COMBAT FACTORY Becomes Official Equipment Supplier to WCMMA I

The World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts? ( WCMMA?), is pleased to announce that the COMBAT FACTORY has been named the official equipment supplier to WCMMA I happening at Foxwoods' MGM Grand on Saturday, September 15th.

As the official equipment supplier to the event, the Combat Factory will be charged with creating all the customized team uniforms and gear that the international teams will be competing in. This includes MMA gloves, clothing, safety equipment, training equipment, and team leisure wear. Along with supplying equipment, the Combat Factory will also be handling all related merchandise to the event, from T-Shirts, posters, hats, and event souvenirs.

"The Combat Factory is honored to be given the opportunity to showcase our talents" stated Rob Carucci, CEO of Combat Factory. "When it comes to designing the WCMMA team uniforms, our artists, who illustrate for Marvel and D.C. comics, are some of the best in the business, and we are confident that we will create something very memorable for this international team competition."

Combat Factory is disabled veteran owned, and their products are made in the U.S.A. In this way they support the hard working men and women of the United States. Combat Factory see's ourselves becoming a model for athletes who train and sweat to be the best in the world, regardless of what nation they are from, because in the end the discipline of the martial arts is what we stand for." stated Lino Rosado, President and COO of the Combat Factory.

"The Combat Factory is a company that is on the cutting edge of the industry" stated Edward C women's coats atucci, Executive Director of the WCMMA. "For a company that is only two years old to have grown so rapidly is phenomenal, and anyone would be inspired by Rob Carucci, and Lino Rosado, the owners of the Combat Factory, with the plans for the future of the company. It goes to show that American entrepreneurship is alive and well, and passionate young men like Rob and Lino are a testament to what hard work, discipline, and most of all creativity can achieve. We are extremely excited to be working with visionaries such as these men." stated Catucci.

For more information on the Combat Factory visit: combatfactorygear.com. The event is being held at Foxwoods MGM Grand, the undercard will begin at 7:00 P.M. (EST), with Portugal vs USA starting promptly at 8:30 P.M. (EST) and the Super Heavy Weight World Title is scheduled for 10:00 P.M. For Tickets visit: FOXWOODS.com, or Call 800-200-2882. For further details on the event you can visit: worldcupofmixedmartialarts.com

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About World Cup of Mixed Martial Arts?

The WCMMA? is an international team orientated mixed martial arts organization that produces nation vs nation mixed martial art competition, along with individual title matches. The WCMMA? every four years holds MMA's very own World Cup Championships, the highest honor in team sports. An invitation to this prestigious event is based on national teams who are successful in qualifying for the honor. National teams qualify by accumulating enough points in international World Cup competition over a four year cycle as they face other national teams.

In addition to producing events the WCMMA? sets itself apart from many other organization. The WCMMA? also sanctions events and helps assist qualified independent promoters in their efforts of growing the sport. The WCMMA? also offers exclusive WCMMA? franchises to respective nations competing within the circuit, and assist them on building their respective franchise through licensing, television, merchandising, and talent acquisition.

The WCMMA? is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and with offices in Boca Raton, Florida, and Bronx, New York.

Boulder's Pedestrian Wins Patagonia Award For Conservation Campaign

Patagonia, the outdoor clothing and shoe company known for its environmental initiatives, announced that the Pedestrian Shops and its partners, the Center for ReSource Conservation, along with Boulder artists and middle school students, are winners of its spring Advocate Weeks award for best local conservation campaign.

The campaign focused on promoting the organizations' annual Earth Day events emphasizing reuse and recycling.

The Pedestrian, located in downtown Boulder for over 40 years, features the world's leading brands of comfortable shoes, other Walkwear and Walkware, as well as books on where to walk in the Boulder area and men's and women's travelwear.

The Pedestrian Shops chose CRC as its nonprofit partner, focusing on Earth Day since both organizations traditionally hold Earth Day events. CRC's objective is to help empower individuals to turn natural resource conservation beliefs into action in their daily lives.

Pedestrian Shops holds an annual Earth Day shoe drive, where donated shoes are given to local organizations for reuse or recycling, and CRC organizes an Earth Day 5K race. Pedestrian also joined CRC in supporting BOLD Doors, a community arts initiative and upcycling event. All those projects were combined in the promotion.

Patagonia Footwear partners with 1% for the Planet, Patagonia stores, and participating retailers such as Pedestrian, raising awareness and funds for local conservation efforts. 1% for the Planet is a global alliance of more than 1,400 companies donating one percent of revenues to organizations working for a healthy planet. Members from 44 countries worldwide have given more than $70 million to environmental causes since 2002.

Patagonia Footwear donated $10 to CRC for every pair of Patagonia shoes purchased at Pedestrian during the events.

In Boulder, the Pedestrian Shops also donated 5 percent of the amount of customers' purchases to the CRC if they brought in a pair of shoes for the Earth Day shoe drive. Used shoes were also collected at CRC's Earth Day 5K. Shoes collected went to One World Running and the Deacon's Closet in Boulder.

For BOLD Doors, women's coats online CRC worked with local artists the ScrapSisters and local schoolchildren to create a display for Pedestrian Shops' downtown store window. They decorated three old doors with old shoes, conveying a message about recycling, reuse, and collaboration among organizations.

The project was promoted through social media, email marketing, newspaper advertising and in calendars and news items in other media. Richard Polk, owner of the Pedestrian Shops, was interviewed on Denver's 9News about the collaboration.

"We love that Patagonia brought the Pedestrian Shops, CRC, middle school kids, and artists together to promote conservation," Polk said.

As a winner for best execution, CRC received an additional $500 donation from Patagonia Footwear.

"Your conservation efforts are greatly appreciated and we know you will continue with great success," a Patagonia spokesman wrote to CRC. The Pedestrian Shops was praised for engaging its customers in the campaign and for its ongoing support of local conservation.

Funniest Yet Truthful Anti Romney T-shirts Designed by RandomAccessClothing

RandomAccessClothing has done it again. The company, with its usual raw humor and persistently sarcastic and funny t-shirts, is excited to present anti Romney t-shirts with to-the-point designs, mostly with graphic images and text. Mitt Romney is shown as neither honest nor patriotic. Designs include one showing Mitt Romney pledging allegiance to the flags of the countries where he allegedly hides cash (Cayman Islands, Switzerland, etc.), and other designs such as "Job-Outsourcer In Chief", "Believe In America But Ship Our Jobs Overseas", "Romney Akin Ryan: Toxic To Women" and more gritty ones like "Mitt Romney is like a loaded diaper, both are full of SH*T". Many more designs are available for people who want something different from the typical political t-shirt that often just bears the Politician's name and election year.

"Sorry, Romney. Actually…we're not," said the two designers at RandomAccessClothing.

RandomAccessClothing also designs various other funny t-shirts (and sometimes offensive t-shirts) that often allow people to express what they are thinking, without having to say it. "They are not overly offensive, so they can be worn anywhere. Men, women and children will always find something they just have to have, whether it be a humor t-shirt or accessory to brin women's coats g a smile, a laugh, a thought and perhaps even a wince", said the lead designer at RandomAccessClothing.

The company also offers wholesale pricing for bulk orders on t-shirts, bumper stickers and banners.

RandomAccessClothing designs original funny t-shirts on a wide variety of topics and for different occasions, always with unusual and witty twists. For more information and the latest designs, visit RandomAccessClothing.com.

New Superhero Costumes Soar to Yandy.com This Halloween

They fly through the air with the greatest of ease and at Yandy.com, online retailer of adult Halloween costumes, sexy superhero costumes are beginning to soar off the shelves.

