My First Mashup

Archive for October, 2009

Since the 1960s, touring across America and looking for adventure has become synonymous with driving down Route 66. Immortalized in film, songs and books, the highway from Los Angeles to Chicago may have changed since the original route that John Steinbeck called the “Mother Road”, but it is still easy to take a detour down the most famous highway in American history.



Many travellers like to be fully immersed in the experience by camping by the roadside or by staying in the various motels which emerged out of the rapid post war growth in road travel which the route helped to develop. Others prefer to take the more comfortable approach by staying in modern accommodation, ranging from Hotels in Chicago to Hotels in LA. Whatever style of journey the traveller chooses however, it is easy to see why this iconic highway has remained a powerful emblem for the American Dream.



From its original inception, the road planners intended US 66 to connect the main streets of rural and urban communities along its 2,448 mile course, and to make it one of the nation’s principal East-West arteries. In doing so, these planners helped shape the perception of a nation.



By getting an up-to-date map, and then taking the off ramp from I-40 and following the brown Historic Route 66 road signs, today’s travellers find that most of the towns along the highway still hold vestiges of a day gone by, mixing in with the modern. The ‘Main Street of America’ has seen many changes and been largely superseded by more modern high speed interstate highways, however about 85% of the original route still remains and, along with it, much of the spirit of American hope and optimism which pervaded the country after economic catastrophe and global war; after, even, all these years.



Starting in Chicago, Route 66 passes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, before skirting the Pacific Ocean and finally ending near Los Angeles. Taking in attractions like Springfield – the town where Abraham Lincoln was born – and the ancient remains of the Cahokia Mounds (a prehistoric native city dating from 700-1400AD), the Grand Canyon, Boulder Dam, Las Vegas, Barstow and the Mojave Desert, the route is steeped in history and littered with trading posts. The best way to see the old mother road is to rent a Harley Davidson, Corvette or 1960s open-top Cadillac and cruise near Las Vegas or explore Arizona or California where the longest sections of the route still exist.



While the number of travellers along the historic road has gradually lessened over time, and many of the old towns and businesses have deteriorated or disappeared since the road’s decommissioning, others have been carefully restored. This has given way to a microcosm of bygone roadside Americana that has became suspended in time. The roadside treasures, vivid history, and natural beauty lining the route mark out a disappearing vision of America which can increasingly only be seen on film.

About the Author

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The highest motive in life is to be like water. It fights nothing or no one. It flows from and back
to its source and in the flowing it smooths and wears away all resistance.
Taoist Proverb

If you knew today that you wouldn’t get exactly what you wanted but that something even better was trying to make its way to you, would you step aside and open the door to invite it in? Or, are you standing at the peep-hole of life’s doorway, waiting to see what shows up before you risk opening the door?

If you weren’t resisting, where would life be taking you? Sometimes we are looking for things to
show up that matches the perfect pictures we have in our mind. We miss the opportunities that come dressed in disguise.

Recently, I was struggling with an important decision. I was feeling unhappy, and frustrated about my options. Rather than let go of trying to control the outcome, I was doing everything in my power to resist what was. Believe me, it was causing me alot of physical stress and needless suffering.

Then I had a dream about being in my car which was parked and wedged in between two other cars. Feeling stuck, I reacted by pulling the car forward onto the sidewalk. In the process, I hit an old historic building and it came tumbling down in pieces. Alarmed by what had just happened, I quickly drove to the courthouse to report my crime. I went through a crowd of people and finally found a bailiff to assist me.

I believe my dream was showing me two ways of proceeding with my waking reality. I could force my will which could result in destruction or, I could stop resisting what was happening and look for the answers in disguise.

The next morning I received the final clue which completely changed how I viewed my predicament. It came in the disguise of a customer service representative that I called to help me
with an address correction. This man was so helpful and pleasant to talk to that I wanted him to know it. He responded by telling me that it was because he was a happy person. He shared the following secret to his happiness.

