See Monkey Do

For years, I smugly prided myself as a non-fax machine person. I
felt it beneath my dignity to own such a technical contraption.
The quill is more my style than a computer but, being practical,
I reluctantly use a computer, casting wistful glances at the
dust gathering on my quill.

Unfortunately, in the world in which we live, it is necessary to
fax some letters or documents to someone in some odd part of the
world. I don’t like it, but that’s just the way it is.

On the rare occasion when I must fax some document at an office
supply store, I usually sneak in the back way. It has been my
experience, when the fax man seeth me cometh, he always raises
the price per page. This is just a small service he does for
Yours Truly.

Then, when paying for this service, the fax man usually says
with an impish grin, “When are you going to get a fax machine of
your own?”

I always flash a smile back at him, but if he knew the thoughts
in my head, he would charge me more per page. Silence truly is
golden, especially for the person exercising the virtue.

Actually, I don’t trust machines. I know a mind somewhere is
controlling all of these machines a menacing, mischievous mind
dedicated to the simple task of messing up my life.

When I eventually break down and buy a fax machine someone will
invent something to replace it and I’ll have another antique on
my hands to put alongside of my Underwood typewriter and boxes
of 8-track tapes.

This notwithstanding, I ended up buying a fax machine several
weeks ago. I didn’t want to, but I had no choice in the matter.

My printer finally went the way of all printers. I hated to see
it go. The left side was cracked where Noah, the original owner,
dropped it. For years, it served me quite well. My next printer
will have a big ink cartridge to fill.

I hate buying replacement equipment. Rarely is the new any
better than the old, just more expensive, not to mention
complicated. But, necessity is the stepmother of all
complications in life, and I set out to buy a new printer.

I resolutely did not want to buy a fax machine. Under no
circumstance did I want to buy a fax machine. Therefore, I ended
up buying a fax machine.

It is impossible to buy a printer anymore. In order to buy a
printer you must

buy a machine that prints/copies/scans/faxes. I think it’s a
pretty sneaky way to get me to buy a fax machine. Someone “out
there” is set on me owning a fax machine even though I don’t
want to own one.

This new machine does everything but vacuum the interior of my
car. But it was the cheapest machine I could find.

I bought the machine but determined not to use the fax part.
After all, somebody has to stand up for what they believe. Not
everybody should succumb to the latest trend.

I was doing fine until ending up in the hospital. When I got
out, I needed to fax a document to the hospital. Now I faced a
taxing dilemma.

Do I go to the office store and fax my document, or do I try out
my new printer/copier/scanner/fax machine?

Precedence finally gave way to convenience. I took my document
to my new machine and figured out how to fax it to the hospital.

Not being confident in my technical knowledge, I called the
hospital office to check on the faxed document. Much to my
surprise the person on the other end said in a very cheery
voice, “Yes, I have the faxed document right here in my hand.”

I must admit, although I hate doing so, faxing from my house was
much easier than going to the office store.

I now knew how to fax a document anywhere in the world, but I
had nothing to fax to anyone in the world. I just stood there
looking at my machine trying to think of something to fax.

Even though I knew how to fax a document, I still did not know
how to receive a fax.

Several days ago, a friend called and said he had a document he
wanted me to have right away. He then asked the ominous
question, “Do you have a fax machine?”

I began to say no, but hesitated and confessed I had a fax
machine but did not know how to receive faxes. It was
humiliating to make such a confession, but it was true.

“It’s simple,” he said, “hang up the phone and I’ll dial again
and let the machines talk to one another.”

This caused no small discomfort. To think these machines are
talking to one another behind my back is most disturbing. What
are they saying about me behind my back?

Now that I come to think about it, I have heard sounds similar
to snickering coming from the general direction of my
printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. I don’t mind Big Brother
watching over me, but I do mind some machine making jokes with
other machines about me.

When it comes to “new things,” God is the master. This is what
He promises to do for us. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he
is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV.)

Put that in your printer and fax it.

If you are shopping for a small business Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software solution and you run MS Outlook, the answer might be closer at hand than you realise!

CRM software will revolutionize the way you approach the sales, marketing and service aspects of your business. Your sales will flourish through improved sales tracking and automation; your customer service and customer loyalty will improve with enhanced relationship management and your marketing costs will be reduced through better targetting.

