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By definition a sports car is equipped with two seats, has a low center of gravity and a front mounted high performance engine. I believe to be a true sports car in the old sense of the word it must be a soft top. I think the true sports car originated in Britain with models such as the Austin Healey 3000, MG B GT s and Triumphs of the fifties and sixties. These two seater sports cars were a revolution in motoring. Generally built with folding soft top, two seats and a throaty 4 cylinder engine they gave drivers of the day the thrills they had been looking for.

Today Sports cars have evolved to be affordable accessible and practical. The original cars of the fifties and sixties were badly fabricated, they had awful handling, poor reliability, were very slow compared to today’s standards and didn’t stop well at all. The sports cars of today are fun nimble and will be sure to bring a smile to your face.

Some sports cars today even have rear seats; sometimes referred to as a 2+2 these seats allow you to car 3 additional passengers but generally speaking aren’t particularly comfortable over long journeys. Sports car hire in Spain is best suited to a couple traveling abroad looking for fun on the open road. If you intend to take a road trip or want to travel in style with a loved one there is no better feeling than putting the top down and heading out across the beautiful Spanish country side. With the breeze in your hair and the burble of exhaust notes behind you the road becomes your friend.

Taking a road trip in Spain couldn’t be easier you aren’t even restricted to return the car to the same place that you hired it from. If it suits I would suggest starting at one airport and ending at another. There will be very little difference in costs and this way you won’t have to back track or see any thing twice.

Sports cars today range from things like the now defunct TVR s or the increasingly popular Mazda MX5 even BMW and Porsche build cars which fall under the category of sports car if you are feeling wealthy or want to turn heads as you cruise the streets and boulevards of Spain try hiring a Porsche Boxer or BMW Z4. These cars are top of their game and offer the driver unbeaten control and driving experience. A trip though Spain in a Sports car is sure to leave you with memories that will last a life time.

Travelling to your final destination can also save you money; if you fly to a relatively small airport outside of the main cities this will save you money you can then travel on in your hired sports car, eliminating any need for costly airport taxis. The Mercedes SLK, Peugeot Cabriolet range and Audi A4 convertibles are widely available throughout our Spanish destinations. They are more expensive than the very bottom range vehicles but this is because they cost more to buy and more for the hire companies to insure. Although a bit frivolous the memories and feeling you will get driving a sports car during your stay are immeasurable

When hiring a specialist sports car it is always best to book early, make reservations as soon as you have your holiday booked. By doing this you will get the cheapest quotes and ensure that your sports car is ready and waiting for you the moment that you pass through arrivals in Spain. You won’t have to wait to fill out lengthy documents you can simply collect your keys put the roof down on your sports car and hit the open road. Don’t forget to take a good CD of driving songs!

A Sports Car Hire [http://www.cheap-car-rental-hire.com/Sports-Car-Hire.html]. One search to compare the best car hire companies online. Luxury, sports, family car hire at the best possible car hire rates.

In a view of a sports car buyer, speed and looks are the most important aspects. However, both of these aspects need protection against the risk of damage and loss. The speed, at which a sports car is driven, increases the chances of an accident. A sports car has a stylish look and is embedded with expensive accessories that tempt thieves. Since qualified servicing and repairs facilities for cars are few and spare parts are difficult to source, maintaining such car can cost a fortune.

Car insurance saves money for sports car owners

1. A large portion of these ownership costs of a sports car can be eliminated by auto insurance. It may seem to be an additional cost but auto insurance is actually a timely investment for your car.

2. Car insurance shoulders the cost of repairs and loss that your sports can incur despite your best intentions while driving and your care for it. It covers the cost of repairs to the other car that has been damaged in an accident your sports car is involved in.

3. Medical costs of treating injuries in accident are also within the scope of the sports car insurance.

Car insurance premiums for sports cars

1. Be careful while choosing car insurance for your car as auto insurance policies differ for different vehicles. Since sports cars symbolize luxury and thrill, they are likely to be driven fast and thus, increasing the chances of an accident.

2. As discussed earlier, they are costlier to repair. Also, being an expensive vehicle, there are chances of its parts or the car itself being stolen. As the chances of an accident and the cost of loss or repairing damage are higher, higher insurance premiums are charged to offer coverage for cars.

3. Also, the difference between third party coverage and comprehensive coverage may be more as compared to other types of cars due to the inherent risk of damaging a sports car or losing it to theft.

But you can locate the best deal by looking up your options online or speaking with agents. It will help to bring up a clean driving record during such a conversation to strengthen the case for a favorable pricing of the car insurance premium. Also, the older you are, the easier it is to get a better deal on sports car insurance as you are perceived to be a safer driver. Some cars also have an owners club whose members have special privileges and discounts for auto insurance. Consider becoming a member of such a group. At the same time, make every effort on your part to ensure safety of your vehicle. This can be done by parking it in locked premises and fitting special gadgets that offer resistance to theft.

Whatever the premium is, car insurance is invaluable for a sports car. Remember, it will calm your mind whenever you see the speedometer rising!

As a new owner of a vehicle, you must know about auto repair. This way, when your car breaks down, you what you have to do. Many automobile manufacturers and auto parts dealers provide their customers with tips on how to do basic auto repairs.

It is important that you familiarize yourself first with the parts and systems that make up your automobile. Knowledge about how these parts and systems work, and what their optimal performance levels help you master simple auto repair techniques. If you are aware of how your car functions, you will not have a hard time identifying where a strange sound is coming from and what part of your vehicle is affected.

By knowing the basics, you can perform simple troubleshooting procedures when your car breaks down, instead of sending it to a mechanic right away. You will not have to spend massive amounts of money just to hire a professional for a simple job you can do yourself, such as adjusting a few loose screws or cooling an overheating radiator.

As a beginner in auto repair, you must realize the importance of owning a basic service tool kit. This usually contains wrenches, screws and a jack. If your car stalls on the road, you will most likely need such tools to start it up again. Tools make auto repairs easier because they allow you to troubleshoot hard-to-reach areas.

If you want to learn more about auto repairs for beginners, you can try asking your favorite mechanic for some pointers. You can also try searching the World Wide Web for tips on auto repair. Through a search engine, you can access a wealth of information. Aside from research, you also have the option of signing up for short courses on auto repair.

Auto Repair provides detailed information on Auto Repair, Auto Glass Repair, Online Auto Repair, Auto Body Repair and more. Auto Repair is affiliated with Discount Auto Parts.

When buying a sports car you need to assess what you want first but even more importantly you need to decide how it will fall into your budget. Basically can you afford to not only buy a sports car but can you run one? However there are some options available to you to enable you to buy cheaper but valuable sports car.

If you take a look at your local newspaper to see where the local auction house is and when the next auction is. However a real life auction is pretty daunting and not for someone that is shy its is most definitely not for the faint hearted! Just like any other auction whether it is online or in the real world it’s a fast pace adrenalin fueled place that is very stressful if you can I would advise to visit an auction a few times before you even attempt to try and bid on something just to get an idea of how it works and how it falls into place. The only downside with offline auctions is you cannot test drive the car before you buy it so you need to have your wits about you and hope that its a good car.

In the UK you can get a lot of car warehouses which basically means they buy a lot of cars and shift them at low prices and not only that they tend to be a lot cheaper than main dealers and because you are buying a used sports car it’s a buyers market so you have the upper hand and you can normally negotiate a really good price. I try and search around the internet and see what they have to offer first but there normally is a fast stock turnaround so if you are not quick you might miss out.

The private seller is always a great place to buy cheap sports car as people may find themselves in a financial emergency so they need some quick cash. Their precious sports car has to go and that can only mean good news for the buyer. Be aware and watch out for some crazy good deals.

