LeftBrained Geeks and Why They Need Copywriters

Not long ago, I received a rather unusual email from a stranger. The title of the email read, your site and services which of course would prompt any normal person to open it and expect to read a quote request.

The email contained no such request, but instead revealed a screen shot of the homepage of my Web site. Let me repeat that. A complete stranger sent me a screen shot of my own Web site.

Within the screen shot art, writer of said email had encircled (in red ink), three words that they felt were glaring errors, as the message stated. (One was in fact a typo, while the other two were merely subjective criticisms.)

The message was short, terse and did not address me by name. The email closed with Cheers, and a pair of initials.

I confess: I enjoy people who push the envelope. This is just the kind of bold approach that gets and holds my attention.

However, when someone whom you've never met before decides to arbitrarily PROBE something that you personally created, it comes as a bit of a shock. It makes you feel slightly violated.

I imagine it wouldn't feel all that much different than if I'd been sent a picture of myself, with a red circle around the pimple in the corner of my nose or something equally creepy.

Upon Googling said emailer, I learned that this person worked in a high intelligence, left-brained field and chalked it up to her being a social idiot.

Which brings me to the main point, which is that technology experts and other High IQ individuals are often painfully unaware of the unspoken rules that drive modern communication.

I'm not saying that's right or wrong or I don't like such people, because I really do enjoy them in the way one might enjoy searingly spicy food or extreme sports, for the extra stimulation.

Truth be told, I'd rather spend a half hour having some cantankerous dweeb spew facts at me than sit there letting someone dull and insipid massage my ego while dribbling faulty reasoning or parroting someone else's wisdom. I don't need an ego rub. Just teach me something I didn't know before.

But I also know that I'm in the minority.

Most professionals, at least the ones I've seen buzzing around the blogosphere and met with in various conference rooms throughout my life, would never stand for such brusque handling. Some might even deliver a swift verbal backhand in reply.

Most professionals are secretly insecure. Therefore, they expect you to play with their emotions. And not only is this what they crave in their personal communication, but they REALLY want it in your marketing materials.

The average human begs on his knees to be schmoozed and sold to.

That's a skill that most geeks don't naturally possess. Especially if they're math, science and tech experts (those fields are ruled by the opposite hemisphere of the brain that governs emotions).

Emotion is unequivocally the most powerful sales weapon regardless of what industry you work in. Get a handle on your reader's emotions, turn his ego into silly putty, and you've got yourself a lifelong customer.

If you really, really want to sell something to emotionally suggestible humans, something that they don't understand and can't procure on their own, then you have GOT to learn how to talk to people, or else hire someone for whom graceful communication is second nature.

(For those who don't pick up on subtlety: get a copywriter).

I know of this brilliant computer genius guy from my Web travels who burns a path of destruction wherever he roams. I've watched entire networks lash out against him because he doesn't know how to talk to folks without sounding mean, rude and condescending.

I secretly like him - because he explained some basics of HTML publishing that nobody else had the patience or attention to detail to convey.

But even so - I know he sucks at selling.

Yes, you might be smarter than 90% of the population. But do you know how to write copy that sells?

Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at http://wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine-friendly Web copy and market your Web based business for free.

Don't miss Web Content Awareness Day 2007 - a month-long information celebration from Wordfeeder.com. Visit http://WebContentAwarenessDay.com to learn more and sign up now.

Mazda Kabura Concept: Fun and Dynamic

Mazda Australia will showcase its much-admired Kabura concept car in Sydney. The magnificent lineup includes the new CX-7 crossover, BT-50 truck range, and Mazda6. These vehicles will astound the crowd of this year's Australian International Motor Show.

This year's Australian International Motor Show will be very important for Mazda Australia, says Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia's managing director. Not only will we be able to showcase two new cars, but we are very proud to have the Kabura concept car in the country. Kabura signals Mazda's future design direction and we are very excited with the result.