There is a growing range of CRM products that do more than merely integrate to MS Outlook - they are actually embedded in Outlook. They are an extension of Outlook and appear to be an integral part of the system. So when you open up your MS Outlook you are automatically opening your CRM system, too.

Outlook already provides you with a database, but one that is rather limited. These Outlook CRM products change that for you.

There are many advantages to Outlook based CRM software compared to alternative CRM solutions.

Here are a few:

* Cost effective. Outlook based CRM applications are often considerably cheaper per seat than their counterparts.

* The standard features of Outlook are greatly enhanced. You will enjoy better sales automation, marketing and customer service functionality, as well as improved email, document, task and reporting management.

* Strengthened database. Most vendors use more robust database engines than the standard Outlook PST database. One can manage bigger lists quicker, more reliably and efficiently. Some also offer an upgrade path to an industrial strength SQL database engine if needed.

*Database sharing. You can now share your Outlook database/s (or, in Outlook terminology, Addressbooks) across your network.

*No need for MS Exchange. You can share your database with other users across your network without having to purchase and support this expensive, complex and clunky beast.

*Calendar sharing across your network is also typically supported.

*Much readier acceptance of your CRM initiative by your staff due to their existing familiarity with MS Outlook.

*Reduced training costs. As your staff already know (or should know) how to use Outlook, the induction period is dramatically reduced and less expensive compared to other CRM software.
*Reduced support costs.

*Happier user experience. You won’t have to constantly toggle between Outlook and some CRM application as they are now effectively one product.

*Integration and synchronization between Outlook and external CRM software in no longer necessary.

*Minimal installation costs. Without over-simplifying the process, you typically just download, install and customize to suit your needs.

Certain software products in this genre also support synchronizing with your hand-held or PDA.

Many of these applications are developed from the ground up in .NET, Microsoft’s new development platform, making for stronger internet, email and 3rd party software integration.

If you are running a small business using MS Outlook, these CRM solutions deserve your serious consideration.

——————————

Perry Norgarb has specialized in CRM solutions for small businesses for the last 16 years.

Contact him or find out more about Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Contact Management and other Sales Tracking software tips and solutions for small businesses at: http://www.smallbizcrm.com

Find out more about Outlook based CRM solutions for small businesses

You are free to re-publish this article as long as this bio box and copyright remain intact and the links remain ‘live’. © 07 February, 2006.

In the beginning of the nineteen-hundreds F1 Motor Racing originated with primitive cars and older gentleman drivers, but the genuine Formula One title didn?t go ahead until the nineteen-fifty’s. As the many years went by & the contest got extended, it swiftly became comprehensible that Formula One was the finest for motor sport. The racing vehicles were the best, the technology was the most highly developed & the drivers were at the peak of their physical health coming from different countries all across the planet.

With the latest introduction of sponsorship taking notice, F1 Racing took on it’s more world wide configuration and may at present be thought of being very, very big business ? with capital reaching millions and billions with ease. With very big success arrives political opinions and now & then it is the people you are acquainted to and how much cash you own that gets you what you wish. Formula One Motor Racing is riddled with conspiracy theorists ? I will acknowledge to being one of them ? but depending on how immersed you wish to get in the F1 Racing world, that part of things is quickly disregarded. What in reality matters is what comes to pass on the tarmac.

Voyaging all over the earth for practically eight months of the year, Formula 1 Racing sets-up in many different countries large and small, affluent & destitute, with amazing environments, amazing habitants and a lot of native history to be soaked up. Covering Friday, Saturday & Sunday, a Formula One weekend is a demanding journey, from early testing, to the final laps of the F1 race.

The fundamental configuration includes a race every fortnight. Every now and then the Formula One calendar is changed with a little bit & there are F1 races on one after another weekends, or occasionally you have to go lots of weeks before seeing the well-known F1 drivers again. Once it is time for another Formula One motor race, you can read the news for your desired team as they get to their destination. Friday involves practice meetings, Saturday is for qualifying and Sunday is for the main event. For Formula 1 Drivers Bio’s, past and present, then go to F1Tribute.com now.

Keeping a clean skin is very important as it saves you from a lot of trouble. A clean skin is something that everyone loves, so it’s important that you have one. Removing dirt, oil, makes up and debris is what you should look for when cleaning your skin. Here are some of Acne cleansers that are recommended by experts.

1. PhytoMe cleansing gel: this gel should be used on daily basis with two or three time. The gel is made of botanical extracts that will keep you skin soft for a very long time.