The only down side of buying from a private seller is that there is no come back and the buyer buys the sports car on a “sold as seen” basis. You cannot run back to the seller and complain.

There are some really great sports cars out there that every seems to ignore or even take for granted, this is normally due to trends in the sports car industry. This is a good thing for the buyer because they can pick up a cheap sports car and great value for money.

Sports cars are luxury cars and because they are a luxury it does not mean that they have to be expensive or have to set you back an arm and a leg. There is a lot of good deals out there you just need to hunt them down. At the end of the day when buying a cheap sports car you need still remember that quality needs to play a big part in your decision.

If you are after a cheap sports car for sale then you will find a really be selection of cheap used sports cars here all at prices that can fit into anyone’s budget.

When talking about sports cars, it is important to make the distinction between cars which have been produced solely for this purpose, and normal road-going vehicles which have been modified to achieve sports car performance. One notable example of such a vehicle is the popular Golf GTI series.

Generally speaking, the term ’sports car’ refers to vehicles which have the following characteristics:

• 2 seats
• 2 doors
• Rear-wheel drive
• Light-weight
• Low ground clearance
• A powerful engine (although this is not essential)

Many classic British sports cars such as the MG series have lacked powerful engines. However, due to their light frame and chassis, they still managed to attain exceptional levels of ride, handling and performance.

True sports cars are vehicles which have been specially designed to be fun to drive, with great handling and ride together with high performance. In many cases, these qualities are attained at the expense of practicality, driver comfort and fuel economy. However, many modern sports cars allow the driver the full sports car experience, without compromising on practicality, reliability or comfort.

Sports cars come in a number of guises. In their simplest form, they are designed for an uncompromising ‘pure’ racing experience. One of the best examples of this type of sports car is the Lotus Elise. Although lacking in the kind of specification and equipment one would normally expect from a road-going car, the Elise is one of the most fun to drive cars around.

At the other end of the scale, luxurious models such as those offered by Aston Martin and Bentley have spectacular performance, whilst at the same time offering a truly luxurious and decadent driving experience.

Traditionally, owning a sports car was a costly affair. Early incarnations were less than reliable and were notoriously temperamental. They also lacked the refinements we have come to expect from modern vehicles.

Nowadays, due to advances in technology, sports cars are as trustworthy and comfortable as passenger cars. This means that their owners can quite happily use them everyday.

British sports cars

Although none of the British sports car manufacturers are now independently and privately owned, Britain can still be proud of its illustrious motorsport heritage. Luxury British marques include Aston Martin, Bentley and Jaguar, while those looking for that pure racing experience need look no further than the stables of Lotus and TVR

Italian sports cars

Nobody makes sports cars with more passion and flair than the Italians. Select have a full range from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.

German sports cars

German cars are famed for their build quality and reliability, not qualities one would normally associate with a sports car! However, Audi, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes have a range of luxury cars which are as fun to drive as they are dependable.

Japanese sports cars

Combining fine racing pedigree with the technology and innovation we’ve come to expect from Japanese manufacturers, Honda’s S200 and Subaru’s Impreza are perfect for those who want a fun driving experience, without compromising on everyday dependability

Many of us have dreamed of owning a sports car. Thanks to Select Vehicle Leasing’s range of affordable sports car leasing you can make this dream a reality.

http://www.selectvehicleleasing.com

The common questions for anyone who want to start business are: How to raise money to start business, and where to get money for my business?

To raise money to start business is not as difficult as most people seem to think. This is especially true when you have an idea that can make you and your backers rich. Actually, there’s more money available for new business ventures than there are good business ideas. We will help you for where you can get money for business.

A very important rule of the game to learn: Any time you want to raise money, your first move should be to put together a proper prospectus.

This prospectus should include a resume of your background, your education, training, experience and any other personal qualities that might be counted as an asset to your potential success. It’s also a good idea to list the various loans you’ve had in the past, what they were for, and your history in paying them off.

You’ll have to explain in detail how the money you want is going to be used. If it’s for an existing business, you’ll need a profit and loss record for at least the preceding six months, and a plan showing how this additional money will produce greater profits. If it’s a new business, you’ll have to show your proposed business plan, your marketing research and projected costs, as well as anticipated income figures, with a summary for each year, over at least a three year period.

It’ll be advantageous to you to base your cost estimates high, and your income projections on minimal returns. This will enable you to “ride through” those extreme “ups and downs” inherent in any beginning business. You should also describe what makes your business unique—how it differs form your competition and the opportunities for expansion or secondary products.

This prospectus will have to state precisely what you’re offering the investor in return for the use of his money. He’ll want to know the percentage of interest you’re willing to pay, and whether monthly, quarterly or on an annual basis. Are you offering a certain percentage of the profits? A percentage of the business? A seat on your board of directories?

An investor uses his money to make more money. He wants to make as much as he can, regardless whether it’s short term or long term deal. In order to attract him, interest him, and persuade him to “put up” the money you need, you’ll not only have to offer him an opportunity for big profits, but you’ll have to spell it out in detail, and further, back up your claims with proof from your marketing research.

Venture investors are usually quite familiar with “high risk” proposals, yet they all want to minimize that risk as much as possible. Therefore, your prospectus should include a listing of your business and personal assets with documentation—usually copies of your tax returns for the past three years or more. Your prospective investor may not know anything about you or your business, but if he wants to know, he can pick up his telephone and know everything there is to know within 24 hours. The point here is, don’t ever try to “con” a potential investor. Be honest with him. Lay all the facts on the table for him. In most cases, if you’ve got a good idea and you’ve done your homework properly, and “interested investor” will understand your position and offer more help than you dared to ask.

When you have your prospectus prepared, know how much money you want, exactly how it will be used, and how you intend to repay it, you’re ready to start looking for investors.

As simple as it seems, one of the easiest ways of raising money is by advertising in a newspaper or a national publication featuring such ads. Your ad should state the amount of money you want–always ask for more money than you have room for negotiating. Your ad should also state the type of business involved ( to separate the curious from the truly interested), and the kind of return you’re promising on the investment.

Take a page from the party plan merchandisers. Set up a party and invite your friends over. Explain your business plan, the profit potential, and how much you need. Give them each a copy of your prospectus and ask that they pledge a thousand dollars as a non-participating partner in your business. Check with the current tax regulations. You may be allowed up to 25 partners in Sub Chapter S enterprises, opening the door for anyone to gather a group of friends around himself with something to offer them in return for their assistance in capitalizing his business.

You can also issue and sell up to $300,000 worth of stock in your company without going through the Federal Trade Commission. You’ll need the help of an attorney to do this, however, and of course a good tax accountant as well wouldn’t hurt.

It’s always a good idea to have an attorney and an accountant help you make up your business prospectus. As you explain your plan to them, and ask for their advice, casually ask them if they’d mind letting you know of, or steer your way any potential investors they might happen to meet. Do the same with your banker. Give him a copy of your prospectus and ask him if he’d look it over and offer any suggestions for improving it, and of course, let you know of any potential investors. In either case, it’s always a good idea to let them know you’re willing to pay a “finder’s fee” if you can be directed to the right investor.

Professional people such as doctors and dentists are known to have a tendency to join occupational investment groups. The next time you talk with your doctor or dentist, give him a prospectus and explain your plan. He may want to invest on his own or perhaps set up an appointment for you to talk with the manager of his investment group. Either way, you win because when you’re looking for money, it’s essential that you get the word out as many potential investors as possible.

Don’t overlook the possibilities of the Small Business Investment Companies in your area. Look them up in your telephone book under “Investment Services.” These companies exist for the sole purpose of lending money to businesses which they feel have a good chance of making money. In many instances, they trade their help for a small interest in your company.