Yandy offers one of the largest collections of sexy superhero costumes for women on the web covering every famous hero and heroine in the cosplay book. Always a popular choice, sexy superhero costumes seem to not only empower women but allows them to get in on the comic book craze traditionally saved for the boys. One of Yandy's most popular choices is a variation of a Wonder Woman costume with a red romper with blue and white star print shorts, gold waist cincher, and matching gold headband. Another popular costume new to Yandy this year is the officially licensed, sexy Catwoman costume straight from the new movie, "The Dark Night Rises" and features a black, long sleeve cat suit, gloves, belt and cat-like mask with an attached head piece.

Yandy also carries dozens of other superhero costumes sure to fulfill any cosplayer's dreams. With costumes like the sexy Captain America costume, Thor Girl costume and the officially licensed deluxe Black Widow costume, women can grab some of their best girl friends and go as a sexy version of The Avengers this Halloween.

For the more simplistic party goers, Yandy also offers superhero print dresses. A simple cotton tank dress, Yandy's collection of superhero dresses feature everything from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Iron Man and everything in between.

Not only do shoppers have so many superhero costumes to choose from but they also receive several perks for shopping at Yandy. All orders over $70 at Yandy receive free, flat rate shipping and any order at Yandy, regardless of the total, gets a free panty gift as a thank you for shopping. In addition, Yandy offers same day shipping so even when shoppers are scrambling to get that last minute sexy superhero costume they can rest assured Yandy will always work to get their items out to them in a fast and efficient manner.

About Yandy.com
E-commerce is on the rise and Yandy.com is one of the largest online retailers of lingerie, sexy Halloween costumes, swimwear and clothing on the web. Founded in 2003, Yandy boasts more than 6,500 products always in stock at easily affordable prices. Yandy ensures that every customer will receive a safe, secure and private online shopping experience and is backed by COMODO online security and Google Checkout. Yandy is dedicated to customer service and only sells what is in stock which allows for quick, same day shipping. Offering the highest quality products at the women's jackets most affordable prices in the market, Yandy has become a leader in ecommerce. Yandy works closely with all of the manufacturers they distribute for and hand select all of the items on the Web site to ensure customers have the largest and most diverse collection to choose from. In addition, the customer service team at Yandy is unrivaled. With attentive and helpful operators, should a question or problem arise, the customer service team at Yandy is always willing and able to assist. At Yandy, every customer can Be Sexy.

Sweat It Out Announces Their New Special Sizing Services For Sportswear

Being in the sportswear industry for more than 20 years, Sweat It Out is proud to now offer their custom sizing apparel. Whether one needs a custom wicking sports bra, compression pants, or any running gear, he or she can now get precise sizing measurements to suit his or her shape.

With numerous benefits to Sweat It Out's sportswear apparel, one will be able to purchase gear that complements his or her body. Their no bounce sports bra will provide the support that women need to feel while working out. They understand that everyone deserves to be comfortable in their clothing; therefore, by accommodating a client's special preferences, Sweat It Out is able to offer anyone the perfect size.

For those who have been searching for the best compression shorts for running, arm sleeves, wicking underwear, etc., he or she can now obtain these products, which are hand manufactured for the ultimate fit. Some apparel is difficult to find in some sizes, so with Sweat It Out's new custom fit clothing, this will allow anyone to be comfortable in their sportswear.

About the Company
Sweat It Ou women's jackets t specializes in football sleeves, basketball sleeves, and baseball sleeves. Sweat It Out garments offer true compression for the body, stretching 360 degrees, so the garment can even stretch more than the body does, so no movement is inhibited. Sweat It Out stretches vertically and horizontally, which gives the body quick recovery time. With compression sportswear, a person will get a light yet durable support.
For more information about Sweat It Out and their products visit http://www.sweatitout.com/.

Getthelabel.com Has Launched Its Christmas Suprise Campaign

Leading online fashion store GetTheLabel.com has launched a major social media campaign to bring the surprise element back to Christmas.

The brand, which sells men's clothing, women's clothing and cheap trainers at up to 70% off their recommended retail price, developed the campaign to give something back to its loyal customer base and drive awareness that even in touch economic climates, giving loved ones a surprise at Christmas is still very much a reality.

From golden stars to Christmas quizzes, fans of GetTheLabel.com's Facebook and Twitter pages will have lots of opportunities to win surprises from the online retailer.

Every Friday until 21st December, GetTheLabel.com will be posting fun, Christmas themed questions on Facebook and fans will need to answer the questions correctly to be in with a chance of winning a surprise each week.

Customers who order items from the website will be in with a chance of finding a lucky golden star in their packages. From now until Christmas, the team at GetTheLabel.com will be picking packages at random to place over 400 golden stars and those lucky enough to find one will be rewarded with a surprise that could be anything from a pair of UGG boots to vouchers to spend at GetTheLabel.com.

December kicks off with 'Christmas Party Fortnight' where fans can get style tips and win outfits to see them through the party season. The nostalgic 'Dear Santa' letter will take on a ne fashion coats w form in the style of a Twitter hashtag, encouraging followers to tweet their Christmas gift wish list to GetTheLabel.com.

The campaign culminates with the '12 days of Christmas' a two-week bonanza where fans can win prizes for their loved ones.

To join in with GetTheLabel.com's Facebook campaign visit Facebook.com/GetTheLabel or twitter.com/getthelabel

About Getthelabel.com:

Getthelabel.com is a leading online fashion store and mail order catalogue offering significant savings on branded sportswear, leisurewear and footwear for all the family. Getthelabel.com is fast becoming a household name amongst brand lovers, offering a host of brands including Penguin, Nike, Voi Jeans, Henleys, Gio Goi, Bench, Fred Perry, Firetrap, Lipsy, UGG Australia and ClubL.

Oxygen Therapy

Many biochemical reactions in the body depend on oxygen utilization. Supply of oxygen to the tissues depends on many factors like ventilation, diffusion across alveolar-capillary membrane, hemoglobin, cardiac output, and tissue perfusion. Oxygen therapy is required for respiratory failure in many conditions like severe asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and myocardial infarction, etc. Oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen as a therapeutic modality. Oxygen therapy benefits the patient by increasing the supply of oxygen to the lungs and thereby increasing the availability of oxygen to the body tissues. Appropriate levels of oxygen are vital to support cell respiration. High blood and tissue levels of oxygen can be helpful or damaging, depending on circumstances. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the use of high levels of oxygen for treatment of specific diseases. High levels of oxygen given to infant's cause's blindness by promoting overgrowth of new blood vessels in the eye obstructing sight. This is Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Administration of high levels of oxygen in patients with severe emphysema and high blood carbon dioxide reduces respiratory drive, which can precipitate respiratory failure and death.

Respiratory system

The respiratory system is concerned with the delivery of an adequate amount of oxygen to and elimination of a corresponding amount of carbon dioxide from the cells of the body and maintenance of normal acid-base balance in the body. Adequate supply of oxygen and elimination of carbon dioxide from various tissues of the body depends on the optimal functioning of various parts of the respiratory system like chest wall and respiratory muscles, airways and lungs, CNS (including medullary respiratory centres), spinal cord and endocrine system. A disorder in any portion of these systems can lead to respiratory failure.

Respiratory failure

During respiratory failure, there is an inability to keep the arterial blood gases at normal level. Respiratory failure may be acute or chronic. Acute respiratory failure develops suddenly or slowly if lungs are already diseased; while chronic respiratory failure develops slowly women's coats online due to underlying lung disease. Respiratory failure may occur even if lungs are normal as in diseases of nervous system, chest wall, or upper airways. Inadequate gas exchange is associated with hypoxaemia with or without hypercarbia.

(Type-1 respiratory failure or lung failure), while inadequate ventilation leads to hypoxaemia with hypercarbia (Type-2 or ventilatory failure). Type- 1 respiratory failure occurs when there is disease of peripheral gas exchanging parts of body and type-2 in COPD, bronchial asthma, neuromuscular disease, and chest wall disorders.