The Kabura concept features a compact sports vehicle that uses 2.0-litre MZR engine to combine fun and functionality to driving pleasure. It is especially designed to cater to drivers who appreciate dynamic and sport driving without sacrificing comfort and functionality. Kabura concept car is not a traditional car - that is the edge of incorporated to it.

With Mazda6 Diesel on sale in October, the CX-7 on sale in November and the BT-50 range in December, this motor show will provide an excellent forum for us to talk to our customers and introduce these new Zoom-Zoom models, Dickson added.

Kabura, which was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, shows striking themes and technologies. It is equipped with 3+1 seating arrangement to provide greater passenger comfort without escalating size or weight. Kabura uses powerful Mazda mechanical parts and accessories to boost its overall appeal. It incorporates some of the remarkable Mazda MX-3 parts. Additionally, the concept car also uses rear-drive layout identical to that of Miata.

Mazda CX-7 is the automaker's latest SUV addition. It is said to embrace the 'soul of a sportscar' philosophy of Mazda which means excellent driving dynamics coupled with practical function. It is also equipped with Mazda's Active Torque Split All Wheel Drive system. The latter includes dynamic fuel injection parts Mazda injectors, which are incorporated to Mazda6 MPS.

Mazda Atenza or Mazda6, on one hand, replaced Capella. So far, the diesel-powered vehicle is the first generation of Mazda's stylish, youthful and spirited range. The new BT-50 truck range was given an exciting blend of sophistication and functionality to come up with outstanding and versatile trucks.
About the Author

Margaret Adams is the present manager of the largest auto manufacturing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 35 year old maiden is a certified car enthusiast.

The Next ChinaLike Miracle

Just a few years ago, suppose you had known that China, a backward, deeply impoverished communist country, would quickly transform itself into the fastest-growing capitalist economy on the planet.

And suppose you had invested $10,000 in the leading Chinese companies.

That single insight alone ? plus a dose of standard due diligence ? could have been sufficient to transform your initial investment into $50,000, $100,000, or as much as $200,000 today.

Even if you could go back just 19 months ... and even if you made no effort whatsoever to pick a better-than-average Chinese company ... your $10,000 invested in the Shanghai Composite Index would be worth $28,372 at the close of trading this past Friday.

Needless to say, you can?t turn back the clock. But you can do the next best thing:

You can find a country that?s almost as big as China ... boasts even more natural resources ... enjoys a broad, modern industrial base ... and is closer to the U.S. culturally, politically and geographically ...

but ...

is still on the launch pad, in the pre-take-off stage, giving new investors an opportunity to catch a ride without overpaying and without a long wait.

That country is Brazil.

Indeed, a few years ago, my staff and I looked at the world?s four largest emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, and China (the BRIC countries).

We saw the amazing profit potential offered by their vast natural and human resources.

We knew that, despite serious social and political hurdles, they would start to grow by leaps and bounds.

And we picked the one that had the highest level of new investment pouring into the economy ? from the government, from domestic enterprises and from foreign investors: China.

Sure enough, China took off. So did India and Russia. But Brazil, despite major fiscal improvements, lagged behind the other three.

Now, I believe that?s about to change.

Hard to Imagine Brazil Growing Like China?

Then just look back to recent history: In the 1970s, Brazil was expanding at the China-like clip of about 9 percent. Each year, Brazil was boosting exports by approximately 20 percent. And within less than a decade, thousands of early investors became multi-millionaires.

But the party came to a premature end for one simple reason: Inflation.

The primary difference today: Brazil?s inflation monster has been tamed ...

Twelve years ago, Brazil stopped rampant inflation in its tracks by introducing a new currency, the real.

Ten years ago, it passed a law preventing federal and local governments from spending beyond their means.

And starting four years ago, Brazil?s President, Luiz In?cio Lula da Silva (?Lula?), transformed the country from one of the world?s most fiscally shaky nations into a model for fiscal responsibility.