Many states have Business Development Commissions whose goal is to assist in the establishment and growth of new businesses. Not only do they offer favorable taxes and business expertise, most also offer money or facilities to help a new business get started. Your Chamber of Commerce is the place to check for further information of this idea.

Industrial banks are usually much more amenable to making business loans than regular banks, so be sure to check out these institutions in your area. insurance companies are prime sources of long term business capital, but each company varies its policies regarding the type of business it will consider. Check your local agent for the name and address of the person to contact. It’s also quite possible to get the directories of another company to invest in your business. Look for a company that can benefit from your product or service. Also, be sure to check at your public library for available foundation grants. These can be the final answer to all your money needs if your business is perceived to be related to the objectives and activities of the foundation.

Finally, there’s the Money broker or Finder. These are the people who take your prospectus and circulate it with various known lenders or investors. They always require an up-front or retainer fee, and there’s no way they can guarantee to get you the loan or the money you want.

There are many very good money brokers, and there are some that are not so good. They all take a percentage of the gross amount that’s finally procured for your needs. The important thing is to check them out fully; find out about the successful loans or investment plans they’re arranged, and what kind of investor contacts they have—all of this before you put up any front money or pay any retainer fees.

There are many ways to raise money—from staging garage sales to selling stocks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the only place you can find the money you need is through the bank or finance company.

Start thinking about the idea of inviting investors to share in your business as silent partners. Think about the idea of obtaining financing for a primary business by arranging financing for another business that will support the start-up, establishment and developing of the primary business. Consider the feasibility of merging with a company that’s already organized, and with facilities that are compatible or related to your needs. Give some thought to the possibilities of getting the people supplying your production equipment to co-sign the loan you need for start-up capital.

Remember, there are thousands upon thousands of ways to obtain business start-up capital. This is truly the age of creative financing.

Disregard the stories you hear of “tight money,” and start making phone calls, talking to people, and making appointments to discuss your plans with the people who have money invest. There’s more money now than there’s ever been for a new business investment. The problem is that most beginning “business builders” don’t know what to believe or which way to turn for help. They tend to believe the stories of “tight money,” and they set aside their plans for a business of their own until a time when start-up money might be easier to find.

The truth is this: Now is the time to make your move. Now is the time to act. the person with a truly viable business plan, and determination to succeed, will make use of every possible idea that can be imagined. And the ideas I’ve suggested here should serve as just a few of the unlimited sources of monetary help available and waiting for you!

Now you should get idea for how to raise money to start business, how to get money for business, and where to get money for my business.

———————————————————
Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
———————————————————-

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It may seem strange to think that there is some question as to what constitutes a children’s book for many after all this would seem like a question with an obvious answer. A children’s book was after all created for children. However Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain one of the books considered to be classical children’s literature was originally intended for adults and as indeed received some past censorship because of how interpret it was considered for children. The Grimm’s fairy tales also where written initially for adults, yet they where bought for children. This situation of children taking over what was supposed to be an book for adults has led to many problems. After all society then complains that the story was not appropriate for children, and so attacks to book. Further the book not being appropriate for children perhaps does cause some social problems. Yet we still seem to consider many such books as children’s literature.

Why is it books written for adults become children’s books? Or at least books read by children. Although it is perhaps impossible to state all the reasons for this situation, I would forward three theories on ways in which this can occur.

The first reason is that a book offers a fantastic reality, an imaginative story, children like such stories and so for whatever reason it is presumed that such imaginativeness is in the realm of children’s literature. This could for example be the case with Gulliver’s Travels and of course the Grimm’s Fairy Tales. In many ways I would argue it’s sad that if a story is fun and imaginative it is automatically pushed off into the realm of children. Not that children’s literature is lesser, indeed this imaginativeness has helped in many ways to make it superior to that created for adults. Rather it is sad that adults do not presume that such creative genius is worth more of their time.

Another reason which a book might become children’s literature is that it is about a child, for some reason a child character makes people automatically assume a child should read it, as if they are the only ones who can relate to a child. This is a ridiculous notion of course, we where all children and besides of which all such books where written by intelligent adults.

The final reason I will propose is that many books and works of art intended for adults become children’s as a means of expanding their reach or extending their life. This is why for example one will find the works of Jane Austen in the children’s literature section at the book store with a little charm.

This still does not answer the question of what is children’s literature. Part of the problem here may be that we have not yet truly defined the question, broad questions have broad answers. The question may be what should parents have their children read, or what should educators and those studying children’s literature study in order to learn about the impact of literature on children? In the case of the first question the answer is in regards to the parents beliefs and their kids reaction to things. If a parent does not believe their kid should be exposed to something then it does not constitute children’s literature for that kid. This definition of course makes the whole field of children’s books very difficult as there are so many differing views on what is acceptable for children to read.

However this problem would beg the question, is the purpose of the definition to help people study children’s literature or to help parents decide which books their kids can read? In the case of the purpose for study children’s literature would constitute all books which children regularly read. After all the purpose of study is to determine what is acceptable to read and what impact such readings have on children, as will as ways to make future books better. For this purpose to be effective all books which children read must be included.

Part of the difficulty of course with determining what constitutes children’s literature is that there is some debate as to what children are.

After all different cultures have at times believed many different things about children. However I would point out that this in and of itself is exactly the point, childhood is viewed as different by different cultures. It is then a cultural definition, one which our society can answer and change. Certainly it is difficult for people to accept this idea, and for many the idea that the culture determines someone’s role is tantamount to prejudice, however when it comes to defining a state and an impact we are indeed looking at cultural variables. One cannot for example assume that a picture book based on the Impressionist style, and with Swedish Motifs would have the same impact on Americans as it does Japanese or Swedes. It is culture which determines the role literature plays in our lives so it is through a cultures definitions of something that that thing should be defined. Further accepting one cultures definition of what defines children and not another’s is prejudice.

In American culture this definition of child has been constructed in a way as Minors to the age of 18, however not all of these ages are considered children per say, they are teenagers, pre-teens, Elementary, Preschool, Toddlers and more. However as a society we have defined these groups and so a wish to understand their demographic must begin with the societies definitions of them. Arguing that a culture is wrong is often a mute point, just as literature is a social construct many of the emotions and impact surrounding it are too.

Children’s literature then according to my definition and the definition which will be found throughout this site is literature which impacts directly through reading a fairly decent percentage of the population which is considered children by the culture it is from.

Or in the case of cross-cultural analysis such impacts will extend to ages determined by the culture with the oldest children or the largest definition of them. Why? Because in many cases especially historical ones children where considered adults fairly young, yet if we want to compare differences in impact between 8 year olds we must study both sets of 8 year olds. It is important to stress that this is not a means to push one cultures definition on another it is merely a research construct intended to help study literature, so that we can better understand its impact.

Ty Hulse has degree’s in art and psychology with both with a children’s and a cross-cultural focus. He is currently working to create the site Zeluna.net which discusses Children’s Literature and Picture Books, as will as Fairy Tales.

Are you looking to get cheap pet supplies but have no clue how to go about it? Well, hopefully we’ll be able to help you out. I’m going to tell you just where you can find the supplies you need to keep your pet happy at a price that will keep you happy as well!

Maintaining a pet is quite hard in these times of economic crisis, but if your daughter wants a dog, then you shouldn’t let monetary concerns prevent you from giving her that adorable puppy! And, admit it, you’ve fallen a little bit in love with the puppy yourself! So it’s time for some tips and tricks!

Tips You Cannot Miss Out On!

1. When you’re getting supplies for your pet, do most of your shopping in winter! Wondering why? Well, in winter, most pet stores have clearance sales and that doggy cot you saw costing $500 can come for half the price! This is simply because most people tend to buy pets in summer, so shop-keepers need to get rid of old stock in winter. Old, does not have to mean bad, so do your shopping in winter!