Management

The aims of therapy in respiratory failure are to achieve and maintain adequate gas exchange and reversal of the precipitating process that led to the failure. In type-1 respiratory failure, high concentration of oxygen is given to correct hypoxaemia. At the outset it should be determined whether the hypoxaemia can be relieved by oxygen therapy alone or it needs oxygen and ventilatory intervention. The decision is made on the presence or absence of hypercapnia and of lung disease. In type-2 respiratory failure with previous normal lungs, there is inadequate alveolar ventilation and in these patients ventilatory assistance is needed. In patients with previous lung disease as in acute exacerbation of COPD, controlled oxygen therapy is needed. Mechanical ventilation should be avoided in patients with COPD as the weaning from the ventilator is very difficult.

Hypoxia and hypoxaemia

Hypoxia is lack of oxygen at the tissue level while hypoxaemia implies a low arterial oxygen tension below the normal expected value (85-100 mmHg).

Acute severe bronchial asthma

Patients with acute severe asthma or status asthmaticus have severe air ways obstruction and inflammation. They are generally hypoxaemic. Hypoxaemia is corrected by giving oxygen via nasal cannula or face mask at a flow rate of 4-6 L/min to achieve FiO2 of 35-40%. Flow rate may be adjusted to maintain PaO2 of about 80 mmHg or more. The risk of hypercarbia and CO2 narcosis is more in COPD rather than acute severe asthma and in such cases assisted ventilation is required. Administration of sedatives and tranquilizers must be avoided. Sedatives may precipitate the CO2 retention not only in patients with COPD but also in asthma.

Severe pneumonia

In severe acute viral or bacterial pneumonias, there may be hypoxaemia and respiratory failure. Oxygen is given at a flow rate of 4-6 L/min to achieve PaO2 above 60 mmHg. Bronchial hygiene and treatment with antibiotics and other drugs is meanwhile continued.

Interstitial lung disease

Patients may have respiratory failure due to fulminant onset or because of intercurrent infection. The lungs are stiff and compliance is low. As these patients need oxygen for prolonged periods, one should wean oxygen to FiO2 of about 40% as early as possible. Some patients may become dysphonic even after mild exertion and such cases benefit from oxygen administration before and after physical activity.

Administration

Various devices are used for administration of oxygen.

1.
The nasal cannula (NC) is a thin tube with two small nozzles that protrude into the patients nostrils. It can only provide oxygen at low flow rates, 2-6 litres per minute (LPM), delivering a concentration of 28-44%.
2.
The simple face mask (SFM) is a basic mask used for non-life-threatening conditions but which may progress in time, such as chest pain, dizziness, and minor hemorrhages. It is often set to deliver oxygen between 6-10 LPM.
3.
The non-rebreather mask (NRB) is utilized for patients who require high-flow oxygen, but do not require breathing assistance. It has an attached reservoir bag where oxygen fills in between breaths, and a valve that largely prevents the inhalation of room or exhaled air.
4.
The bag-valve-mask (BVM) is used for patients in critical condition who are either breathing extremely inefficiently, or not breathing at all. An oxygen reservoir bag is attached to a central cylindrical bag, attached to a valved mask that administers almost 100% concentration oxygen at 8-15 lpm.
5.
The anaesthetic machine is a machine used during anesthesia that allows a variable amount of oxygen to be delivered, along with other gases including air, nitrous oxide and inhalational anaesthetics.
6.
Aviator type and other specialized tight fitting oxygen masks are used in hyperbaric oxygen chambers and to provide oxygen to carbon monoxide victims.
Dangers of oxygen therapy

There are three types of risks associated with oxygen use.
1. Physical risks

Oxygen being combustible, fire hazard and tank explosion is always there. This is more with high concentration of oxygen, use of pressure chambers, and in smokers. Catheters and masks can cause injury to the nose and mouth. Dry and non-humidified gas can cause dryness and crusting.

2. Functional risks

Patients who have lost sensitivity to CO2 and are upon the hypoxic drive are in danger of ventilatory depression as seen in patients of COPD. Hypoventilation can lead to hypercapnia and CO2 narcosis although the risk is small with low flow oxygen therapy.

3. Cytotoxic damage

COPD patients on long term oxygen therapy, on autopsy, show proliferative and fibrotic changes in their lungs. In acute conditions, most of the structural damage occurs from high FiO2 as the oxygen can lead to the release of various reactive species which attack the DNA, lipids, and SH-containing proteins.

What conditions or diseases can be helped with oxygen therapy?

Cancer. Oxygen therapies have great potential in the treatment of cancer. As early as 1931 Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize in his work of what causes cells to become cancerous. "Cancer has only one prime cause. The prime cause of cancer is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of body cells by an anaerobic (lacking in oxygen) cell respiration." It is well known that cancer cells thrive under conditions of low oxygen and high acidity.

Heart conditions. The heart goes into spasm largely due to lack of oxygen. The better the breathing is the more oxygen exists and less the heart has to work.

Bacterial diseases. Ozone is able to destroy many kinds of bacteria. It produces peroxides within the body, which destroys the cell membrane of bacteria but does not affect healthy cells. Scientific experiments have shown that E. coli is completely destroyed after one minute of being exposed to an ozone solution. Similar experiments have shown reduction in staphylococcus, streptococci, and mycobacterium tuberculosis. Because many strains of bacteria have recently been shown to be resistant to antibiotics, oxygen therapy may offer an effective alternative.

Viral diseases. Antibiotics are not effective in viral infections but. Oxygen therapies have proved successful. Some of the diseases caused by viruses are flu, mumps, measles, polio, herpes, AIDS, hepatitis. Ozone can destroy the protein coat of the virus cell wall and once inside can disrupt its DNA. Studies have shown ozone to inactivate 97 to 100 percent of the HIV virus.

Parasitic infections. Studies of the effective use of ozone and hydrogen peroxide destroying parasites have been very successful. Malaria parasites were killed with even slight concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in animal and laboratory studies. In a study of Giardia lamblia, a parasite that can infest the intestinal tract and cause severe symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, and cramps, patients were given either ozonated water or ozonated oil. The symptom reduction was very a successful 97.5% for each group.

Integrating Strategies and Tactics Into Your Small Business

Did you know that, according to a recent study, most small businesses do not use strategic planning when marketing their businesses? Or that, according to a study by Ron Robinson, that businesses using strategic planning and management benefit fashion coats online from better decision making, objective assessments, and, ultimately, more progress?

In general, business owners want their success to come simply from their superior products or services. However, offering your consumers or clients best-in-class features and benefits is only half the battle. How do people discover your business exists? How do you retain customers? How do you plan on expanding?

It is easy to want your product or service to work for you. A new entrepreneur in town opening a small Italian restaurant may be relying too heavily on an up-and-coming chef he has discovered.

From there, he may take the advice of others in the industry and hope for the best - that people will discover the great food and the business will flourish. It's no accident that 60 percent of restaurants fail in the first three years of business.

To prevent against such failures, and to get the best results, it is vital to develop both a business plan and a marketing plan. These two documents will clearly delineate your strategies and tactics - your plan for future success and the actions that you will implement to create that success.

Instead of blindly trying marketing campaigns or adding features to your product, marketing and business plans will not only help you keep track of what works and what doesn't, but will also help you to make sure you are in the black financially as you begin new projects and try new plans.

What is the difference between a tactic and a strategy? A strategy is an overarching long-term plan.

This plan should consist of big ideas. If we return to our new Italian restaurant, the owner's business strategy could include a grassroots marketing campaign on the internet, sponsoring a local sports team, and finding a unique selling proposition that separates the restaurant from the crowd.