Lula was born in a dirt-poor family in one of the most godforsaken regions on Earth ? the parched and semi-feudal northeast of Brazil. With his mother, sisters and brothers, he fled to the industrial state of S?o Paulo on the back of a truck. And five decades later, he was swept into the presidency with a landslide victory.

In his first term, which just ended ...

He reduced consumer price inflation from 12.5% in 2002 to under 3% in 2006.

He paid off every penny owed to the IMF.

He slashed Brazil?s total domestic debt load.

He boosted the value of the real from $0.28 to $0.47.

And he transformed Brazil?s trade balance, formerly a deficit, into a $46 billion yearly trade surplus.

The market?s response:

? When Lula first took office four years ago, Brazil?s finances were so shaky and foreign creditors so frightened, Brazilian businesses and governments had to pay through the nose to borrow money ? a whopping twenty-four percentage points in interest above U.S. Treasury rates.

Today, thanks largely to Lula?s conservative fiscal policies, Brazil?s finances are so sturdy and foreign creditors so encouraged, Brazilian borrowers are being charged less than two percentage points above U.S. Treasury rates.

? When Lula came to power, the S?o Paulo stock market was plunging. But now, it has been booming. Brazil?s Bovespa Index rose 15% in 2004, 30% in 2005, 35% in 2006. And over the past five years, the most widely traded Brazil ETF (EWZ) has surged from $13.35 per share to $45.77 at Friday?s close, a rise of 243%.

But from everything I can see, this is just the beginning.

Next: The Take-Off Phase

I have deep roots in Brazil.

My first trip to Brazil was in 1953, when I was six years old. I attended primary school in the central state of Goi?s, where the capital city of Bras?lia would later be built. I attended high school in the southern state of S?o Paulo, the industrial powerhouse of Brazil. And I married Elisabeth, whose family owns a sugar plantation in S?o Paulo.

I?ve lost count of how many times I?ve returned to Brazil over the years. But I?ve been going almost every year since I was 20. So that?s easly over 30 trips.

I know the country well. I am in close touch with its strengths and fully aware of its weaknesses. And I can tell you flatly: But Brazil is about to take off.

Not someday in the future! Not if and when this or that problem is resolved! This year!

The clincher: Lula?s second term in office, which began this month, helping to kick off a whole new series of economic reforms.

Until now, for example, Brazilian entrepreneurs had to plow through endless amounts of red tape to start a new business and then pay at least eight different taxes to operate one.

But starting this year, they will enjoy vastly simplified rules for incorporation ... just one, lower tax instead of eight ... plus double the supply of credit.

Also starting this year, investment in Brazil is likely to accelerate. Already, new projects approved by the national development bank have surged 36%. Ford and GM have committed billions to launch new auto models in Brazil. And most significant of all ...

Investments in new Brazilian projects will reach 25% of GDP this year, similar to the levels that have prevailed in China and India!

This investment explosion is key. Without it, China and India would not be where they are today. With it, Brazil is, right at this very moment, revving up for an economic take-off that could rival China?s and India?s.

It won?t happen overnight. Even Lula?s forecast of 5% GDP growth in 2007 is being questioned by some analysts. But with surging investment, Brazil?s economy has the potential to steadily accelerate to China-like growth levels by the end of the decade.

Your Next Steps

You can either wait for Brazil to take off ... and pay much higher prices for Brazil-based investments.

Or you can act now ... and pick up Brazilian companies that are selling for lower price-earnings ratios than the equivalent companies in other emerging markets.

Brazil is best known for its production of agricultural commodities ? first coffee ... then sugar ... then soybeans ... and, most recently, ethanol. (For details, see my free report ?Ethanol Explosion! How to Profit.?)

But Brazil is also among the leading exporters of aircraft ... mineral ores ... metals and steel.