2. Puppies tend to chew plastic and spoil plastic goods. So when you’re buying supplies for them, make sure to get as many supplies which are not made of plastic as possible. This applies to feeding bowls and drinking bowls as well.

3. Are you good with a syringe? If you’re good with a syringe, then you can save a whole lot on your veterinary bills by ordering vaccine’s from the vets and administering them yourself! Your pet won’t have to be subjected to the presence of an unfamiliar person and moreover, you’re going to save up a ton of money.

4. Confused about where to get pet food from? Head over to Wal-mart, they offer great deals and great prices. Sams Club too is a great place to get high quality pet food for cheap. Cheap pet supplies do not mean feeding your pet cheap pet food, that is not a healthy practice and I don’t recommend it! I’m just asking you to watch out for good deals on HIGH QUALITY food!

5. Ever considered the internet? The internet is a shopper’s paradise and this applies when you’re shopping for pet supplies as well. Cheap pet supplies are all over the internet, simply because of the large bulk of volume they generate to the sites! Watch out for online sales as well. Try Ebay, people sell supplies they don’t need there!

6. Lastly, show your pet you care by making pet supplies yourself. Trust me, that is the sweetest thing you can do for your pet. Moreover, nothing comes cheaper, or more loaded with love.

So cheap pet supplies aren’t really a distant dream, pretty much a reality, what say?

To learn more about finding cheap pet supplies and wholesale dog products be sure to visit our website at WholesaleDogProducts.net.

BOTH parents in your children’s lives is vital. What is even more important is that you back off and stop to think of how you are using your children to hurt the other parent. If you are in this category I strongly suggest you seek professional advise as you are damaging your children and hurting yourself. Divorces can be bitter, but what gives you the right to use your children as pawns to get what you want, hurt the other parent and inevitably prolong your children’s healing. Contact with the other parent can be very painful and that’s one reason why parents need to rely on friends and other support networks to work through difficult feelings. Remember, too, that time can be a great healer.

However difficult it may be, working together as parents while you are separating as a couple is so very important that it takes priority in the steps of your children’s health and well-being. When children are involved, your divorce ends the marriage, not the family. Your relationship as parents continues and you as the adults have to ensure your children that you are the responsible adults and will do everything in your power to create a successful future.

The key task for parents as your marriage/relationship ends is to work toward building a cooperative parenting arrangement that:

- NEVER uses your children as pawns

- Always ensure that your children are seeing the other parent regularly

- Protect your children from adult conflict

- Encourage a positive happy relationship with the co-parent

- Model to your children a nurturing behavior

- Always provide your children with a stable and secure environment

- NEVER speak ill of the other parent ever when the children could hear

- Remember actions speak louder than words…your children can feel the anger…this is no way to raise your children

Children are used as messengers to relay issues about money from one parent to the next. Being used as spies to find out what the other parent is doing, seeing and behaving. Bottom line is that your children should never be involved in any issues that are adult related. If you can’t speak respectfully to the other parent when your children are around….then don’t. Wait until they are safely out of hearing distance or use e-mail…do anything but arguing, speaking rudely and disrespectful. This beats down your children’s spirit and soul. They are a part of each parent. When you run down your children’s other parent you are running a part of them down…and believe it that is exactly how they feel. This leads to your children having to lead two lives and eliminates truthful communication with you. They don’t want to hurt you by saying they had fun at daddy’s for fear something cruel about the other parent will come out of your mouth. They will feel guilty about loving the other parent for fear you will feel hurt…get over it. Your children have a right to love and have fun with the other parent. Would you rather they didn’t? Who would this satisfy? Most children are resilient and highly adaptive. With care and nurturing, your children will adapt to separation and the new family arrangements. However, if your children witness a lot of ongoing parental conflict such as their parents shouting or threatening each other, their emotional development can be damaged. This is plain cruel.

Keeping adult conflicts away from your children is one of the most important things you can do. In particular, using your children as a way to punish the other parent is especially destructive for children of all ages. Parents who use their children as a way to hurt the other parent use all sorts of damaging behaviors, such as denying the other parent’s access to the children, telling your children about the other parent’s faults, or lying about the other parent’s actions or behaviors. No exception, these tactics damage your child’s health and well-being much more than the other parent and it stalls you from moving on.

Your children will do best after separation and divorce when both parents remain involved in their lives. Both the mother and father are important to your children for emotional support, protection, guidance, gender identity and their basic trust and confidence in themselves and in the world. Parents play a valuable role in child rearing that must not be taken away from them. The only thing your children should be concentrating on after the separation/divorce is to develop a separate relationship with each parent, and to spend time with each of them.

It’s common for a mother or father to have strong negative feelings about the other parent that she or he feels it is in the best interests of their children to prevent the other person from seeing them. Although you may feel this is being protective, it will harm your children’s emotional growth and development. Sometimes continuing the parent-child relationship is not advisable for example, when there is child abuse, spousal abuse or severe psychiatric illness. Seek professional help to make arrangements that are in the best interests of your children.

Working together as parents means sharing responsibility for your children’s care and developing a way of making decisions that affect their health, education and welfare. If you can’t have a civilized relationship with the other parent, try to think of your relationship as having two parts. There is the part of the relationship, which caused and may still be causing anger, grief and anguish. The other part is the parental relationship, which will continue. It’s in the best interest to make it workable for your children.

Do your best (whether or not the other parent is…it’s better that your child has one parent that is working to make their lives better than none) to achieve some kind of workable relationship for your children. Try to:

1. Have respect for the other parents differences

2. Let the focus be the children, not on what the other parent has or is doing

3. Always settle disagreements through compromise

4. Avoid making assumptions about the other parent’s intentions or actions

5. keep your agreements and promises (such as making child support payments on time, picking up and returning children on time).

Remember that the most important thing is that you are cooperating for your children’s sake. Continue to keep conflict away from your children’s ears and eyes. Eventually, your relationship with the other parent may become easier and you may develop a new understanding of each other.

One of the key ways to develop and maintain a good co-parenting relationship is to make a written parenting plan that is agreed upon by both parents. A plan has a number of advantages and can help ensure that the children are well cared for by both parents. A written agreement that outlines specific arrangements and understanding of responsibilities helps reduce assumptions and misunderstandings. Also, a lot of planning and organization goes into moving children from one household to another. For example, your child may want to take his fish with him, or needs a clean uniform for a game the next day. Managing these kinds of details requires planning. If you’re organized, it can reduce the chances of arguing with the other parent over little things. Whatever the situation you find yourself in; there are always several options for resolving disputes. There are counselors, family mediators, and family lawyers who can help you choose the best course of action based on your particular situation. Some of the points have been repeated…they are worth repeating.

http://familyfinancialrescue.blogspot.com/

Pets can get very expensive and as a pet owner you need all the help you can get. You don?t have to spend too much to get the best for your darling animals – with a little perseverance and a lot of research, you can save big on quality brands of pet medicines, food and other supplies. Here are some tips to get you started.

Get pet supply coupons. Clip them off pet magazines, get them online, or ask for them from pet supply stores. Coupons will get you huge discounts on pet medications, toys and basic accessories such as collars and leads. Some of these coupons also allow you to get freebies if you buy a minimum amount.

Join consumer and shopping clubs. Membership in these organizations entitles you to cumulative discounts on pet supplies. Some clubs even allow you to use the “points” you accumulate from buying other things (such as furniture and clothes) to get freebies, huge markdowns and even cash back on pet supplies.

Try the Internet. There are hundreds of online coupons you can use if you are buying from participating online pet supply stores. Or, you can enter contests and win prizes for your pets.