The strategy could also involve more abstract ideas, such as researching other restaurants in the area and famous Italian restaurants, or such as resolving to integrate innovation into your business at every step - from how you run your delivery service to how you keep your books.

Tactics, on the other hand, are smaller actions that work toward your larger strategy. For example, if you were working on your strategy of developing a grassroots marketing campaign on the internet, tactics might include advertising on popular local internet sites, posting in local forums, and creating a MySpace page.

If you were working on your strategy of developing a unique selling proposition, your tactics might include experimenting with a family dining model, serving fusion food, or creating a dinner theater.

Tactics are more elastic than strategies - while your main strategies will usually stay the same, tactics can be molded, stretched, altered, expanded, or abandoned altogether depending on their success.

If your grassroots marketing internet campaign is bringing in a significant number of new customers, you can put more time and money into that specific tactic - perhaps with online coupons or an expanded website that allows customers to make delivery orders online.

On the other hand, if your local sports team sponsorship has not garnered results, don't sign up next season and use your resources elsewhere.

Many business owners make the mistake of developing strategies but not implementing complementary tactics or trying out tactics without a larger strategy in mind. Neither works.

Imagine going on a vacation without planning your stops or packing anything. Transversely, imagine going on vacation without having a clear idea of why you picked the spot, what you want out of the vacation, or what you want to bring home.

The ancient military strategist Sun Tzu wrote in his timeless guide, The Art of War, "Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."

Put more simply, having a plan but no call to action won't get you anywhere, while acting without a plan won't lead to any kind of result.

Here are a few more reasons it is vital for your small business to implement both strategies and tactics:

- Both strategies and tactics will make you more aware of your resources. Do you remember how easy it was to spend too much money in your personal life before you outlined a family budget? Your business is the same way.

If you spend money without a very clear purpose that leads to very clear fiscal results, you will run out of money. Outlining strategies is the perfect way to align your budget. Keeping track of how much your separate tactics cost and how much they bring in will give you a crystal clear picture of what works and what doesn't.

- Sitting down and formulating a plan can stimulate creativity. It's easy to get caught up in your business and follow the same trajectories as your competitors. Taking the time to think about strategy and to formulate new and interesting tactics will foster innovation, fresh ideas, and new angles.

Getting your employees involved in developing new tactics will also excite your workers and make them personally involved in your business' success.

- Having a hardcopy of your plan can lead to more money. Drawing up a clear, well researched, thorough business plan can act as proof that your business is viable and that those running the business are thoughtful, careful owners.

These business plans can lead to bank loans and investors, which can lead to opportunities for growth and expansion.

- Business strategies can solidify your mission and philosophy. The best businesses in the world are those with greater goals than simply making money. They are dedicated to innovation, to environmental concerns, to humanitarian purposes, to forwarding science.

Even though your small or local business may not be trying to save the world or cure cancer, you can have larger purposes in mind. These purposes, which will begin to shine through as soon as you begin developing your strategy, can motivate employees, catch the eye of clients, and make you feel great about what you do.

Especially for small business owners, you may not feel like you have the time or energy to formulate a strategy and the tactics to back that strategy up - you are flying by the seat of your pants and often things are moving too fast to think.

However, you will find that developing plans and plans of action will ground you and give you a much needed chance to take a deep breath and take a close look at what you are doing and why.

Low-Cost Remodeling to Sell Your Home Fast

If you are looking to sell your home quickly but are on a limited budget, there are dozens of easy ways to improve the look and feel of your home to increase your chances of a quick sale. You can do most of this work yourself over the period of a couple of weeks, and since you are in charge, you can give your home the look you want to make sure it sells as quickly as possible.

1. Give every room a fresh coat of paint. This is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to give your home a brand new look. You can hire someone to do the job, or if you are skilled in this area, you can do the work yourself. Dont feel you have to stick with colors you have used in the past. Choose colors that brighten up your home but are not too bold. You will want to create a space that is inviting and warm but not overbearing. Choose colors that will stand the test of time: subtle beiges, yellows, and sages are always good choices. Visit your local library or bookstore, where you can find books that offer innovative painting and finishing techniques that will bring new life to your home.

2. Install new flooring. If your old carpet or wood flooring has seen better days, consider installing new flooring. Choose durable yet affordable materials for your flooring. Cheap carpet and wood flooring will only make your home look cheap. If your carpet is stained but still in good shape, all you may need is a thorough steam cleaning. You can hire someone for the job or you can rent a steam cleaner and do the work yourself. If your wood floors are scratched, you may not need to replace them. Instead, consider hiring someone to buff and wax them. Shiny wood floors can enliven any home and increase your chances of a quick sale.

3. Install new lighting fixtures and/or ceiling fans. Replacing your out-of-style lighting fixtures or adding new ones is a relatively inexpensive way to update the look and feel of your home. Choose affordable, quality fixtures that provide warm, soft glows and make the space feel homey and comfortable. In rooms without air conditioning or good ventilation, consider adding ceiling fans. Many quality ceiling fans can be purchased for less than $100. Classic styles are always your best bet, as you will want to choose fixtures that appeal to the broadest possible range of homebuyer. If in doubt, check out the lighting fixtures and ceiling fans in the homes of your friends and relatives. Take note of what you like and dont like and what will make the interior of your home look the most appealing to potential buyers.

4. Add storm doors. While many homeowners believe storm doors will make their house less beautiful, these days storm doors come in so many styles and patterns that it is nearly mind-boggling. In fact, adding an attractive storm door to your home can actually improve your homes curb appeal. You can choose from a wide range of materials and frames and even add decorative or etched glass to your storm door. The addition of a quality storm women's jackets door can greatly reduce a homes energy efficiency, and a storm door usually costs about one-fourth of the price of adding a new entry door to a home.

5. Weather strip doors and windows. Most homeowners can weather strip their entire home in less than a day. Usually it is just a matter of adding self-adhesive foam and/or sweeps to your windows and doors. Weather stripping just one door can reduce a homes energy consumption by up to 15% and is an extremely affordable way to increase your chances of selling your home in a timely manner.

6. Spruce up the place. You may have heard or read about firms that update the furnishings in a home to create certain looks or feels, thereby increasing the homes chance of selling quickly. If you cant afford to hire a firm to do this, or would rather not spend the money, talk to friends or relatives to see if you can borrow furnishings, framed paintings, or other household objects to use during the time you are trying to sell your home. Your friends may have beautiful pieces in storage that they never use, and they will probably be more than happy to lend these items to you. Often just some good-looking, quality furniture and decorative items are all you need to make your home look and feel comfortable and warm. Think of your home as a stage you must set; the items you borrow from friends and family members are the props that will bring new life to your home and help you make a timely sale.

Project Management Success Strategies - Part Two

You may have read in Part 1 of this 2-part article, that I recently managed a highly technical SAP project that had so many problems, every morning when the alarm clock rang I'd pull the covers up over my head for fear of heading into work. But, thanks to a few of my project management strategies, and all the planets aligning in the exact right place at the exact right time, the project launched on time, on budget, and with the fewest number of defects than any other similar project in the company.

So in the true spirit of being a good project manager, I'm sharing five more project management success strategies that worked well for me and my team.

1. Lead your team. Every project hits a rough patch, or two, or nineteen. Show strength. Role model grace under pressure. What have you done for your team lately? What motivates each of your teammates? Have you asked them? You'll find that some are motivated by the challenge, some by the visibility, recognition, showcasing their expertise, learning something new, etc. Find what motivates each team member and then give it to them. With a motivated and inspired team, your project will run so much more smoothly.