A few years ago things were not going well for him. He realized that he couldn’t change what
was happening but that he did have a choice about how it would affect him. Now he wakes up everyday and makes the choice to be happy. Since he started making this a conscious, daily
choice his life has changed. He now has a great life.

I knew while talking with him that I was getting more than help with my address correction. I was receiving a gift about how to look at my own situation. It wasn’t what I expected to hear coming disguised in the form of a customer service representative.

Later that day, while driving down the road, I noticed a car in front of me. The license plate had the word “bailiff” on it. Confirmation that the universe had just sent me to the customer
service representative who held the answer to my dilemma. More importantly I recognized the disguise.

The truth is that none of us have control over anything or anyone. We only have control over our response to what is happening in our life. We have the ability to respond. We have the choice
to be happy or miserable.

The messy stuff in life is also part of the fabric of life. When we try to avoid it, by denying or resisting
it, we also avoid the opportunity to live authentically.

If you look at a piece of fabric or knitting, there is always one side that looks beautiful. Then, when you turn it over, there is the messy side. The side that contains all of the loose yarns and threads. You can’t have one side without the other. Both are necessary for creating the finished piece. And,
the same can be said about life. It’s not about perfection but opening to the life that
you are living and working with what life presents you.

Remember, there is always a gift in life and it often comes dressed in disguise.

Nancy Bishop is a Life & Prosperity Coach providing a menu of coaching programs and services to women at midlife who want to find more time, energy and abundance to live life more authentically and abundantly. Visit her website http://www.yourlifeyourway.com for more information and to subscribe to her monthly newsletter.

Depending on your line of work, you may be called upon to give a stress management presentation or organize a workshop. Usually, the person who gives a stress management workshop is a public speaker, physician, counselor, or Yoga teacher.

Who should be the speaker in a stress management seminar or workshop? You are looking for someone who is outgoing, knowledgeable, full of positive energy, works well with the public, and can communicate clearly. This same person should be able to give solutions to stress reduction “off the top of his or her head.”

Depending upon your familiarity with stress management, time for preparation, and how comfortable you are with giving a presentation, you may be the best qualified person for the task. Public speaking challenges are many, but all are manageable. Each component of a presentation can be prepared and refined, until you have a “masterpiece.” When you have given a few stress management presentations, you can refine any components that are “weak.” You will know what parts of a presentation are weak by the reactions of your audience.

Research and identify with the line of work. As an example: Health care workers, customer service, and manufacturers, each experience stress, but their jobs create unique stress situations. With this in mind, make yourself familiar with the every day stress situations that go with the particular jobs in your audience.

Preparation and research are part of every presentation, but after your first presentation on stress management, you will have a template to build on, improve, and constantly revise. You should speak in terms that will be familiar to your specific audience. For example: As collective groups, health care workers, teachers, and customer service representatives, have their own interests and jargon.

You will want to provoke interest, understanding, and participation. At the same time, you want your specific audience to respond favorably. You must also anticipate reaction to your presentation. Therefore, make sure that your points are reasonable and have credible resources; you will receive a favorable reaction from your target audience.

Your speaking voice can be worked for projection, clarity, and pitch. Many people are unhappy to hear the sound of their speaking voice played back through a recording device, but most of us can work our unique voice to get the most out of it. By using a mirror, audio recorder, digital recorder, or video recorder, you can get the most out of your voice.

? Copyright 2006 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the Author

Paul Jerard is director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He’s a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches that along with fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students who want to be a teacher.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

The high-tech world of personal technology is causing a bit of my problem for many humans. Some of the new technology is so feature-rich that it is causing feature fatigue. Too many choices in your personal technology toys seems to be counterintuitive to how the human mind works, even though the human mind itself can work in many different ways.