Some notes. Pet experts say that while it is always nice to get discounts on pet supplies, you should not scrimp on pet food. Remember that a lot of pet ailments are caused by dietary imbalances that can be prevented if you just feed your pet premium food. Good quality pet food promotes better pet health, which you can readily see in your pet’s increased energy and more attractive appearance (a shinier coat in the case of dogs). You will end up saving a lot of money if your pet is healthy, because you don’t have to buy expensive medications and go to the vet as often.

Pet Supplies provides detailed information on Pet Supplies, Pet Supply Stores, Discount Pet Supplies, Online Pet Supplies and more. Pet Supplies is affiliated with Wholesale Pet Products [http://www.i-PetProducts.com].

Childcare Decisions

Most parents find themselves perplexed and anxious when it comes to making the best choice for the care of their children. Leaving a child in a childcare facility for the first time can be nerve-wrecking experience, both for parents and the child. However, keeping in view the busy lifestyles of most parents, this does seem like the most sensible and inevitable option. Choosing a childcare facility about which the parents feel most confident and can trust with the welfare of their child, along with mentally preparing themselves and the child about the incursion of a childcare facility in their daily lives should be used to decrease the anxiety that props up during this transition phase. Some parents and children have such extreme reactions about a childcare environment that they need counselling from a psychologist!!

Positive Childcare Transition

One of the most-commonly used methods of making the transition easy is by mentally preparing the child. Before the childcare schedule actually begins, the parents have to make the child used to the reality that he/she would be away from the similarity of a home or the presence of parents for some hours, every day. Parents should begin talking to the child about the various kinds of activities that would be a part of childcare schedule. The child should be familiarized with the rules/regulations that are a part of a usual childcare environment. Parents should try and distance themselves for the child a bit – just to an extent that the child becomes familiar with the idea of not being in the company of parents.

Another important aspect of this childcare transition is recognising the child’s special requirements and making sure that these would be satisfied in the childcare/preschool set-up. When it comes to choosing the best-suited childcare center, try out for the best possible and nearest location. This would reduce the scheduling/transport problems that are associated with the childcare format.

Childcare Options:

• Child care centers are where the child is provided a group setting. He is made to socialize with other children, usually of the same age group, and there is supervision under the presence of numerous qualified or non-qualified childcare providers.
• Family childcare centers have the provision of the child staying in the carer’s home. The children may or may not be of the same age group but benefit from home-like environment.
• Some neighborhoods have facilities called In-home child care facilities. Here a childcare provider is provided and he/she visits the parent’s/child’s home to take care of the child.
• Most popular choice is the nursery schools/pre-schools/playschools. These are professionally-managed childcare centers. Here the child is inducted in a properly-structured, core curriculum that is backed with the presence of qualified preschooling educators.

Author: Suchita Sehni has contributed a lot in Child Education and Parenting. At present she is an active member of Education Hub.

Visit Education Hub India for Delhi Universities, Delhi schools and Delhi colleges.

Pet lovers would simply love to know how to get cheap pet supplies especially nowadays when budgets are a bit strained. On top of that, people simply just want to get more value for their money. Pet supplies can sometimes be a bit too expensive and that isn’t just about the dog food. Other top of the line pet care products such as Frontline for dogs can be a little too much weight on one’s wallet.

Tips on Buying Cheap Pet Supplies

The goal in paying cheaper prices for the supplies you regularly buy is not just to simply save money but to actually save and get more value for your money. The final goal in this endeavor is not only to make your wallet happy but your pet should also be happy as well.

Timing is Essential To Get Pet Supplies Cheap

Every serious pet owner should really consider when they shop for supplies. Sometimes, it’s not a matter of where a pet owner shops for supplies but it’s actually a matter of timing. The stuff you need to keep you pets healthy and happy can be found in the local pet store.

What pet owners need to do is to find opportune times to purchase supplies. This simply boils down to purchasing your stuff during sales, most notably clearance sales. One can easily notice that pet shops will hold a clearance sale during the cold winter months. A lot of savings can be generated when purchasing stuff at this time of the year.

It doesn’t mean that the supplies you buy at clearance sales are about to go bad. The fact is that most people buy new pets during the summer thus the demand for the said supplies go down during the winter when almost no one buys new pets. When the demand for cheap pet supplies goes down, that is during winter and clearance sales then it is advisable to purchase your stuff.

Buy Supplies to Last

Now, when you purchase high end pet supplies like Frontline for dogs, be sure to buy them in order to last a while. Check the material the supplies are made of or the packaging of certain products like powders and pest control materials. Expect plastic bowls to get chewed up so pet owners should get stainless steel doggie bowls instead.

Lookout for Saving Opportunities

Sometimes pet shops will give out coupons to its customers. In case they do then be sure to grab some coupons. A store may not always have sales but if they do give out coupons then this is a clear indication that pet owners can get cheap pet supplies. Now, imagine how much you can save if you bring the coupons and buy stuff during a sale.

Check Your Options Online

Another way to save money on pet supplies is to look for suppliers on the Internet. Sometimes these suppliers sell their stuff at lower rates than the ones you can find at the store. Be sure to check out the fine print before you pay for the pet supplies you ordered.

Make Them Yourself

Another way to save money on supplies is to make them yourself or recycle items. If a neighbor or someone you know no longer uses certain materials like dog houses and other things, you might want to ask them to give it to you or purchase them for a cheaper rate compared to the ones at the store. Pet owners can also make their own dog rope, fish tanks, or chew toys.

As you can, there are many different ways to minimize the impact that pet supplies have on your wallet. There are multiple ways to get cheap pet supplies. Sometimes it just takes a little research and some creativity but when taking into account the amount you will save in the long term its definitely worth it.

Jason Aldiers is the author of this article. If you would like to buy cheap pet supplies such as Frontline for dogs or just read about various different pets, please visit Discountedpetsupplies.net.

In my article Establishing Credibility and Trust with Testimonials, I addressed the importance of offering proof to your prospects and how testimonials are one of the most powerful tools you can implement in your arsenal of marketing.

In that article, I discussed the value of testimonials from satisfied customers, probably the most credible and effective type of testimonial because nothing beats a testimonial from a satisfied customer.

I would now like to focus on another very powerful form of testimonials: celebrity endorsements.

In America, traditionally major celebrities have been reluctant to appear in widespread advertising campaigns on the assumption that it might tarnish their reputation professionally. In Asia, however, where I have extensive experience in the advertising industry, it is much more common to see famous actors in commercial advertisements.

In China, for example, celebrity endorsements have proven very successful where, due to increasing consumerism, it is considered a status symbol to purchase an endorsed product or service. In my former advertising agency, we often used top Hong Kong celebrities to great advantage promoting products in China.

However it is Japan, where Japanese advertising budgets are typically much more extravagant than American budgets when it comes to celebrity talent that has attracted many major American celebrities with lucrative endorsement deals together with a much lower risk of negative publicity.

I can remember very well traveling to Japan often in the 1980’s and 1990’s seeing many of Hollywood’s A-list actors secretly providing product endorsements in the Land of the Rising Sun. For decades, the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Harrison Ford and even earlier Steve McQueen, have accepted lucrative Japanese advertising endorsement deals in exchange for many millions, all without tarnishing their reputations at home.

The major benefits of celebrity endorsements are:

Celebrities add instant credibility: Consciously or unconsciously, the consumer believes that if a celebrity is using this product, service or brand, the company who makes it must be quality.

Celebrities grab attention: Having a celebrity endorse a product, service or brand creates attention. Consumers are more apt to watch an ad if it has a celebrity.

Celebrities provide superior market presence: It is usually easier to get a product in stores and more prominently displayed because retailers have preferences for celebrity endorsed products.