2. Prioritize everything. In today's resource-, cost-, and time-constrained business world, you don't have the luxury of NOT prioritizing. Managing a high profile project is like herding snakes. There are countless other initiatives that your project is dependent on, and numerous customer and business stakeholders wanting to know the status, risks, timeline, and resources that you'll need for next quarter. Just breathe. Then prioritize. You can only do so much with what you have. If someone is asking, or demanding, the stars, then meet with him one-on-one and listen to his suggestion. Discuss your timeline, goals, and priorities, and then align expectations. Much of project management is about setting priorities, and then aligning everyone else to those priorities.

3. Role model PM discipline. You can't be a great leader until you role model PM discipline. Get your project management professional (PMP) certification. It works. Your life and the lives of your team members will be easier. You'll also have so much more energy since you won't be running away from key stakeholders, or challenging processes, and asking Why(?) all the time. You'll immediately know what the right thing is to do, and you'll know to just do it.

4. Don't hide problems. I'm tired of people saying my projects don't have any problems, only opportunities. Where is it written that having a problem is shameful? I have a friend who's a Microsoft general manager and whenever Bill Gates visits him, his first question is always, Hey Mike! So, what's your biggest problem? What a relief that must be to actually take off his big coat of armor and just be able to talk about his biggest problem and then brainstorm solutions.

It's comforting to realize that other project managers have similar issues. Once the feeling, I'm-in-this-all-by-myself dissolves, then the feeling comes in, How can we work together to manage this? There should be no shame or judgment, only support and encouragement. So be proud of your problems. Talk about them openly. Then find the best possible solution and move forward.

5. Celebrate successes, give compliments and lavish recognition. We can't leave it up to our senior managers to improve morale and make our projects fun. We need to do that ourselves. We all want the same thing: to have meaningful and challenging work and to feel valued and appreciated. Find a way to give that to yourself and your team members.

If you continuously gloss over the 90 percent of the pr fashion jackets online oject that's going right, and focus only on the 10 percent that's not, then shift your thinking. Take moments to appreciate your team. Don't put a "but" at the end of your compliments — for example, Nice job on that data conversion, John, but when are you going to fix that defect? That's not a compliment. Say often, Good job, and Well done!

Gift your compliments in person, as well as in e-mails and copy the team member's manager. Host a team recognition dinner after the project is complete. Write personalized thank you notes. Nominate the team for a company recognition award. Send extended team members a thank you token such as a small gift certificate. And most of all, don't be stingy with compliments. They cost nothing. Let's make our projects fun again. Appreciate your team, and they will appreciate you.

The History Of Quilling

Paper Quilling is an art form believed to have evolved over many centuries. Once known as 'paper filigree', the term 'quilling' was derived from the feather quill used to roll out narrow pieces of paper. Quilling is deeply rooted in world history, popularly believed to have come into being in China, after the discovery of papermaking. Members of spiritual communities were the first inventors and users of the quilling process. Gradually, this enjoyable art form spread to other countries and eventually became an important part of the common persons' life.

Quillings' main concept involves the use of a hatpin, rolling fingers, or quilling tools to roll paper into desired shapes. Multiple shapes are rolled individually and then connected to one another to construct a final shape or design. Finishing touches are then made to add to the beauty of the piece and to secure it in place. These finishing touches might include using acid free matte board or shadow box framing.

Now that you're aware of the origin and some aspects of quilling, let's explore some details of quilling history.

Research has established that a form of quilling metals was performed as early as the mid-4th and 5th centuries. Gold and silver wires were applied to pillars, vases and other objects and jewelry was also fashioned using this technique. By the 13th century this form of metal quilling had become well-known and was practiced world wide.

The conversion from metal to paper use probably occurred as materials became scarce, or were unavailable to the lay person wanting to create pieces. Metal quilling was commonly referred to as metal filigree, and as the technique incorporated the use of paper, was commonly referred to as paper filigree. Early use of paper filigree was primarily confined to religious groups promoting their beliefs and embellishing sacred messages. The shift to the common folk practicing this art brought the term 'quilling' into regular use. Paper quilling implemented many techniques similar to jewelry styles, utilizing strips of paper, free rolls and edging. In the 17th and 18th centuries, qui women's coats lling art expanded to tea caddies, coat of arms designs and photo frames.

There are few facts, but many stories, attributed to the origins of quilling. Some say it was developed in ancient times, not long after making paper was discovered. Others claim paper quilling was born in the 13th century when nuns were unable to purchase metal filigree due to its' high cost. Still others believe that quilling began in the Americas. And yet, further evidence points to quilling being used in the Mediterranean region. With so many conflicting claims, no one can say for certain where quilling originated, but clearly it carries a truly international history.

Books of the Victorian Age and quilled pieces of that time indicate that proper young women practiced quilling to decorate furniture or purses and to create jewelry. Similar to the artwork of handicrafts, it has found difficultly surviving in present day times and its' popularity has decreased. However, perhaps one day, it will regain its' lost glory as an ancient art, practiced for centuries, since the technique can be used throughout the world for nearly limitless purposes.

Rat Terrier Dog Breed Profile

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They are half brother and half sister and other than coat color and size and natural hunting abilities they are not at all alike. The male "Bingo" is bossy and impudent and outlandishly boisterous. The female "Zoey" is shy and somewhat retiring and loves nothing better than to curl up in your lap and be petted.

I can speak with authority that they are not the dog for everyone. First of all they are not "cuddly" in the sense of a lap dog. They have short hard coats and hard bodies...not a lot of soft fur, that sort of thing. BUT they look at you with their liquid eyes and can melt your heart with the best of the soft cuddly little fru fru dogs!

Their coats do shed a lot..( I also own large hairy goobery slobbery newfoundland dogs and let me tell you the little rat terriers shed equally as much AND their hair is short and "sharp" and has a tendency to stick better on the furniture than the longer hairs of the Newfoundlands.

Rat terriers are definitely a noisy dog. My son, who owns Goldens, is temporarily keeping my male rat terrier while I am going through a move. He LOVES the fact that Bingo sets up an obnoxious and noisy barking at the least sign of any intruder whether it be human or animal...and yes indeed they do certainly let you know when there is an "invader" in their territory.

The goldens are nowhere near as noisy and they are prone to wag their tails and greet everyone affectionately while Bingo jumps back and forth and perhaps even appears threatening with his loud, shrill, repeated yapping at various delivery men and salesmen who arrive and depart. (This is the MALE, the female is merely noisy but wouldn't dream of appearing to actually leap at someone.)

The rat terriers have done more damage to my household than a newfoundland ever did. Both of them are chewers and even with age this has not changed. A record of the "losses":

two arms from two couches...(stuffing removed)

the battery cover to my computer camera ( it is now taped to hold the batteries in place...thank goodness for duct tape!)

the remote control to my TV (the end got chewed off but if you point it JUST RIGHT it will still turn the TV on and off)...

Various denominations of paper money ranging from one dollar to a twenty dollar bill...

One leg of my antique library table now looks like hash...

and the list goes on!

I originally got a "rat terrier" because I had heard that they were "varmint dogs" and basically I was sick of the little four footed "varmints" who seem to frequent my kitchen every winter. Believe it or not, I truly have not had a mouse in the house since the day I brought home the rat terriers. They may be there but somehow they just don't have the bravado to run across the floor any more while I am talking on the phone or sitting at the computer. The also get "varmints" in the yard, from squirrels to grinnies to dead birds.

Bingo buries his grinnies and jealously digs them up and re-buries them somewhere else if you are watching him. He watches out of the corner of his eye and if you see where he buries it he will look at you suspiciously and dig it back up and run around the corner of the house and find another spot!

They get along famously with my Newfoundland. Except the male, he gets all fired up when a new dog comes on the scene and he just has to show his superiority, by reaching out and "nailing" the big dog in the face as he sits on the arm of the chair where I am sitting. He shows his jealousy to the new dog in this manner. I always hold his mouth shut and tell him NO but he still tries it for several weeks until the new dog has settled in and become a member of the family.