The human mind defaults to what it is use to through its experience in thinking and people who have cell phones with many features learn a few of them and use them to their best advantage and often never use the other features. Very few people use all the features; about 1%. Feature fatigue is real and it seems to cause a little bit of stress in a human operator who realizes they cannot use all the features.

Does this make humans feel stupid? Some technology experts say; humans are stupid. This may or may not be so although we do know that the time is rapidly approaching when artificial intelligent computers will easily surpassed human intelligence. Will humans be able to cope with this and work with the machines to better themselves or will it cause even more feature fatigue; making people think just to keep up?

Will this spur on a new evolutionary cycle in the brain? Will humans rise to this occasion or will they be trapped in a continuous feature fatigue frenzy. When did all this start? It started when someone did a study that said that only 10% of the people knew how to program all the features on their VCR and it has been getting worse ever sense.

Still, many personal tech toy gadget lovers like all the features and demand more. Your other option is to turn it all off of course. I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

“Lance Winslow” – If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

Red and pink have taken over retail displays and online promotions, as we hurdle toward February and Valentine’s Day. No shortage of choices to express our feelings about that special someone: jewelry, candy, flowers, or maybe an electronic-something with headphones, along with a memorable greeting card. When it comes to purchasing those gifts, food items, and e-somethings, seems like there could be more LOVE built into the process. When we swipe our plastic or fill in the order form, what do we get besides a printed receipt?Where’s the love?Are there any companies that consistently treat their customers as if they love to serve them, love to have their business, and would love to see them return again and again? Not many these days. A few, but not many.Did you know that there are actually stores out there that do NOT expect their staff to assist customers unless ASKED? The concept is called self-service. For customers who like being frustrated and walking in circles to find a staff member, then those stores are fine. But many customers want to human experience when they shop. Those customers will go out of their way to spend money where people greet them, assist them, and thank them for their business. Those are the little things that bring customers back again and again, leaving a warm, satisfying feeling, like a cup of hot chocolate.Even customers clicking away in their PJ’s expect to be welcomed, want to find help when needed, and deserve to be thanked for every purchase, large or small. If the brick and mortar or online experience is cold and unfeeling, chances are good that customers will go elsewhere.Where’s the LOVE in your business?What could you do to warm up the customer experience?1. Establish new policiesWrite new guidelines and distribute them to staff. Begin with the basics, such as how to answer telephone inquiries (return calls within 24 hours!) and how to route letters or emails. Keep it simple. Let employees know you care about responding to customer concerns.2. Engage your customersAsk customers how they would like to be treated. Provide an easy method for them to offer feedback (anonymously is OK) and spread the word that feedback is welcome and will be acted upon. Use voicemail, email, or a comment card. Use what is readily available. See #1 about responding!3. Empower your employeesSend a clear message to employees to think in terms of keeping customers and making them happy. Give employees the power to make things right or to make things better. Afterwards, ask them how it felt to solve a problem.These are simple ideas that don’t need to be time-consuming, costly, or complicated.Just begin.Set a tone that you care about your customers, take steps to make a difference, and change will happen gradually. Customers and employees alike will feel the love.

Toronto, ON, Nov, 2006 – There are many applications for how RFID systems help manufacturers and warehouse operations; these applications can be as unique as the enterprise they help. However, there are some common areas in these industries related to their logistics of getting the finished product to the customer or to another distribution center. Bottlenecking of the goods at the shipping door has implications on the costs to ship goods, lowers revenues when there are fewer shipped goods to bill and puts a drag on productivity gains you have made in other areas of the enterprise.

As product moves onto pallets, cases, boxes or whatever the means of preparing it for shipment, an RFID tag is read that is attached to the pallet, as an example. With the appropriate applications software, then all relevant data is transposed onto the tag, the inventory of product, which customer it is for, delivery information, the method of transportation, etc.