Celebrities lead to enhanced media exposure: The media recognizes the publics’ strong interest in celebrities and it’s much easier to get free publicity if products are used by celebrities. Customers are more apt to participate in events when a celebrity involved.

However, before any company signs on a celebrity to promote their product or service, they should very carefully consider the following:

The celebrity’s attractiveness: Generally an attractive endorser will have a positive impact. The celebrity should be attractive to the target audience in such aspects as physical appearance, intelligence, athleticism, lifestyle, etc.

The celebrity’s credibility: For any brand-celebrity collaboration to be successful, the endorser’s personal credibility and believability in terms of perceived expertise and trustworthiness is crucial and greatly influences acceptance with consumers. Furthermore, celebrity endorsements only work when the consumer has a credible belief that the celebrity would really be interested in buying and using your product or service despite being paid to do so. If not, you are probably wasting your money on the endorsement.

The celebrity’s and the brand’s compatibility: The success of the brand-celebrity collaboration depends significantly on the compatibility between the brand and the celebrity in terms of lifestyle, identity, personality, and positioning. The best endorsement deals manage to equate the product with the appeal of the celebrity. One of the best and most successful examples is Air Jordan with the collaboration between Michael Jordan and Nike

One final point: Never forget that a celebrity is not a replacement for a good product, service or idea.

About the Author:

Joe McAleer is a seasoned marketing and communications professional having worked in executive roles with Bank of America, Encore Marketing International and was a Founder and President of Storm Communications. He is also a co-author of The Real World Marketer, a business coaching program aimed at small business owners, entrepreneurs and online marketers.

Obtain additional marketing tips, techniques, and strategies on building a successful business online and offline with The Real World Marketer FREE eBook and Special Report by visiting http://www.wealthtraders.com/free/ten/index.php

Are you thinking about switching careers? If you are, you’re not alone. Most Americans switch careers three times in their lifetime. Nevertheless, switching careers is scary. And it’s especially paralyzing the older you get. But making a career switch is very possible and much more common than you might think. Before you’re ready to leap, realize that it’s a heavyweight decision that deserves some time and solid thought. Here are seven steps to help you on your way.

1. Gain insight from your current situation.

When considering a career switch, the first thing you should do is learn from your current situation. To do this, take a step back and study what you do for a living today and why you do it. Examine the reasons that you are in your current job or career. Was it what you went to school for? Was it what your parents wanted you to do? Was it the “hot career” at one time? Did you just “fall into it”? Did you love it at one time? Did you do it for the money you could make? Was it just to pay the bills? The answers to these questions can provide valuable insight into the core reasons that you want or need to change.

Now examine why you want to leave your current career field. Remove any company or management related politics that are specific to your current employer from the picture. See your situation for what it is and ask yourself why you are looking to switch. Are you being forced out because of market shifts of business trends? Are you burnt out? Do you want to make more money? Are you miserable doing what you do? Have you tried your best but found that your career is “just not a good fit”? Have you decided its time to pursue a long lost career love?

Inspecting your current situation and reasons for your desire to change careers will provide a foundation for your next step.

2. Look inside

Whether you already have a career in mind or you are searching for a new career, you must look inward. In order to gain the most from your reflection, it is essential to start with a clean slate. Set aside any notions (real or imagined) about what type of money certain careers offer. Discard any stereotypes or judgments of occupations. Distance yourself from any pre-conceived ideas about what you are right or destined for.

Now seriously examine what you truly love. First start with the obvious. Look at your hobbies and interests. List out the things you are passionate about or in which you have talent. Give yourself credit for things you are good at and don’t be afraid to write things down that you love, but are not yet good at. Write them all down, even if you think they may not be a possible career path. You’re just brainstorming at this point and you should not eliminate anything right out of the gate. And it’s important to bear in mind that what you may think are your interests are not necessarily all of your interests. To help you get a good look at your interests, observe the simple things. What kinds of news stories perk your interest? What kinds of TV shows do you enjoy? What kinds of books magazines do you find yourself drawn to? What kind of people do you like to associate with or find interesting? What parts of your current career have brought you the most satisfaction?

Next, remind yourself of what you wanted to be when you grew up. Is it something you still want to be? Do you still get stars in your eyes when you think about it? This may give you some real clues. And of course, depending on what you wanted to be, that young dream may be out of reach. Or…is it? Think about it. If your ideal career aspiration at the age of 10 was to be an astronaut and you are now over the age limit or are not physically able to, you can rule it out. But what about other careers associated with astronauts or astronomy? There is a wide array of careers that touch upon astronomy from teaching, to marketing telescopes, to writing for a science magazine, to building models or sets for movies to working at a museum on a space exhibit! When you look at your passion and then use a little imagination, the sky (or should I say space) becomes the limit.

Lastly, look at what type of person you are. Be honest with yourself. Do you enjoy working with your hands? Do you enjoy working alone? Do you enjoy a social work setting? Do you enjoy being part of a team? Do you enjoy working at night? These are all examples of questions that will lead you down the path to discovering and evaluating whether a given career path is right for you.

As you are going through the exercise of looking inside, it is important to avoid cluttering your mind or list with any “buts”. If your answer to the question “do you enjoy working with your hands” was “yes”, leave it at “yes”. Don’t append any knee jerk reactions to your answers such as “yes, but I am clumsy” or “yes, but those jobs don’t pay as much”. Leave your mind open and you will be pleasantly surprised at how easily any natural human discouragement subsides.

3. Explore what’s out there

Now that you’re armed with a list of personal interests and talents, sit on them for a few days and let them cook. Let yourself get used to your newfound list. You may find yourself adding a few more during this time or even crossing a few out.

Begin your next step by opening your eyes to what’s out there (not what you perceive to be out there, but rather what is out there). Pick up your local community college catalog and flip through both credit and continuing education courses. Look online for education or career programs. Make a list of the careers of your friends and family. On your next ride to work or to the store, turn off the radio, look around and take notice of the buildings and businesses around you. Look at the people you see outside and start piecing together what their days are like.

The object of this exercise is to compare what is out there, with what interests you. Let’s stick with the astronomy example. You’re interested in astronomy. So what? Well…now you’ve begun looking through the local community college catalog and there, you see a continuing education course on astronomy. You’ve now found something concrete, a class that you can take that will allow you to pursue your interest. But what is a continuing education course going to get you? A couple of things. One, you will meet other people who share your interest. These people bring information to the table. They may know of groups or clubs that you can join. Or perhaps, they may have friends or relatives who are looking for someone to do research work or work part-time in their science store. Two, you will be able to further your interest…or be able to rule it out as a career path. You may learn that you really love astronomy and would like to pursue it further. On the other hand, you may learn that it really isn’t what you thought it was and you really don’t care enough about it to pursue it as a career. Any way you slice it, you will learn something about yourself and at the very least will have met others who share your interest.

Let’s try another example. Perhaps, on your way to work, you start to notice a road construction worker. The first day you see him, you’re in a suit, he’s in jeans and he’s joking with a coworker as he shovels asphalt under a sunny sky. You think to yourself, “Boy it’d be nice to get out of this suit, work outside…break a sweat for once! Maybe I’d like to do that…” The next day you see him and you watch as a driver leans out his window and curses at him. “Hmmm”, you think. The third day you see him, it’s raining and cold and he’s out braving the elements while you’re dry and warm inside your car. “Cross that one off the list”, you think. If you had only noticed the man on the first day, you’d only have seen him on a good day. If you had only noticed him on the last day, you’d have seen him at the worst. Either way, without really opening your eyes full time, you may have a fragmented impression on what it means to be this or that. The point here is not to look for distinctly negative or positive things about a given occupation, but to begin to see it as a whole. With this type of information, you will be able to form an opinion on whether a given occupation could be a possibility for you.

