricing
Think about pricing. Again, look at the competition and see what similar products are selling for. Pricing can play a big role in the success of your product since selling a product well below the average price may lead customer to think that there is a problem with the product or that it is not of the best quality. However, pricing items too high could also deflect customers.
Shipping
Determine the shipping method. Be sure that you know how products will be shipped so that you can have shipping details clearly posted on your site. If you are shipping things of great value, you should consider providing shipping insurance. Also think about shipping outside the country that you live in.
Payment Options
Think about the different methods of payment that you will accept. If your business does not accept credit cards, you should be ready to give up half if not more of your sales. If you decide to accept credit cards will you use a merchant account or will you use a third party credit card processing center? Both will help you get started and the third party processing center will handle all of the business so you don’t have to. You should decide which you will use and also if you will accept checks or money orders. It is essential to have a secure server when taking credit cards.
These few things will help your online business to become a great success and also provide you with peace of mind knowing that you have thoroughly thought about and planned for the opening of your online business.
Gary Nugent can help YOU start your own profitable business on the Internet within the next 24 hours… To learn more, visit: http://www.MakeOnlineResidualEarnings.com/pips.html
Life Fitness Equipment for Every Type of Workout
Life Fitness equipment is among the best in the world. Life Fitness is a global company specializing in superior fitness equipment that is designed to provide you with a complete body workout and give you quality construction that is unsurpassed in the fitness industry. Professional athletes, military personnel, health clubs, and Olympic medalists can all attest to the superb design and effectiveness of Life Fitness equipment.
Life Fitness offers equipment for every type of workout you can possibly imagine. Life Fitness equipment is in the higher price range as fitness equipment goes, but the quality and sleek design are superior to most other brands. If you are searching for fitness equipment for your home or business, Life Fitness can provide you with every imaginable type of exercise equipment and you will receive the most durable, rugged machines in existence today.
Life Fitness manufactures equipment for the casual user at home to serious professional that require vigorous workouts on professional equipment. Life Fitness is a world renowned manufacturer of top quality fitness equipment and you can be assured that in purchasing from Life Fitness you will be receiving the most durable, effective fitness equipment available today.
The Life Fitness company started in 1968 with a modest line of equipment and products. Since that time Life Fitness has grown into a global force in fitness and exercise equipment. The Life Fitness company is dedicated to helping people achieve their fitness goals and providing the public with top quality equipment that is made to last. Life Fitness can be purchased online, through various retailers, and there are great deals available on used Life Fitness equipment.
Ken Austin is the webmaster at http://www.onlinehomegym.com and http://fitness-equipment.mynichesites.com
Best Home Gyms Tips
Best home gyms
It isn’t always easy to find the best home gyms without a little trepidation. But have no fear as shopping through what are touted as the best home gym has been simplified.
No kidding, stop and think about what you want to accomplish, weight loss, toning, shaping and body building may be part of your goals. But how hard can it to lift weight or bend over. Maybe we’ve gotten a little carried away with what once was and frankly still is a very simple activity.
The real question may very well be, how much portability do I want, how much space do I have, and what is my budget. You can buy very expensive equipment but for most of us that’s probably not necessary.
The fun part is to sit back, kick off the shoes, grab your favorite drink and mans best animal friend and have some fun. Heck, you’ll find plenty of stuff on the internet to choose from and really won’t get confused doing it. No one to sell you on the merits of the million dollar machine that you really don’t need. Don’t get me wrong, I agree there may be times for the biggie but seldom is the case for most of us.
Most folks can land up with a very expensive clothes hanger if you get my meaning. Go online to the search box and type in best home gyms and see what you find. Have fun.
Your next step-home fitness gyms
Using QuickSub To Make It Easier For Your Visitors To Subscribe To Your Feed
You can make it easier for your visitors to subscribe to your RSS feed. With a free and easy to install javascript function you can add the http://www.methodize.org/quicksub/ (QuickSub) feed button to your webpage in just a few minutes. Let me show you just how easy it is.
QuickSub is a javascript mouseover function that produces a list of RSS feed readers that you can use to subscribe to your RSS news feed with one click. You can see it in action on my RSS resource site, just move the mouse over the subscribe link. You should see a list of RSS feed readers. If you click on one of the news reader links it will open up that RSS reader and add this feed to it. You will need the particular news reader installed on your computer for this to work. So for example if your visitor uses SharpReader as their RSS reader then they would click on the Sharpreader link and this would add your feed to your visitors RSS reader.
To use QuickSub on your site you will first need to download the javascript and CSS files from QuickSubs site. The file is compressed so you will need to unzip the file which will leave you with quicksub.css and quicksub.js as well as a sample html file.
Upload the CSS as javascript file to your server. Now you will need to add some code into your web pages. You will need to do this for all of the pages that you wish to use QuickSub on.
Please note that in these examples I have used square brackets instead of angled brackets.
First you need to copy some code to call the CSS file. Add this line with your head tags.
[style type="text/css"] @import “quicksub.css”; [/style]
Then copy this code into the body of your page.
[div id="quickSub" style="position:absolute; visibility:hidden; z-index:1000;" onMouseOut="return timeqs();" onMouseMove="return delayqs();"][/div] [script language="JavaScript" src="quicksub.js"][!-- quickSub (c) Jason Brome --][/script]
Then where you want to use QuickSub place this code in the body of your page.
[a href="http://www.sitename.com/rssfeed.xml" onmouseout="return timeqs();" onmouseover="return quicksub(this, 'http://www.sitename.com/rssfeed.xml');"]Your link text here[/a]
You just need to replace the path with the path to you RSS feed and enter you own link text. All is left now is to upload your modified page to your web server and the new QuickSub javascript will be active.
Allan is the webmaster at NewsNiche an RSS resource for webmasters. Learn how to use RSS to attract and retain visitors to your site.