Once that pallet passes through a specific point at a shipping dock, then the tag is read and the contents of the data loaded earlier gets processed into the enterprise software. This in turn will generate invoices, initiate courier tracking, adjusts inventories, initiates material purchases to name just some of the impact RFID can have for your day-to-day business. Gone too are many of the headaches associated with bottlenecks in the shipping process such as verifying shipments against the bill-o-lading while drivers queue up for their pick-ups, the potential for human error in getting the wrong product on the wrong truck.

The ability to ship manufactured or warehoused goods efficiently and with less cost is what RFID technology can deliver to your business. To learn more, please contact GAO RFID Inc. at sales@gaorfid.com or visit our Web site at www.gaorfid.com.

About GAO RFID Inc
GAO RFID Inc., a member of GAO Group, was spun out from GAO Tek (formerly GAO Engineering) in July, 2006 as a result of its fast growing RFID business and its further heavy investment in this exciting market. GAO RFID has established itself as one of world?’s most influential suppliers of RFID products, particularly RFID tags, labels, and readers. GAO emphasizes on product quality. Read More…

Contact
GAO RFID Inc.
(416)-292-0038
marketing@gaorfid.com

Zhen Dong
WowGao Inc.
601 Milner Ave, 2nd Floor
Toronto , Ontario
M1B 1M8
Phone: 1-416-292-0038 ext. 812
Media@wowgao.com

http://www.wowgao.com

A Used Car Buyers Guide Can Give Essential AdviceSubmitted By: Louis Rix

A specialist motoring website will offer those who are looking to buy a second hand vehicle, a used car buyers guide. This is by way of giving essential information relating to all aspects of buying a used car from finding the car of your dreams to finding the finance to purchase it.

The search engine is the number one tool when actually finding your used car. This will allow you to make a search with what could be thousands of cars in their database. By putting in your exact criteria you can narrow down the choices to those cars which you are interested in. You are able to search by make, model, area and how much you are willing to pay. Once you have found the car you are interested in you can then turn to the other tools and information a specialist will provide.

As part of a specialist used car buyers guide they will offer those looking to buy a used car the chance to find out all they can about the car they are considering buying. This will be by way of reviews and articles. Car reviews will give you an idea of the car overall, how it handles and any known problems associated with that particular make and model. This is the best possible way to get an insight into the car you are considering and can help you to decide if this would be a good choice for you.

If you want to be absolutely sure that the vehicle you are considering is totally above board then the data check aspect of a used car buyers guide is essential. For a fee this will tell the individual such facts as whether or not the car has been involved in an accident and the insurance company have paid out, if the vehicle was stolen, how many times the car has changed hands and how many miles should be on the clock. This is the only sure and safe way of buying a used car online or otherwise.

If you need a used car loan in order to buy the car then you will be able to find the information right there on a specialist’s site. They will give information on all aspects of used car finance and will even be able to find the loan for you on your behalf. A specialist is able to search with the whole of the marketplace to make sure that they find you the cheapest rates of interest and best deal possible for your circumstances which you can then compare.

While a specialist website will offer a used car buyers guide it is down to the individual to amass the information and advice it gives and put it to good use. While the majority of those who sell used cars online are genuine and a bargain can be found, you can also meet those who are less ethical. Always be on guard when it comes to actually looking the car over and taking it for a test drive and do not forget the advice you learned.
About the Author:

Louis Rix is a Director of NetCars, one of the UK’s leading motoring websites. First established in January 2000, it provides a Used Car and New car search. NetCars also provide finance, loans and insurance.

Article Tags: car, specialist, guide

Travel health insurance is a type of insurance which provides health insurance coverage during traveling, usually in a foreign country. In this the insured pays an amount called the premium to the travel insurance company for the coverage. The coverage usually provides coverage for medical costs incurred during travel and in some cases also covers medical evacuation.

Travel health insurance usually comes bundled up with trip interruption/cancellation insurance, travel accident insurance, baggage loss, emergency evacuation and medical expenses coverage. The usual premium is about 200$ annually. However the premium depends a lot on your age, cost of trip (for single trip insurance coverage), the distance of trip, the nation to which the trip is being made, any preexisting health conditions etc. Some travel health insurance plans also cover accidental deaths and flight accidental death.