Brazil makes more automobiles than the U.K., Italy, Mexico or India ... and it is the world?s largest maker of cars with flex engines (that can run on either gasoline or ethanol).

No investment is without risks, and Brazil certainly comes with its fair share. But consider some of Brazil?s leading companies traded on U.S. exchanges:

Embraer (ERJ) is a $7 billion company which has steadily risen to the #3 spot among the world?s largest aircraft manufacturers ? ahead of Canada?s Bombardier and surpassed only by Boeing and Airbus.

The company is especially strong in the fast-growing market for regional aircraft ? like the 50-passenger twin-jet ERJ 345 and the 37-passenger ERJ 135.

And it makes military aircraft for transport, training and light attack ? sold not only to the Brazilian Air Force but also to 16 countries in Europe and Latin America, including the United Kingdom, France, Greece, and Mexico.

Since January 2002, while the Dow Jones Industrials has risen by 24.7% through last Friday?s close, Embraer is up 102%, rising four times faster than the Dow.

Petrobr?s (PBR) has done even better, rising twelve times faster than the Dow in the past five years.

The company has achieved Brazil?s long-yearned-for self-reliance in oil and is leading the country?s drive to expanding ethanol exports.

It supplies oil and natural gas to refineries in Brazil and sells surplus production in foreign markets. It refines, transports, exports oil ... buys crude oil and oil derivatives ... owns petrochemical companies and fertilizer plants ... plus invests in natural gas transportation and distribution, as well as electric companies.

But Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (RIO) puts both Embraer and Petrobr?s to shame:

Its shares have skyrocketed 591% over the past five years, rising twenty-four times faster than the Dow.

It recently bought Canada?s INCO copper mines, becoming the largest mining and metals company in the Americas; the second largest in the world.

It is the world?s largest producer and exporter of iron ore and pellets, the world?s second largest producer of nickel, manganese and ferroalloys, and one of the world?s lowest-cost integrated producers of aluminum.

Brazil?s banks have also been growing by leaps and bounds. And the three key Brazilian-owned banks traded on the New York Stock Exchange ? Bradesco (BBD), Ita? (ITU) and Union of Brazilian Banks (UBB) ? have also beat the Dow by a wide margin. Bradesco leads the pack, up 362% since January of 2002, or over 14 times more than the Dow.

When I was growing up in Brazil, it was almost impossible for individual American investors to buy these companies. Today, it?s as easy as buying U.S. shares: Each is available for purchase as American Depository Receipts (ADRs) right here in the U.S.

Or you can use the widely traded Exchange Traded Fund linked to Brazil?s stock market index: iShares MSCI Brazil Index (EWZ), up 243% since January of 2002 (nearly 10 times more than the Dow).

A Final Word

Normally, I spend the holidays with Elisabeth?s family on their farm in the interior. But this year, it was their turn to come to Florida. And since Elisabeth?s mother doesn?t understand English, we subscribed to the Brazilian channels on satellite TV.

That gives her direct access to her favorite soap operas. And as an extra bonus, it also gives me direct access to local news and live events ? including Lula?s inaugural address this month. I missed most of the speech. But I caught his final words:

?God has been generous to me; more than I deserve.

?I asked for strength, God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

?I asked for wisdom, God gave me problems to solve.

?I asked for prosperity, God gave me brains and muscles to work.

?I asked for courage, God gave me dangers to overcome.

?I asked for love, God gave me people in difficulty to help.

?I asked for blessings, God gave me opportunities.

?I received nothing that I asked for, but I received all that I needed.?

Let?s all pray for the same.

Good luck and God bless!