2. Clarins Facial cleanser: this is a three in one product, works as a make up remover, toner and a facial cleaner. The cleanser uses orange extracts to remove dirt and other stuff from your skin.

3. Fira foamin facial cleanser: this is a foaming cleanser that improves the texture and tone of your skin. Tea tree oil extracts are used in the product which removes bacteria from the surface of your skin. It cleans your skin and gives a fresh feeling to your skin.

When selecting an acne cleanser always best to identify what kind of skin you have and which cleanser will be best suited for it.

The Hero’s Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters:

The Hero’s Journey:

• Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

• Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

• Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

The Hero’s Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work when they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays.

The Hero’s Journey is also a study of conventions. Before screenwriters can decide whether to accept or reject the conventions, they must appreciate their purpose and value.

Consider this:

• Titanic (1997) grossed over $600,000,000 - uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.

• Star Wars (1977) grossed over $460,000,000 - uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.

• Shrek 2 (2004) grossed over $436,000,000 - uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.

• ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 - uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.

• Spiderman (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 - uses the Hero’s Journey as a template.

• Out of Africa (1985), Terms of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), Gladiator (2000) - All Academy Award Winners Best Film are based on the Hero’s Journey.

• Anti-hero stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc) are all based on the Hero’s Journey.

• Heroine’s Journey stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa (1980) etc) are all based on the Hero’s Journey.

Hero’s Journey and the Apotheosis

The Apotheosis is the core of any story - it is where the hero becomes has his epiphany, his insight, the seminal illumunation.

In Casablanca (1942), Rick’s insight is that if you love someone, you sacrifice yourself for their happiness. That sacrifice can include selling your most prized material possessions (he sells his bar), allowing your love to find happiness in another’s arms (he ultimately allows Ilsa to be with Victor), physical suffering (it is likely that his ultimate actions will see him to a concentration camp), leaving dear friends (he will have to leave Sam behind) and forced exile from home and heart (he will have to leave Casablanca). He learns this insight from both Ilsa and Victor, who are prepared to do the same for each other.

In Al Pacino Scarface (1983), Tony Montana’s insight is that the rewards of the path he’s chosen are not worth the spiritual price he is paying, expressed with the words (in the restaurant scene): “is this it? Is that what it’s all about Manny? Eating, drinking, fucking, sucking,” “no free rides in this world kid,” “I lost my appetite,” “is that what I worked for? With these hands? Is that what I killed for? For this?”

In The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Andy Dufresne’s apotheosis is that you either get busy living or you get busy dying. He reaches that insight in the scene by the prison wall with Red (Morgan Freeman), but it is preceeded by the earlier insight that he will never get out of prison (Warden Norton will never let him go). The apotheosis is preceded by the physical processes of submersion (being locked in the hole for two months; the Belly of the Whale of the Ordeal) and rebirth through death (symbolised by the death of Tommy). The apotheosis is preceded by the crossing of the First Threshold and the Ordeal in general.

Learn more…

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

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

Kal Bishop, MBA

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

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

The Christmas holidays are a time of expectation and joy for
young and old alike. If you’re feeling that your celebrations
have become routine and boring, there are plenty of ways that
you can spice up your holiday season. There are so many things
that can be experienced from creating new holiday traditions,
such as making new memories for you and your family and friends
to reminiscence about again and again. The benefits are
numerous, and there is not a shortage of ideas that you can
implement this Christmas season and add to next year.

Depending on the occasion you can modify and creatively explore
any of the activities you would like to do. For example, any
Christmas games or craft activities can be either for adult or
church centered party groups, family night, your child friends,
or just for a personal one on one experience with the child in
your life. Inspirationally you may center all of your activities
on a theme, and you may choose to center the activities on a
secular or religious viewpoint. Then again you may also choose,
depending on the appropriateness and circumstance of the
occasion to mix it up, but investigate the different options for
both.