Once the new dog, be it old or young, is accepted into Bingo's life then he plays endlessly with them, chewing on their legs and playing hide and seek..the two rat terriers together can literally make the newfs dizzy, racing back and forth and around the house at top speed and barking at each other all the while. The Newfs love this entertainment..I admit it, so do I!

Rat terriers are not for everyone. But if you dont like cats, and you have mice, you might want to give it a try! You get a lot more interest added in to your life than a cat would gi fashion jackets ve you (I think so anyhow!)

The History Of Quilling

Paper Quilling is an art form believed to have evolved over many centuries. Once known as 'paper filigree', the term 'quilling' was derived from the feather quill used to roll out narrow pieces of paper. Quilling is deeply rooted in world history, popularly believed to have come into being in China, after the discovery of papermaking. Members of spiritual communities were the first inventors and users of the quilling process. Gradually, this enjoyable art form spread to other countries and eventually became an important part of the common persons' life.

Quillings' main concept involves the use of a hatpin, rolling fingers, or quilling tools to roll paper into desired shapes. Multiple shapes are rolled individually and then connected to one another to construct a final shape or design. Finishing touches are then made to add to the beauty of the piece and to secure it in place. These finishing touches might include using acid free matte board or shadow box framing.

Now that you're aware of the origin and some aspects of quilling, let's explore some details of quilling history.

Research has established that a form of quilling metals was performed as early as the mid-4th and 5th centuries. Gold and silver wires were applied to pillars, vases and other objects and jewelry was also fashioned using this technique. By the 13th century this form of metal quilling had become well-known and was practiced world wide.

The conversion from metal to paper use probably occurred as materials became scarce, or were unavailable to the lay person wanting to create pieces. Metal quilling was commonly referred to as metal filigree, and as the technique incorporated the use of paper, was commonly referred to as paper filigree. Early use of paper filigree was primarily confined to religious groups promoting their beliefs and embellishing sacred messages. The shift to the common folk practicing this art brought the term 'quilling' into regular use. Paper quilling implemented many techniques similar to jewelry styles, utilizing strips of paper, free rolls and edging. In the 17th and 18th centuries, qui women's coats lling art expanded to tea caddies, coat of arms designs and photo frames.

There are few facts, but many stories, attributed to the origins of quilling. Some say it was developed in ancient times, not long after making paper was discovered. Others claim paper quilling was born in the 13th century when nuns were unable to purchase metal filigree due to its' high cost. Still others believe that quilling began in the Americas. And yet, further evidence points to quilling being used in the Mediterranean region. With so many conflicting claims, no one can say for certain where quilling originated, but clearly it carries a truly international history.

Books of the Victorian Age and quilled pieces of that time indicate that proper young women practiced quilling to decorate furniture or purses and to create jewelry. Similar to the artwork of handicrafts, it has found difficultly surviving in present day times and its' popularity has decreased. However, perhaps one day, it will regain its' lost glory as an ancient art, practiced for centuries, since the technique can be used throughout the world for nearly limitless purposes.

Miniature Pinscher Dogs, A Little Dog With A Big Attitude

Many people who are shopping for a small dog do not want a dog that is a purse dog, or a dog that is carried around a pampered. Perhaps you are seeking a small dog because you have a small home, yet you want a dog with some spunk. If you are looking for a little dog with a big attitude, then a Miniature Pinscher might be the right kind of dog for you. As with any breed, however, you should know something about these dogs before you purchase one. No matter how cute they are, Miniature Pinschers are not for everyone! First, many people mistakenly assume that the Miniature Pinscher is a small version of a Doberman Pinscher. While these dogs do resemble Dobermans, they are not the same breed. These dogs are called Pinschers simply because of the way they hunt. In German pinscher means biter, and these little dogs will jump on and bite their prey when hunting. Of course, if the dogs are not well trained, you might just become their prey.

Which brings up another interesting point about the breed. Miniature Pinschers require disciplined training if they are going to be good pets. These dogs have an inherently large supply of energy and can be ferocious when provoked. Miniature Pinschers are best trained through firm, persistent, and calm training methods. The most important things to teach your new dog are how to come when called, how to walk on a leash, and how to stand still on a table, as they will need to do this at the vet?€?s office. Part of what makes it so essential to train these dogs is the breed?€?s temperament. The breed standard describes the temperament as having a fearless animation, complete self-possession, and spirited presence. This sounds quite engaging, but to those who do not know the dogs?€? temperament before purchasing one, this definition can lead to disaster.

See, many people purchase small dogs because they want a lap dog. The Miniature Pinscher is no lap dog. In fact, if you pamper these pooches, they will become domineering tyrants in your home. These dogs are amazing escape artists! They can get out of just about any confined space, so it is essential that the owner has a room in the home where the dog can be confined when not under supervision. This room should be free of small objects that the dog could choke on. These dogs should not be allowed outside without supervision, as they can easily escape from just about any fenced yard. Miniature Pinschers may seem like a good dog for children because of their small size, they cannot withstand the roughness that small children tend to dish out.

The breed is particularly hardy, but these dogs have tiny bones that can fracture if they are handled too roughly. They usually get along fine with older children, however. Beyond that, though, the dogs have few inherited psychical problems. The Miniature Pinscher?€?s coat requires little care, and the dog should not be bathed too often as this can dry the skin.
Yes, Miniature Pinschers can be a handful to care for and train, but most owners will say that the joy they receive from their tiny dogs far outweighs any inconvenience that comes from the high energy levels. These dogs are natural comedians. If you want a companion that will constantly entertain you with his interactions with the world around him, then give serious consideration to women's coats owning a Miniature Pinscher. These dogs are incredibly curious and need plenty of activity in their lives. If you do not keep them active, they will find a way to stay active, often to the degradation of your favorite plant, socks, or piece of furniture. However, if you live an active life and have time for a fun-loving little dog, then a Miniature Pinscher is a good option for you!

Tips for hardwood flooring

For those folks who have solid hardwood floors in their homes, bring about a real lifetime investment, and compensate some care with a life span of value. When you first glimpse a solid hardwood floor, you sense luxuriance, warmth and natural beauty. Evenly, you accustom its distinct personality ???????? visible harmonies, the footprints of history in the timberlands and in your home .

Things to discover and cherish :

The color and pattern of the floor????????s strips, planks or parquetry.

Examine the grains. Oak- is pronounced in texture; Maple or cherry-are tempered .

Check the shape of the concealed wood and the finish that protects it.

Check out the signs of neglect. Is there a surface that calls for just a meager touch to maintain it?

The nature????????s essential characteristics and qualities lets you to create elegant attitude with unique textures, colors, patterns and styles of solid hardwood flooring .

What should you know about protecting your hardwood floors?

The most common way of protecting your hardwood floors is just simply keeping them clean. To take care of your solid hardwood floors???????? warmth and character, apply the everyday simple cleaning techniques.

There are some tips on how to prevent damage to your solid hardwood floors:

Stay away from having dirt, grit and sand on your hardwood floors. These elements are detrimental to your hardwood floors. They act like abrasive material on the finish, causing scratches, dents and dulling. Place floor mats at entrances to trap dirt and prevent damage.

Stay away from water and other spills. Standing water can warp defectively finished hardwood floor and can ruin the finish. Merely rub lightly with a cloth with the cloth all spills as they happen.

Intense Cleaning solutions. Avoid oil soaps. They can cause a accretion and create the problems when your floor is expected to have a maintenance coating . Utilize the suggested neutral pH cleaners made specifically for wood floors.

Furniture. Avoid having your furniture drawn with force along the hard wood floors . Make sure to lift up the furniture to move it. Use a thick folded blanket under the furniture legs; it will help to stop scratches.

Dents. In order to prevent tears use the vacuum with a brush attachment. Avoid the use of vacuums with beater bars.