Martin

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About MONEY AND MARKETS

For more information and archived issues, visit http://www.moneyandmarkets.com

MONEY AND MARKETS (MaM) is published by Weiss Research, Inc. and written by Martin D. Weiss along with Sean Brodrick, Larry Edelson, Michael Larson, Nilus Mattive, and Tony Sagami. To avoid conflicts of interest, Weiss Research and its staff do not hold positions in companies recommended in MaM. Nor do we accept any compensation for such recommendations. The comments, graphs, forecasts, and indices published in MaM are based upon data whose accuracy is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Performance returns cited are derived from our best estimates but must be considered hypothetical inasmuch as we do not track the actual prices investors pay or receive. Regular contributors and staff include John Burke, Amber Dakar, Wendy Montes de Oca, Kristen Adams, Jennifer Moran, Red Morgan, and Julie Trudeau.

Attention editors and publishers! Money and Markets issues can be republished. Republished issues MUST include attribution of the author(s) and the following short paragraph:

This investment news is brought to you by Money and Markets. Money and Markets is a free daily investment newsletter from Martin D. Weiss and Weiss Research analysts offering the latest investing news and financial insights for the stock market, including tips and advice on investing in gold, energy and oil. Dr. Weiss is a leader in the fields of investing, interest rates, financial safety and economic forecasting. To view archives or subscribe, visit http://www.MoneyandMarkets.com

? 2007 by Weiss Research, Inc. All rights reserved. 15430 Endeavour Drive, Jupiter, FL 33478

Martin D. Weiss, Ph.D. Martin Weiss is one of the nation?s leading providers of information for investors. As editor of his monthly Safe Money Report, author of The New York Times best-seller, The Ultimate Safe Money Guide, and editor of the free daily investment newsletter, Money and Markets, Dr. Weiss has helped empower hundreds of thousands of readers to make better financial and investment decisions. He boasts a well-trained team of technical analysts providing continuing support in the selection and timing of specific investments. Dr. Weiss has been continually active in pro-bono public service efforts to provide testimony, analysis and data to the U.S. Congress, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Global Settlement, the investment publishing industry and others. He holds a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Columbia University and is fluent in eight European and Asian languages.

Choosing The Right Knee Brace

Knee braces - also known as knee supports and knee pads - are used primarily as protective gear to address several physical conditions and prevent knee-related problems. These braces are a prominent fixture in sports medicine, particularly with injured athletes. Some sports medicine experts classify knee braces into two simple categories. Functional knee braces are used by patients with an ACL tear, damaged ligaments or other injuries to substitute for the injured body part. Individuals using these braces are able to continue doing some activities without requiring surgery. Although functional braces will never be a perfect or permanent replacement to normal ligaments, they definitely offer adequate protection in low-load situations, giving the knee greater stability compared to having no braces at all.

1. Consult Your Doctor

One who is considering wearing a functional knee brace should consult with a doctor. The decision to use the brace would depend on the particular ligament injured, the sport the individual plays, rehabilitation work taken, and other factors. An injured athlete must realize that strengthening, physical therapy and rehabilitation are more important than using a knee brace, which may help prevent a re-injury but not hasten or contribute much to the recovery or healing process.

On the other hand, prophylactic knee braces are more of a preventive measure for healthy athletes. However, research has yielded unclear results if such a brace prevents knee injuries. Although some athletes using prophylactic braces have shown lower MCL tears, other factors have also contributed to injury risk reduction. These factors include the kind of sport played and conditioning, position and other player attributes.

Apprehension has also emerged over the possibility that a prophylactic brace may actually be a hindrance to knee movement and even increase the likelihood of injury. Research shows that this is not the case, as long as the knee brace is correctly fitted and firmly in place.

2. Commercial Knee Braces

The Futuro Knee Support Stabilizing Large is one of several knee braces available in the market. The brace is designed to give athletes or individuals with weakened tendons, muscles or ligaments stable and comfortable support and prevent any re-injury. The Futuro can also be worn the whole day or when the user feels discomfort in doing some activities. The brace also does not hinder movement even as the knee is stabilized.