The focus of Christmas is usually in most households centered on
children, and this time of year for them is a magical
experience. Not only can Christmas day be the day for
anticipation of fun, but all through the month can be. Opportune
times exist for creating memories that last, such as bad
weather, winter school breaks, sick days, and sleepovers as a
time to not only entertain, but to learn about personal
abilities and creativity too. If your child is going to have a
few friends over during the month of December, why not create,
or search around for some Christmas time tongue twisters? Also,
there are numerous songs to sing about the holidays, so dig out
some carol sheet music and sing. Sick days are no fun for kids,
so if they are able use some ole fashioned crayons and coloring
books, add some stickers and a Christmas story to pass the time
away. Creative times can be spent independently playing and
learning holiday crossword puzzles and mazes. Personal or party
time games and activities can be done with board games, such as
bingo, scrap booking, or even in the kitchen. Making special
candies like taffy or food for Santa’s reindeer can be healthy
and nutritious by munching on a few carrots before leaving them
for Rudolph.

There are no shortages for ideas on games and activities, and
places to shop for your supplies. Crafts and party idea books
can be found in most book stores, discount stores such as
Wal-Mart, craft supply stores, and even many free articles in
newsletters on the internet can lead you in the right direction
for new Christmas celebratory ideas. You don’t have to break the
bank account either to have lots of fun for the holidays either.
Many ideas are free on the internet and you can use a lot of the
household products in your home to make crafts. Items such as
construction paper, glue, markers, scissors, cotton balls and
paper plates can be made into face masks for Christmas
characters such as an elf or a Santa face. There are other ways
to create new traditions for your family such as inspiring them
to take their crafts and use them as gifts for the less
fortunate. May be a lonely neighbor, or a child or adult that
needs a little compassion would be thrilled to receive them.

Christmas games and activities bring back the magic for adults
and inspire children to dream. However, more importantly it
teaches valuable lessons about not only creativity, and the
necessary skills of problem solving, but it solidifies a sense
of unity with in the family and community. Its life long lessons
hopefully develop into unselfish habits of cooperation and
thinking about the welfare of others. The time spent with others
exemplify what the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas is -
loving and treating others as we would like to be treated.
Through your Christmas games and activities your holiday season
will be one with a real spice of life and love. Remember, there
are no better types of traditions than those.

If you are ever looking to ship your car or motorhome overseas,
or purchase a classic car over the internet, you need to
consider how much it will cost, and how you are going to go
about sea freighting it. There are many freight forwarding
companies out there, but not many whom are specialised in car
shipping like Taurus Logistics. Make sure whomever you use,
you understand all the terms on the quote, and if not have them
explain in writing what it all means. A good freight forwarder
should total the quote for you and note any exceptions.
Depending on whether you are a buyer or a seller you need to
consider who is paying for what, in respect to costs associated
with shipping your car. The easiest way as a seller is to sell
the car
Ex works, this means you do not need to trouble yourself
with any of the details or costs for the sea freight.As a buyer

Ex works is also preferable as it give you control over
whom you are using and makes sure there are no unforeseen costs
involved. Buyers should also consider Marine Insurance Have the
owner professionally steam clean and vacuum the car to remove
ALL soil and organic matter. Ship no personal effects or other
belongings in the car Use a company that responds quickly to
your enquiries, and specialises in car shipping Look to purchase
cars close to a main sea port in the country of the seller. Or
have the seller responsible to get it to por. Keep all copies of
documentation like “bill of sale” etc. This will be
needed for your Customs clearance. Sellers should consider In
the USA power of Attorney will be needed to be give to the freight forwarder for the export documentation. You
will need the title of ownership to authorise export. Countries
all have different regulations regarding car importing so it is
best you check these with your local vehicle authorities. If you
need any assistance feel free to contact the Author.
richard.hack@tauruslogistics.co.nz

Ever felt how wonderful it is to have your name in print for the
first time? This is not just any ordinary printing with you name
and details in them. They are your own business cards. Any other
of these cards would contain names, addresses and contact
numbers. That would be the typical business card.

These days, business cards are made into marketing tools to
promote the owner’s business and a source of advertisement that
serves as reminders for people reading them. As small as these
cards may see, they have been a necessity for information
getting since then. These have become the perfect equipment for
entrepreneurs to be able to get clients and stay of their
competitors.

As a marketing tool, these small prints need all the marketing
strategy they can get to maintain effectiveness. Using all the
right techniques with the modern machines, you have made the
perfect business card. This would mean that you have gotten the
attention of the holder. The next big thing to be considered is
the content of the card. Does it appeal as much as the designs
do? The most commonly overlooked marketing factor in business
cards is the message that the card conveys. What does it say to
the people reading them?