Sun exposure . Direct sun can discolor your hardwood floor. Keep you window treatments and shades closed. Or add special sun block shades to protect from the sun????????s intense UV rays.

General care for your hardwood floors:

Sweeping. Use the dusters with fine, bursting tips to trap all the dust and grit effectively.

Vacuuming. Use the specially invented canister vacuums with special bare floor attachments. They are the most appropriate way eliminate all the dirt and dust.

Dusting Mop. Use a sufficient dust mop. The dust mop should have 12???????? to 18???????? in women's coats ch cotton head and a special dust mop treatment. Aerosol the treatment onto the mop head 12 to 24 hours before dust mopping.

There are several kinds of hardwood flooring

Oak and maple are the most popular hardwoods used in flooring.

Ash, beech,birch, cherry, hickory and walnut are more luxurious hardwoods that are used for floors and decorative accents.

There are some tips and suggestions to inspect the condition of your hardwood floors

Finish Condition. Check closely if the finish been deteriorated or is it just dirty. See if the finish is having very little depth of color, chipped, scraped or gouged. In order to examine if the finish is obsolete, start in a high-traffic area and pour one to two tablespoons of water onto the floor. If the water soaks in immediately and leaves a darkened spot, the finish is worn and water can destroy the wood. If the water soaks in after a few minutes and darkens the wood only slightly, the finish is halfway worn. If the water droblets on top, the surface is properly sealed. Repeat this test in low- and medium-traffic areas.

Wood Condition. Check to see if the finish is worn, the wood may have been busted. Examine the areas for stains, burns, cuts, gouges, holes, cracks or deflected boards. If the wood is busted repair or replacement may be required.

What type of finish does your floor have?What to know about the finishes of your hardwood floor?

Similar care and maintenance techniques are used for all finishes in fair condition, neverless when it comes to removing stains or restoring the finish, methods vary. If you have doubts about what kind of finish your floor has, ask your contractor or real estate specialist.

There are also self explanatory tests available for your convenience:

Surface Finishes----pre-finished floors, polyurethane, water-based urethane and catalyzed. Most of all floors installed today have surface finishes, mainly it is a polyurethane. These finishes are usually glossy and may look like a coat of clear plastic on top of the wood. A small amount of paint remover in an inconspicuous area of the floor will hence the surface finish to bubble (unless it is a water-based urethane, in which case there will be no reaction). Surface finishes safeguard the floors from any harm by shaping a protective a coat on the surface of the wood.

Penetrating Seals: acrylics, oils and waxes.

Oils and waxes usually have a satin or matte finish. To recognize the penetrating seal, run your hands across the surface of the hardwood floor; If you can observe the wood grain it's most likely a penetrating seal. Usage of the paint remover will have no effect on a penetrating seal; however wax remover or ammonia will tender and blanch the surface. Oils and waxes penetrate the surface of the floor protecting the wood from within.

Short stories - Dead In The Water Or Alive And Kicking?

The short story genre is one that is thriving - but only in certain places. Where are they?

A short story can be roughly defined as any work of fiction below about 12,000 words. A greater wordcount tends to move the story into the realms of the 'Novella' or Novelette', a niche in the writing field that falls between the short story and the full-blown novel.

For many years the short story was a thriving branch of fiction but took a downturn during the middle section of the 20th. century. More publishers began to favour the novel as, understandably, they saw that a novel gave them more chance of turning a profit than a short story and, at the pinnacle, could be turned into a Hollywood blockbuster. But consider this - several short stories have been been the basis for not only movies but (oddly enough) a spin-off book! Perhaps the best known is 'The Sentinel' by Arthur C. Clarke. This went on to become one of the most famous films ever - '2001, A Space Odyssey' - and then the book of the same name was written!

It's interesting to note that, these days, one genre where the short story is thriving is in science fiction and fantasy. Magazines such as 'The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction' are still going strong after better than fifty years, whilst ezines such as 'Interzone' represent the new wave. If there's one area a new writer can compete in, it's the Sci-Fi or Fantasy short story.

If , however, you're not the least bit interested - or capable - or writing within the Sci-Fi or Fantasy field, what is there left to you? Well, a great area for short story writers to work in is within the field of magazines for women. Some of these have readerships in the millions and most exceed circualtions of 100,000. That's an awful lot of exposure for any writer! In fact, most novelists would consider their latest book a huge success if they sold copies in those sort of numbers.

Short story writing is also a great discipline for a writer. Often written to a strict wordcount, and for a very discriminating audience, any writer will benefit from writing short stories - they encourage tight plotting, good character development and real attention to detail. Indeed, many short story writers have said that the experience they gained in the short story field was of huge value when they came to write longer work.

There is also a category of writer who writes only short stories. Again in the Sci-Fi field, Isaac Asimov is remembered for his famous 'Robot' books (the recent film 'I Robot' was based on his work), but his most prolific writing was in the short story field, in which he wrote literally hundreds of short stories, not only in Sci-Fi but also Crime and Mystery - his 'Black Widowers' stories being amongst the most fascinating ever written in the field.

These areas - Sci-fi/fantasy and women's magazines - are then two major areas where short stories are not only holding on but are in fact thriving. If you want experience in writing and to see your name in print, they are a good way of achieving the status of 'published author'. That's not to say they are easy markets - competition can be fierce. However, they have been for many years the entrance level for many authors a women's jackets online nd there's no reason you cannot follow in their footsteps.

Saluki Puppy And Dog Information

The Saluki is a beautiful, regal and royal dog. They can be a bit aloof, especially to people that they do not know well. They tend to be a one family or a one person dog. They may do well with other dogs, especially if well socialized early. Never trust them with other pets as they may women's coats consider them fair game and prey. They need plenty of space to exercise on. They like well behaved children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Saluki is 22 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 44 to 66 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Saluki is no exception. Be on the look out for genetic eye diseases, cancer and nose sunburn. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Saluki is an easy groom breed. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

Her ears should be checked once a week and be kept clean. If you have her professionally groomed, make sure ear cleaning and inspection is part of the package. No water or excess fluid should get in the dogs ears, and do not try to irrigate the ears. Ear cleaning is too complicated and critical to instruct here. Look for hair growing in the ear canal, excess wax, or moisture. If her ears have a discharge, foul odor or she seems to be in distress and you suspect an infection, or tumor, consult your veterinarian.

*Life Span. The Saluki can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Saluki comes from Iran where they were used to hunt over rough, desert terrain. Records of them go all the way back to the pharaohs. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1929.

Some Registries:
*Saluki Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 5 to 7 Saluki puppies

Category: Hound

Terms To Describe: Regal, aloof, balance, grace, fast, sensitive,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Good watch dog.
Likes warm climates.
The coat is odor free.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
May be shy.
One person or one family dog.

*Other Names Known By: Gazelle Hound, Persian Greyhound, Sloughi

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Vaginal Cancer – Risks & Treatments

In the United States, about 80,000 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancer each year. Vaginal cancer being one form of gynecological cancer. While all gyne women's jackets cological cancers are grouped together they vary in terms of treatment & symptoms. Gynecological cancers include the uterus, ovaries, cervix, vulva, vagina, fallopian tubes & placenta.

Knowledge about gynecological cancer continues to grow every day as better treatment options become available. When facing a diagnosis of vaginal cancer or other types of gynecological cancer, make sure that your gynecologic oncologists provide the best information, comfort, and support to help you every step of the way.

About vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is a disease wherein malignant (cancer) cells form in the vagina. The vagina is a canal leading from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth a baby passes out of the body through the vagina (also called the birth canal). Understand that vaginal cancer can be cured if detected in the first stages.