Magnetic therapy is integrated into Magnetic Wave Knee Support. This brace comes in small/medium and large/extra large sizes and features 12 magnets spread strategically in the neoprene material. The HoMedics knee support also applies heat therapy and cold therapy for aches, sprains and other injuries. The brace also fits the user securely with loop closures and a hook.

The single-size Mueller Sport Care Knee Support Open Patella is used for arthritic knees and minor strains and sprains. The support is made from a soft neoprene blend that enables body heat retention to relieve pain and help maintain knee flexibility. The support is also designed with an open patella, adjustable straps, stretch nylon, and trimmed, smooth edges to ensure a comfortable fit, prevent chafing and easy wear and removal.

3. Knee Braces With Specific Applications

- Arthritic knee braces are made for individuals with arthritis
- Tese braces are also called unloader braces
- These are designed to eliminate pressure on knee joints
- Post-operative braces are designed to immobilize knee joints after an injury or surgery
- Magnetic knee braces work on the assumption that magnetic fields promote various health benefits
- Elastic braces are the ideal option, as they adjust to the natural contour of the knee and leg

About the Author:

For more great knee brace related articles and resources check out http://braces.naturaltherapieshq.com

New trend has Christians becomming walking billboards

There's a a growing movement that has everyday Christians sharing their faith in untraditional ways.

Its called lifestyle evangelism - using the places and situations you find yourself in each day to share your faith.

And it's often done without words at all, through the wearing of Christian clothing and Christian jewelry.

The design and style of religious clothing has changed greatly over the years. This year, it's as sophisticated, stylish and trendy as regular clothing.

The big difference is in the message. Christian T- Shirts, for example, deliver catch Bible verses in sharp and bold designs.
For example, one shirt aimed at sportsmen is in camo green and emblazoned with the image of a huge buck deer. The message reads: Are you Hunting.... For God. A subtle Bible verse accompanies the design.

Another, aimed at football nuts, has the image of a referee with the words Penalty Declined boldly splashed across the chest, followed by Romans 4:8, which says Blessed are they whose sin the Lord does not charge against them.

There are other Christian shirts that parody top TV shows, pop advertising campaigns, slogans and images. One of the most popular sold by by the Christian Christian Shopper Web store is a dark navy shirt that mimmicks the style of the wellknown Abercrombie and Fitch logo.... except the words on this shirt read A Breadcrumb and a Fish and tell the story of the feeding of the 5,000 from Matthew 15, noting that He still works miracles.

Mike Fletcher, the owner of Online Christian Shopper, says Christian clothing has extremely popular this year.

We live in a T-Shirt culture, he says. Too often, the messages on secular T-Shirts is crude or offensive. Christian T-Shirts bring a message of hope and joy. You should hear the stories I get from customers who wear them and end up having very meaningful spiritual conversations with total strangers. They are a great evangelism tool and today's shirts are so sharp and stylish that they can be worn just about everywhere.

Fletcher says industry experts say that a Christian T-Shirt is typically read by over 3,000 people during its lifetime of wear.
They let people literally become living, walking around, breathing billboards for Christ, he says.

While Christian shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and the like are appropriate for everyday wear, there are some situations where they just don't work - like the office or at formal gatherings.

That's where Christian jewelery comes in. It used to be a simple cross was the only choice in Christian jewelry.

That's all changed now as the lifestyle evangelism trend has taken off. Christian rings, necklaces, earrings and braclets have become hugely popular in recent years. Rings in the design of a crown of thorns, with the name Jesus, or bearing the image of a dove or the ancient fish symbol for a Christian are hot sellers. There are even toe rings now for Christians.

The success of Christian clothing and Christian jewelry has spread to other areas.

One of the hottest items this year picks up on the digital music craze. An item just released in time for the 2006 holiday shopping season is a suit for the Apple Computer iPod. The iPod suit is a case that wraps around either the nano or the larger iPod video model. Constructed from soft Neoprene and flexible vinyl, the Pod Suit allows full access to all controls and comes with a sturdy clip is perfect for attaching the iPod to a belt, purse or backpack. It's message? Tune in to God.