The plans that cover the medical costs on your trip include medical expenses, dental expenses, cost of treatment and cost of medicines. These covers come attached with lot of conditions like if you take medicines from unconventional medical sources like acupuncturists or ayurvedic treatment, the costs will not be reimbursed.

However if you are already covered by a health insurance, it is prudent to check whether it covers outside the United States or whether it provides only for emergencies.

Medical Evacuation: travel health insurance provides for medical evacuation to nearest qualified medical health facility. Here the catch is nearest medical health facility and not to the US. So if you are traveling in an underdeveloped country, you may be forced to take medical treatment at a facility decided by the insurance company and is not decided by you. The treatment in the US is one of the best and other countries including Europe have a higher surgical mortality rate.

Repatriation of mortal remains. In case of death the travel health insurance company will bear the cost of returning the mortal remains of the insured.

There are other conditions like co-insurance, deductibles, exclusion, benefit period, pre-existing conditions etc which have to be carefully studied before buying a travel health insurance policy.

About the Author

We offer the travel health insurance best source. Find all about travel insurance on http://www.lowcost-travel-insurance.info . http://lowcost-travel-insurance.info – Your place for travel insurance

The football season offers great opportunities for us women to rediscover ourselves, while keeping a distance from those who remain perpetually glued to the tube and their munchies week in and week out. So, don’t go in to ‘hibernation’ – here’s how you can take control of this season in some exciting and memorable ways.

Around this time of year I hear of women who feel abandoned. Yes, I’m talking about that unique seasonal male bonding ritual, called NFL Sunday’s and Monday Night Football.

If you are one of those women who begin looking at the T.V. set and plasma screens with hatred and envy, or whose mind starts to numb at the very word “football”, start thanking your guy instead for the wonderful opportunity you’ve just been handed.

What is that, you’re wondering? The chance to create your own Fall season ritual with your women friends. As the men become oblivious to you while tossing back a few beers, chowing down on their favorite junk foods and cheering on their chosen teams, take the ball in your own hands and organize your own celebration.

Remember, if you’re out of the house, you don’t have to deal with listening to the ongoing football commentary, requests for stuff from the kitchen or the assumption that you will be volunteered for clean up duty. If your partner is hopeless with organizing child care or cleaning up after the guys, write him a little love note, or say something that goes like this:

Dear Football-Fan Hubby,

I know how much you love the football season. Sunday’s and Monday nights are holy for you until the day after the Super Bowl. This year I want you to really enjoy yourself. I’ve arranged a baby sitter/cleaner for the kids so that you can watch the games undistracted with your buddies. I’m getting out of the house, as well, so you can really hang out with the guys. You won’t even have to worry about the clean up.

Have a great time and know I love you,…

If on the other hand, your partner shares duties with you, you might try writing or saying the following:

Dear Football Fan Hubby,

I know how much you love the football season. Sunday’s and Monday nights are holy for you until the day after the Super Bowl. This year I really want you to enjoy yourself. That’s why I’ll plan on getting out of the house so you and your friends can have a good time alone. I’m leaving the babysitter and clean up arrangements to you so they suit you best. Have a great time,

Love,…

That’s Stage I. Now for the best part… Stage II.

Gather together a group of your friends and create your own version of female bonding. While it’s always nice to go out to a restaurant or a movie, why not try something a little different?

Consider forming a women’s club that meets every Sunday afternoon or Monday night during the football season. Have a different woman plan each week’s fun, according to her interests and specialties. That way, you may enjoy a spa night, a night tour of historical sites, famous homes, or great architecture in your area, a home crafts evening or one of decadent desserts. If one of you is a bookworm, ask each woman to come dressed as one of her favorite book characters and bring books to swap. The holidays are coming up – brainstorm with your women’s club on creative gifts for your family, while sipping on exotic wine punches and eating warm chestnuts. The possibilities are endless.