In addition to concrete and mindful exploration, talking to your friends and family is an invaluable type of investigation. When you start bringing up your interests or ideas for possible career paths in conversations or e-mails, you will no doubt hear a lot of “Oh! Susan’s son teaches astronomy at the university, he’s writing a book on the Hubble telescope this year.” or “Oh John does construction on the side, he loves it!” By talking to other people, you may make connections or gain insight into the experiences and opinions of people connected with your interest areas. It will also trigger some more ideas for you. Perhaps it never occurred to you to pair a love of writing with a love of astronomy until you talked with your cousin.

4. Do your homework

So, you’ve looked inside. You’ve come up with several interests and you’ve taken steps to explore what’s out there. By this time, you’ve come up with a few things you might like to do or have found one you’ve decided you want to pursue. Now it’s time to get to work. It’s time to delve into what it really means to have a job in a particular career field. To accomplish this part of your journey, you need to do serious research.

Your research homework consists of concrete exploration of available paths for your career options. For the majority of careers, you will need to embark on some type of structured educational path. Examples of this are things like sponsored career programs, college degrees, certification programs, professional designations, internships or apprenticeships. Even if your chosen career path does not require ordered training or education, you will no doubt have to “put in your time” and you will need to find out what and how much time you will realistically be expected to “put in”.

So how do you find out? Let’s say you’ve decided you want to seriously explore being a pharmacist. Wonderful! How do you get to be a pharmacist? For starters, inquire with your friends and family to see if anyone knows a pharmacist that you can speak with. Talk to your neighborhood pharmacist, find out where she went to school and ask her about any professional designations she holds or ongoing education she may be taking. If you’re brave, ask her what kind of salary pharmacists can expect to earn. In addition, pick up that college course catalog again and inspect the pharmacology program. Look at the prerequisites and notice how long the program will take to complete and how much the courses cost. Read the course descriptions. Do they peak your interest or do they make you want to throw the book down? A great supplement to all of your research is the internet. There are plenty of newsgroup, blog, forum and professional association sites out there. Any of these can give you a solid peak into what it means and takes to be a given occupation.

For each career path you are interested in, you will want to know the following:

• What are the education requirements?
• Does it require any job certification?
• Is there an apprenticeship required?
• Does it require travel?
• How much money can you make?
• Where are the regions of the country that people in this career field are more successful? more in supply? more in demand? make more money?
• Will it require you to relocate?
• Will it require regular, ongoing education?
• Will it require you to have your own business or work for another company?
• Are there yearly fees? (e.g. license renewal, union dues, association membership, equipment, etc.)
• How many hours will you normally work in a week?
• Are there any age requirements or cut-offs?
• How much will it cost you to become gainfully employed in the field?
• How long will it take you to become gainfully employed in the field?

The answers to these questions will help you narrow your career choices further and may even get a fire burning under your feet.

5. Take financial stock

Okay. You’ve done it! You’ve come up with one or more career paths that you’d like to embark on. You have looked into what it means to be employed in the career field(s) and you are now powerfully armed with the knowledge of what it takes to get you where you want to go! But like everything in life, it’s going to cost you. You now need to list out all the costs, add them up and compare them with what you will be able to swing. There’s no doubt you will be able to accomplish your goals, no matter what your financial situation. It may take you longer than you like or may come at the expense of some other items or conveniences in your life, but you can do it if you set your mind to it and approach it methodically. This may mean you have to call upon your research skills again and explore financial options such as grants, scholarships, payment plans, or 401K or private institution education loans. You even may be able to pay for education or experience by doing an internship or by performing work using a skill that you currently have in exchange for training or experience.

When you are taking financial stock, allow yourself breathing room. Perhaps your goals are not financially feasible at this moment in time. Perhaps you just had a baby, your youngest son needs braces, or you’ve just paid an absorbent amount of money to repair your car. It’s okay. Rejoice in the fact that you’ve come this far. You can put a plan together and start saving or start applying for aid or other means of financing. There may even be things you can start to do that will be free or cheap, such as volunteering in the field or reading books to prepare you for your studies. Most people don’t have the luxury of quitting their jobs while they switch careers, so most likely you will be living a “double life” while you prepare for the switch. Whatever you do, don’t break the bank, because you’ll inevitably find yourself right back where you started.

6. Check your calendar

Great! You’ve got it all under control. You know where you’re going, how you’re going to get there and how you’re going to pay for it. But can you afford the time? Do you have enough free time or flexibility to meet the educational requirements? Are you young enough or old enough to fall within any professional age requirements? If you have the time and the age, skip this step. If not, the last step of your journey is to shuffle your calendar!

Shuffling your calendar may be easy. You may know right away what to eliminate or move in order to make room for your new career path. Conversely, finding the time might be downright complicated. Maybe you have small children, maybe you have an ailing parent, maybe you have church or community commitments…any of these things would make working towards a new career an uphill battle. Here again, it may mean that you have to post-pone your journey for a little while. Or, it could mean that you have to settle for beginning your education informally by reading books or taking online courses when you can. Whatever your challenge, don’t lose hope! Faith in yourself and perseverance will get you where you want to go.

7. Take the plunge

You’ve arrived at the last step. It’s time to jump in! Time to register for that first class, accept that internship, or apply for that entry level or part-time job in your chosen field. Whatever you’ve found to be the first step towards your new career, delight in the fact that you’ve come a long way and you’re doing it! You’ve done a lot of hard, thorough work and you have a lot to be proud of. Start down that path with your chin up and your shoulders back!

Food for your trip

You can’t take this trip without packing! If you leave home with one thing, leave home with the comforting knowledge that your approach to a new career is circular. This means that you can always go back to the beginning of the circle or to any point within the circle. If you’ve started a class or program and found that you hate it. So what? You’ve learned to cross it off you list and go back and take another look. Even if you get all the way to end of the path and decide it is not for you, take comfort that you did your best and its time to go back to another number in the circle. There is no shame in that.

So go on now…get out of here! Your train is leaving and you better be on it! Just don’t forget to take some pictures along the way, stop and smell the flowers, buy a few souvenirs and by all means, don’t forget where you came from!

Alotta Candor is a staff writer and commentator for JobSchmob.com, the “lighter” side of the working world. She is proud to be a liberated ex-corporate office worker.

http://www.JobSchmob.com

Choose Your Pink Tennis Gear From A Respected Brand

If you like tennis and the color Pink, you can now indulge yourself in some superb tennis gear from a select group of top sporting brands, and help a deserving pink ribbon tennis charity into the bargain. The Pink Ribbon symbol has grown rapidly in popularity and appears on a wide variety of sporting goods, especially golf and tennis. Companies using the ribbon on their product lines promise to pay a percentage of profits or a fixed amount to one of the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer charities for an agreed period. Though it’s true, that some companies have jumped on the bandwagon, as much in an effort to increase sales as to give to charity, most pink tennis products are supplied by some well known, well respected household names like Wilson and New Balance.

Wilson Give Cancer Sufferers The ‘Hope’ To Overcome Their Illness

Perhaps the best known range of charitable tennis gear is the ‘Wilson Hope’ selection of pink tennis shoes, bags, tennis balls and other tennis accessories. Wilson are at the forefront of ‘responsible’ sports manufacturers with their eco-friendly methods of production. They aim to minimize any harmful effects their business has on the environment. It’s no surprise then, that they’ve embraced the chance to make a positive contribution to the many lives that are damaged every year by this pervasive illness. The ‘Hope’ refers to empowering sufferers to believe they have both the will and the way to conquer their illness. Wilson are noted in the world of tennis for supplying high quality tennis racquets, tennis bags, apparel and shoes to some of the world’s best players like Roger Federer, the Williams sisters and Justine Henin, and some of the world’s finest tennis balls to tournaments like the US Open.