Fletcher says Christians are embracing the lifestyle evangelism movement because they have grown tired of being marginalized by society.
People tell me all the time that they want to share their faith but they didn't know how until they realized that they could make a statement by the clothes they wear, he says. They love being able to let the world know that they follow Christ and that all is not gloom and doom out there.

About the Author

Online Christian Shopper (http://www.onlinechristianshopper.com) is one of the Internet's most popular Christian Websites, specializing in Christian clothing, Christian jewelry and Christian art posters. The site's companion Web log is at http://www.faithfulchristian.com/blog

Fan Club Owners & Celebrity Gossip Writers: Earn Money!

Even for those of us who avert our eyes in the grocery check-out aisle so as not to be caught scanning the latest gossip rags, we have to admit to curiosity at times. Ah, the life of a celebrity. The good life. What is it that fascinates so many of us?

The popularity of the magazines like People and the entertainment shows are big business. We now have celebrity gossip writers creating blogs with loyal and growing followings. Many of these bloggers actually meet the people who are providing the juicy tid-bits. A few bloggers themselves are now being interviewed on television.

The unofficial fan club sites of actors, singers and sports figures are booming like never before thanks to the internet. Now there's a dedicated bunch of people. Some moderate their own forums.

Even though they may write about the lives of the rich and famous, they too have to make a living. On the websites and blogs I've esearched one thing usually could be said for most of the sites. Advertising.

Some companies buy advertising space on the most popular sites. Most of the owners have those little ads known as Adsense. Visitors click on the Adsense ads and the webmaster earns money.

But now there is even a better way for them to add value to their fan sites and gossip blogs. First, I would ask them a question if I could speak with them.

What's the one thing visitors to your site would be interested in buying? Right! Anything to do with their favorite celebrities. CDs, DVDs, clothing, perfume, accessories and memorabilia of all kinds.

Where can all this merchandise be found in one place? eBay! What would it mean for you and your visitors if there was a way to offer them the number one shopping place in the whole wide world?

Don't worry. You wouldn't be holding auctions, packing and shipping. You would have the means of affiliating with eBay to supply the fans anything they could possibly want associated with their favorite actor, singer or sports figure.

If you had a fan site on (pick a name), you could design a store just targeted with items by and about (name, again)! Seeing the possibilities? Wouldn't your site take on a whole new dimension?

BANS or Build A Niche Store would be your vehicle, baby. It can and will take you anywhere you want to go.

Yes, I even have an example to show you of this newly developed system. It's a site on Snoop Dogg. Here you can see what the owner has accomplished from using their own Build A Niche Store. I think your head will soon be spinning with ideas. But, first you have to drop by for a test drive.

(c) 2006 Karen Cook

Karen Cook works in a Public Library where she researches information for the patrons, even about celebrities. Drop by for a preview. http://addebay.blogspot.com

How Clear is Your Vision?

Visualisation is an invaluable skill to develop to enhance success and achievement. Why? Because almost every human achievement and creation throughout history was first enacted or created in the mind of a man or woman. A clear vision of exactly what you actually want is an essential step for any person serious about bringing their dreams to reality.

The more clearly you can see yourself having achieved your goals and enjoying the rewards, the more it is going to motivate you to make the plans and take the actions necessary to achieve your goals.

It's also important not to be vague about what it is you desire, you must fill in as much detail as possible.

For example, if you decide you want an expensive sports car, to just keep telling yourself you want a sports car is of little or no use. You need to decide the make, model, colour, and all the features you want your new car to include. You also need add emotion - see yourself driving this car, smell the upholstery and feel the pleasure and excitement of owning the car, and the sense of pride and satisfaction of having achieved what you set out to do.