So, leave the couch potatoes in their most comfortable position – this year’s football season will never be the same.
About the Author

Tzippi Moss is an expert in the areas of imagery, expanding creativity, dream work, stress reduction, and goal setting. She is the author of “A Dash of Soul” and “Real Women Sizzle”. Read more about them at: http://www.WomensBirthdayClub.com.

Technology and the popularity of the Internet have given us many more possibilities for home business opportunities. It is possible to become independent quickly and start making money from your own home without the need for commuting to a workplace. The range of options is vast and Internet Marketing is becoming one of the fastest growing businesses in the world today.Many large companies including Wal-Mart, Payless Shoes and even Nordstrom’s offer affiliate programs for internet marketers to advertise their products and trade name paying commissions on the sales from those advertisements anywhere from five to fifty percent. Most are even free to join. There are even Internet Businesses that are nothing more than brokerage firms for affiliate programs such as ClickBank and Commission Junction.But the Internet is like anything else and you should take a “buyer beware” attitude when searching for work-at-home opportunities. There are thousands of scam products and the overnight millionaire syndrome is saturating the Web. There are no overnight millionaires. Internet Marketing is competitive; it takes time and persistent effort.I recommend you find a specific product and/or service to market. Something you can enjoy and have fun with. Something you have always liked. Research the product or service and learn as much as you can about it. Create a goal and a plan to achieve that goal. Then, advertise! Do it online and offline. Budget what you can afford for advertising and find ways to advertise for free, i.e. Traffic Exchanges, Articles, Website Reviews and Forums.The advantages of having your own business and working from home are self-evident. It’s true that you are the boss and that you have more freedom and independence but do not fall into the trap of thinking it’s easy. It takes self-discipline and self-determination, a good plan and hard work to be successful. Success is earned.Ray SkeenIndependent Business Owner
EcoQuest International

http://www.thehomebizventure.com

http://www.maximumsuccess.com/eco444

For any up and coming mother especially those who will be having a baby for the first time, she would want to ensure that her baby be in the best health and condition. Many pregnant women have to undergo regular check up and are being prescribed with vitamins to ensure that the baby gets the needed nutrition and be free from any diseases or infections. It is important also that a mother eats healthy food and avoids things like drinking alcohol and smoking. There have been a lot of issues regarding prenatal vitamins and we need clarifications on certain of these issues so that we will be aware on whether this is true or merely a misleading notion. It is true that it is important for pregnant women to take in prenatal vitamins or supplements for they cannot be sure if the food they will be taken in will provide for all the necessary vitamins and minerals that she will need for her and her upcoming baby. This time she is not only eating for herself but she is eating for two people. While she may exert extra effort to eat only what are healthy, chances are she wouldn’t be able to get everything that she will need that is why there is a need for supplements that will help fill this gap. But we have to remember that supplements are not there to substitute poor nutrition. This has to go with eating healthy in order for the body to be able to make full use of the vitamins and minerals available for the body to absorb and use. While there may be numerous prenatal vitamins that could be bought over the counter at pharmacies which would really work for most women, it is still ideal to consult your doctor on which one would best suit your needs. There are certain things that you need to ensure like the amount of Vitamin A that could be toxic if taken in excessive amounts and could cause possible birth defects. You also need to ensure an adequate amount of folic acid which is very vital for your baby’s development. The ingredients in a prenatal vitamin are important and if your body would be absorbing them. Some pregnant women especially the sensitive ones may find themselves bothered by the taste and sometimes smell of these vitamins. You could ask your doctor about switching brands if possible or if not you could just make a little amount of sacrifice for your little angel.

About the Author: Mary Lorainne writes about VitaminShoppe sale, Doctor’sTrust promos, and vitamins coupons