Having the perfect look and designs does not always guarantee
customer response using these cards. It is important to note the
words that are used to describe the business, its products and
the services rendered.

To begin with, the slogan or logo should be able to make the
reader isolate your card from others. People tend to just set
aside these cards along with other cards and files, to be
searched on later when the need arises. Making your card as
unique and a standout would distinguish it from those others.
When the time comes for it to be of use, something about the
card that the readers have seen would come to mind and they
would remember that certain card. It could be the printed words,
or the drawings that are inherent in them, or a design that was
stuck to memory. Or the contents. It gives them a good reason to
choose and call you.

A bottom line that is irresistible would definitely arouse
enough interest to set you apart from the rest. An example is
phrases that offers discounts, new products and promos. These
can guarantee customers coming and going back to know more.
Putting motivational lines that opens the door for them to
respond to you is also a must. It is best to not let customers
left hanging in confusion as to what to do next after reading
your cards. Guide them on what to do next by giving hints about
it in your cards. There is always no harm in a bit of guidance.

Business cards may be small and seemingly insignificant, but
they are also easy carriages. What’s more, they are continuously
being passed on. You never know who its next holder would be.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit http://www.
colorprintingwholesale.com

Cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection

Cancer is like a curse for mankind and that too a life threatening one. Cancer will continue to be a monster for us until we are able to detect cancer symptoms in a more definitive manner and are able to find a fail-proof cure for it. So, we are faced with two challenges here - the ability to read/recognise cancer symptoms and the ability to treat cancer in a fail-proof manner. To understand cancer symptoms and the importance of early detection in a better way, let’s first start with understanding what cancer actually is.

What is cancer?

Put simply, cancer is a diseased condition of body which is caused by uncontrolled abnormal growth of cells. This growth might start in one organ and might quickly start spreading to other nearby organs. There are various types of cancer and these are generally named after the body organ where this uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells occurs. So you have breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer and many other types of cancer. The cancer symptoms might vary based on what organ they affect.

Importance of early detection of cancer symptoms

Since the cancer cells grow at a fast pace, if you are not able to read cancer symptoms early enough, the cancer might become completely incurable. If the cancer symptoms are diagnosed in the early stages (and if the cancer is localised to just one organ), you might actually be able to get a cure for cancer. So, early detection of cancer symptoms is quite important in determining your chances of survival. Moreover, if the cancer symptoms are not recognised quickly and diagnosis sought, cancer can spread to other organs too (which might make it completely incurable). There are instances where early detection of cancer symptoms lead to complete cure too (e.g. early detection of breast cancer symptoms might make it possible to get a complete cure through surgery that involves removal of cancerous cells).

Pro-active detection of cancer symptoms

Cancer symptoms can be detected at a very stage by being proactive e.g. by going for cancer screening tests that help see the cancer symptoms early enough for curative action to be effective. In fact, too much of a delay could lead to curative action being not possible at all. Most hospitals and clinics stack free cancer symptom detection booklets which you can read to increase your awareness about cancer symptoms and cancer in general.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their Cancer Symptom blog for more information.

The average person some time in their adult lives will come across a time where they will need to take out a loan. However, if you’re in the military you aren’t just the average person. Omni military loans are specially designed for the ease and convenience of military personnel. This is not to say that your regular bank loan isn’t going to cut it, but Omni military loans have the “home court advantage.” Most of Omni’s offices are conveniently located close to military establishments and also in Europe.

Omni military loans are more convenient by a large margin when compared to your run of the mill loan. Not only do you have close offices to the base but, if you want to conduct the whole thing from the comfort of your home you have that option too. Omni’s website is open 365 days a year 24 hrs a day. Omni military loans also work in conjunction with DFAS, this allows you to set up monthly allotments. Talk about no hassle! Not only do you have prompt monthly payments but you can monitor it with DFAS online! If you set up monthly allotments, you have zero paperwork and less fuss.

Could there possibly be more? With other lenders you might have application fee. With Omni military loans there are no up front fees. Omni military loans range from $500.00 - $10,000.00 and can be taken out for numerous different reasons. Once your loan is approved you even have the option of the money being direct deposited into your bank. This is a miracle for military personnel that are over seas. Omni military loans should definitely get a second glance if you’re military, it’s worth your time!

Timothy Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Military-Loans-Online.com. He provides more military auto loans, home loans, payday loans and military motorcycle loans that you can research in your pajamas on his website.