Wilson Pink Tennis Products Deliver Both Style & Performance

Their iconic three racquet ‘Wilson Hope’ pink tennis bags and single racquet backpacks are about the most stylish that money can buy. If you also use a can of the Wilson Hope Extra Duty Pink Tennis Balls for Your Tennis Game, you’ll be making a very powerful statement about your concern for ridding the world of Breast Cancer, whilst encouraging others to take up the cause, and at the same time giving to vital income to charities keen to help anyone affected by the disease. If you’re a woman who really wants to ‘push the boat out’ for Wilson’s chosen charity, The Breast cancer Research Foundation, a pair of Wilson Tour Vision Lady tennis shoes will also benefit the charity and equip you with leading edge tennis shoe technological excellence to rival any on the market, (and they look pretty good too!).

New Balance Are Long-Haul Partners In The Race For The Cure

Speaking of pink tennis shoes, ‘New Balance’ are no slouches in this department too. They’ve been giving money to Breast Cancer Research since 1989. They actually supply the ‘760′, the official shoe of the Susan G Koman Race For The Cure, a long established annual walking event in the US to raise funds and awareness for Pink Ribbon Cancer Research and The Susan G Komen Foundation. Susan’s brave fight against cancer ultimately led to the creation of the Pink Ribbon symbol, when, so impressed with her sister’s selfless desire to help others better cope with Breast Cancer during her own fight for life, Nancy decided to carry forward her sister’s wishes on her death. This led to The Susan G Komen Foundation and the ‘Race For The Cure’. During the 1990 Race for the Cure, a handful of participants wore pink ribbons and a few were handed out by the Komen Foundation. Next year, all the walkers were given a pink ribbon to mark their participation. The symbol spread quickly across the United States with the involvement of Self Magazine and guest writer, Evelyn Lauder’s decision to distribute a pink ribbon at all Estee Lauder’s cosmetic counters around the country. Apart from cutting edge athletic shoes, New Balance produce some sporty tops, pants and socks advertising the pink ribbon and your support for the cause. All articles in their ‘Lace Up For The Cure’ Collection will benefit the Foundation by 5% of the retail price. They guarantee at least $500,000 per year.

Reebok, Under Armour And Brooks’ Pink Crusades

Other important brands helping Pink Ribbon charities include sporting shoes and apparel manufacturers Reebok, whose ‘In It To End It’ campaign should provide up to $750,000 for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Top fundraisers during the operation will be rewarded with custom Reebok apparel. Two other notables are ‘Brooks’, with the ‘Brooks For her’ collection, donating 6.25% of the retail price to three worthy Breast Cancer Charities: the ‘Young Survival Coalition’, the ‘Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation’ and the ‘Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’, and ‘Under Armour’. This rapidly growing American company is fast making a name for itself producing high performance sports apparel, and now has it’s own ‘Power In Pink’ collection to benefit Breast Cancer Charities.

‘Think Pink’ To Help Reduce ‘Pink Abuse’

Though all these charities work hard all year round to benefit Breast cancer Research, October is the month earmarked to draw maximum exposure to Pink Ribbon events. You’ll no doubt notice the ribbon on many products as you shop, not just on sporting goods, but if you’ve time, try to dig a little deeper into just how much of your money will actually benefit which charity, and for how long? There’s been concern recently, due to the proliferation of Pink Ribbon products, that not all Pink Ribbon campaigns are as beneficial as others. The ‘Think Pink’ initiative aims to highlight ‘Pink Abuse’, where campaigns end prematurely though the product is still being sold, where campaign costs outweigh the benefits and where some companies promote Pink products yet are involved in the manufacture of others where carcinogens are used. Don’t worry too much – even an under performing Pink Ribbon product is likely to benefit cancer charities to some degree, but if you have a few moments to spare, just check the percentage of the sale price earmarked for the charity, how long the campaign lasts, and which charity will get the funds. If this isn’t immediately clear, move to the next product, because as with most things in life, transparency goes hand in hand with honesty.

Cheri Britton is the editor of ‘Women’s Tennis Apparel’ and ‘Ball Machine For Tennis’. In her tennis fashion and clothing website, she reviews and showcases the latest styles in tennis dresses, skirts and skorts, women’s tennis bags and shoes. She highlights in particular the tennis dress worn by the best women players on the WTA tour, and has an special fondness for the designer tennis clothing of Stella McCartney for Adidas.

Her new tennis ball machine website is devoted to comparing these mini mechanical devices with regard to price, portability, useability, features and suitability to the individual owner or buyer. Quality manufacturers such as Lobster, Tennis Tutor, SAM. Playmate and Wilson produce a range of models to engage the tennis game of beginners through to professional tennis players. The right ball machine will quickly take your tennis to a higher level, at a time place and frequency of your choosing. Oh, and tennis machines are great fun and fantastic for your fitness as well!

On the odd occasion she’s not working on her websites, Cheri watches more tennis than is good for her, reads, visits places of historical interest and beauty, and relaxes with a pint or two of real ale (or something stronger!)

Whether we like it or not, the truth is that the lives of celebrities are scrutinized with magnifying glass-curiosity by the paparazzi, the media and fans alike. In fact, celebrities rule the airwaves and gossip columns today. Every little detail of a celebrity’s life is usually big news among the public at large, and one such aspect is the celebrity wedding rings flashed by our favorite star couples. Among the ardent fans of celebrities, are couples who would love nothing more than to own and wear celebrity weddings bands, as similar as possible to the ones worn by their celebrity heroes.

The fact remains that today many couples wish to be different in terms of their wedding styles, themes and even their wedding rings. It is specifically such couples who are also choosing celebrity wedding rings. If you and your partner wish to own and wear celebrity wedding bands as close as possible to those worn by your favorite celebrity couples, there are some simple ways to do this. For a start, you may color-copy, or scan the designs of the celebrity wedding rings worn by the particular celebrity couple from a close-up of the same, published in any glossy, celebrity magazine. If you succeed in getting a reasonably, legible scanned picture or laser color-copy, you can get an experienced designer of celebrity wedding bands to come up with a more detailed, illustration.

There are several jewelers who can come up with prototypes of the final designs you present to them. Such jewelers can then easily make your celebrity wedding bands at a cost far cheaper than the originals of your favorite star couple. On the other hand, there are also several certified, jewelers who have a range of celebrity wedding rings that are identical to the ones worn by top celebrities, although not necessarily of the same precious metal or gemstone authenticity. The advantage here is, that you will not only have celebrity wedding bands that are virtually identical copies to their celebrity-worn originals, but at a price far less than their originals.

Perhaps, why many young couples are desirous of having look-alike, celebrity wedding rings, is that it gives them a sense of confidence, style, sophistication, and, above all, the satisfaction of being different. Thankfully, with the widespread interest among people in the lives of celebrities, coupled with the power of the media, the opportunities to find actual photographs of the celebrity wedding rings and reproduce them have become extremely easy. While it’s true that original, celebrity wedding rings or celebrity wedding bands, cost enormous sums of money, inexpensive, copies of such wedding rings can be made by any experienced and professional jeweler, using cheaper grades of metal and gemstones.

In the final analysis however, celebrity wedding rings will certainly reflect your sense of style, personality and taste and that of your partner’s, as well as give the overall atmosphere of the wedding you’ve planned, a degree of sophistication. However, what matters most is, the love that you and your partner share. After all, the real celebrities … are you.

Wedding Rings
Celebrity Wedding Rings To Die For!