Typically, there are two types of vaginal cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma: this is cancer that forms in the squamous cells; these are the flat thin cells lining the vagina. This form of vaginal cancer tends to stay near the vagina and spreads slowly. If left unchecked, it may also spread to the liver and lungs. This is the type of vaginal cancer found most often in women over the age of 60.

Adenocarcinoma: this is cancer that begins in the glandular cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the vagina make and release fluids such as mucus. This type of vaginal cancer is most often found in women 30 or younger.

Vaginal cancer risk factors:

1. Age 60 or older
2. Being exposed to DES while in the womb. This was a drug used in the 50鈥檚 to prevent miscarriage.
3. Having human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
4. Having an abnormal cell history in the cervix or cervical cancer
5. Vaginal cancer symptoms

The best method to finding vaginal cancer early may be doing a routine Pap test. Typically, symptoms that occur may be masked by other conditions.

You should consult with your doctor if any of the following problems occur:

1. Non-menstrual cycle related bleeding or discharge
2. Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
3. If you find a lump in the vagina
4. Pain during intercourse

Vaginal cancer testing

The following procedures may be used to detect vaginal cancer:

Physical exam: exam of the body to check overall health, including checking for lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A patient history will also be taken to determine past illnesses and treatments.

Pelvic exam: your doctor will examine the vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, and rectum.

Pap smear: a sample of cells from the surface of the vagina and cervix will be used to determine under microscope if they are normal.

Biopsy: if the Pap smear uncovers abnormal cells, any Pap smear or removal of cells and tissues from the vagina and cervix may be done and examined under microscope pathologist to determine the existence of cancer.

Vaginal cancer recovery and treatment options

The chance of recovery depends on the following:

1. In what stage was the cancer found
2. The size of the tumor
3. The grade or how different from the other selves to tumor cells are
4. Where within the vagina is the cancer
5. The general health and age of the patient
6. Whether the cancer has returned or has just been diagnosed

There are many types of treatment for patients with vaginal cancer

Different kinds of treatments are available for patients with vaginal cancer. Some are standard and some are being tested in clinical trials. Before beginning treatment, patients may want to consider taking part in clinical trials. If a clinical trial reveals that the new treatment is better than the standard, the new treatment often times becomes the standard.

Surgery: surgery is a common treatment for vaginal cancer.

a. Laser surgery
b. Vaginectomy
c. Total hysterectomy
d. Lymphadenectomy
e. Pelvic exenteration

Some patients may also receive radiation therapy after the doctor removes all of the cancer in order to kill any cancer cells that may be left. This treatment is called adjuvant therapy. This has been a brief overview of vaginal cancer, its symptoms, and its treatments. There are many other places to find materials and information about cancer services and treatment. Other resources in your area such as hospitals may provide information about local and regional agencies that provide assistance when dealing with cancer treatments.

Skye Terrier Puppy And Dog Information

The Skye Terrier does not need a lot of exercise so they can do well in an apartment. They make a good watch dog but can be a barker. They do not do well with other dogs and pets. They may accept older children if they have been extensively socialized early. They can tend to be a bit aloof with their human family although individuals will vary. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Skye Terrier is 9 to 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 19 to 23 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Skye Terrier is no exception. Although considered a very healthy breed, be on the look out for colitis and bowel irritations and hypoplasia of the larynx. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Skye Terrier has a double coat. The undercoat is wooly, short and close to the skin. The outer coat is long, hard, straight and 5 inches or longer. She will need professional grooming. She should also be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Skye Terrier can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Skye Terrier comes from Scotland where they were used as companions and to control vermin. They also hunted weasel, fox and badger. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1887.

Some Registries:
* Skye Terrier Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kenn women's jackets el Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 6 Skye Terrier puppies

Category: Terrier Group

Terms To Describe: Dignity, style, elegance, strong, friendly, strength, agile, courage, fearless, loyal, canny

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Makes a good watch dog.
Does not need a lot of exercise.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes a poor guard dog.
Can be aloof even to her family
They like to bark

*Other Names Known By: Terrier of the Western Isles

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Shetland Sheepdog Puppy And Dog Information

The Shetland Sheepdog is a very popular dog because of her beauty and willingness to please. She is very trainable and makes a good watch dog. She can be kept in an apartment if she can get frequent long walks. She is generally good with other pets and dogs. She loves older children, especially if she has been raised with them. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Shetland Sheepdog is 13 to 16 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 14 to 27 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with women's jackets that specific breed and the Shetland Sheepdog is no exception. Be on the look out for epilepsy, eye problems, skin problems, bleeding disorders and Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness). This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Shetland Sheepdog has a double coat. The inner coat is short, furry and thick. The outer coat is straight, long, harsh hair. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet.

*Life Span. The Shetland Sheepdog can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Shetland Sheepdog is from Great Britain where they were used to guard and herd sheep. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1911.

Some Registries:
*American Shetland Sheepdog Association
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 4 to 6 Shetland Sheepdog puppies

Category: Herding

Terms To Describe: Loyal, responsive, affectionate, intelligent,

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
They keep themselves clean.
Makes a good watch dog.
Very popular breed.
Eager to please.
Very trainable.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Makes a poor guard dog.
Sheds heavily.
Can be a barker.

*Other Names Known By: Sheltie,

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Grooming And Caring for Your Maltese Dog

Maltese dogs are not only beautiful but are lovable and kind natured dogs. As a member of the toy breed, they are small in stature and don't get much bigger than 6 pounds. Most of their bulk comes in the form of thick white hair. Their coats hang long, flat and silky over the sides of the body and skim the ground.

Taking care of the Maltese coat is the most important part of grooming the breed. Maltese should be brushed and combed a minimum of every other day. Daily brushing, however, is recommended if you want to keep their coat healthy.

The best brush to use is an open-spaced pin brush. Avoid brushes with 'balls' on the pins. Start by lifting up the top layer of hair, spray a light coat of water or a leave in conditioner and brush the bottom half of the coat free. Continue until that layer is tangle-free all the way to the skin and then work up to the top layer of hair. Always make sure to brush the dog's underbelly to prevent matting.

If your Maltese does develop mats, try to work it out gently at first with your fingers. Trying to brush it out first may result in hair loss. You can also try spraying the mat with de-tangler or a coat conditioning oil to loosen the hair.

Gently pull apart the mat with your fingers and the end tooth of a comb as necessary. The most important thing to remember is to go slowly because if you try to remove the mat too hastily, you may end up needing to cut the mat out.

Another important part of taking care of the Maltese coat is regular bathing. Before beginning the bathing process, brush and comb your dog thoroughly to get rid of any dead hair and knots. If there are any mats present, they must be taken care of first because water will only tighten the knot.

Once you've prepared your dog, clean the dog's ears and then place a small ball of cotton inside. This will help prevent any water from entering the ear canal and causing an infection. Make sure to have all of your necessary equipment ready before beginning the bath and have plenty of towels within reach.

Begin the bathing by getting your dog wet to the skin and then applying a quality, tear-free shampoo along the back, each leg and under the tail of your Maltese. Start lathering your dog and work from the back to front. Rinse the coat and then shampoo again.

After you've rinsed the second time, make sure to wash your Maltese's face carefully with a washcloth. Rise a third time over the dog's face and body to make sure all traces of soap are go women's jackets ne. Any leftover residue will irritate the dog's skin so this is a very important step.

Many Maltese owners like to use conditioner on their dog's coat. A special type of conditioner called a 'coat handler' works as a leave in conditioner, detangler and fragrance all in one.

Work the conditioner or coat handler through the dog's hair and then squeeze excess water from the coat. Pay close attention to the ears, tail and legs when removing water. Then you can start drying with towels. Once your dog is at the damp-dry state you can begin to blow-dry. After blow-drying, you can comb out the dog's hair to make it smooth. Wash your Maltese no more than once a week for a healthy coat.