If you want to buy or build your dream home, you need to have a clear vision of exactly what your home will look like, the floor plan, how many rooms it will have, how each room will be decorated, how the grounds will be laid out, where it will be located, and so on.

Also think about why you want whatever it is that you want, as the stronger your reasons, the more motivated you will be, and the more effective your visualization will be.

If you desire material possessions, it doesn't matter if you can't currently go close to affording them. In the case of character traits or skills, it doesn't matter how far you are now from where you want to be. The important thing is to first establish exactly what you desire in detail, and having powerful enough reasons for wanting it.

Time should then be regularly dedicated to visualising your dreams and goals as if they are already achieved. By doing this you are priming your subconscious mind to move you towards your goals.

This may sound like a bit 'pie in the sky', but this a proven technique. The latest brain research also confirms this is much more than mere daydreaming.

Without getting too technical, our subconscious mind is by far the most powerful part of our brain, It effectively operates our bodies and our internal organs, and allows us to carry out simple daily actions, like walking, talking or driving, and everything else we do, without even having to think.

It also records virtually everything that ever happens to us, including many things we aren't even consciously aware of, and provides us with our intuition, our hunches and the inner voices that guide our actions. It thinks creatively and spontaneously, rather than logically and analytically.

This is why, perhaps most importantly of all, it accepts everything that our conscious mind presents to it as reality, and it will then go to work to create this reality. This is a simple explanation why, as has been said countless times by countless people - that we actually achieve, become and experience, what we spend most time thinking about.

Brain research also indicates that our brains are naturally action orientated and think in positives. This means for example, if you tell a child 'don't spill the milk' you actually increase, rather than reduce, the chances of the child spilling the milk, as the subconscious mind only registers 'spill the milk'.

Therefore, if you spend time hoping that the worst won't happen, or constantly think about your problems, you are as good as encouraging the exact outcome you don't want, or asking for more problems. On the other hand, if you actively focus on solutions and the outcomes you want to achieve, and optimistically expect the best, you automatically move in the direction of your goals.

To really get moving towards you goals, work at building up as detailed pictures as possible, and add emotional intensity by seeing yourself having achieved your goals, and enjoying the feelings that these achievements bring.

Work at visualising, and really seeing these pictures regularly, as repetition is necessary to ensure any old negative images are replaced. Try to clear your mind of any other thoughts first. When you are drifting off to sleep, or as you are waking in the morning, tend to be good times for many people, as the mind tends to be more receptive when not fully awake. Visualisation can also work very well when combined with meditation techniques. Experiment to find what works best for you.

This makes your subconscious, creative mind go to work motivating and guiding you to make the plans, break your goals down into manageable chunks, and take the necessary actions. It will also connect you to inexplicable forces that will assist you, and help to create the circumstance to ensure you achieve your goals.

If you make the effort to regularly focus on and visualise your goals, no matter what worries or problems you are facing, you will eventually find you are thinking about them most of the time, and that you become a more positive, optimistic, happy and successful person.

You must see your goals clearly and specifically before you can set out for them. Hold them in your mind until they become second nature. - Les Brown
About the Author

Garry Zancanaro is founder of a href= http://www.selfimprovementdirectory.com/ SelfImprovementDirectory.com visit to claim a FREE Think and Grow Rich, and creator of a href= http://www.supersuccesslibrary.com/ SuperSuccessLibrary.com a collection of the Best Success Resources

Video Game Awards 2006

The video game award for 2006 where held on Spike TV on Wednesday December 13th, the result are list below.

GAME OF THE YEAR

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Winner

Gears of War

Guitar Hero II

Tom Clancy?s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfigher

BEST ACTION GAME

Dead Rising Winner

New Super Mario Brothers

Okami

Saints Row

Bully

BEST INDIVIDUAL SPORTS GAME

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis Winner

EA Sports Fight Night Round 3

Tony Hawk?s Project 8

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07

Top Spin 2

BEST TEAM SPORTS GAME

NBA 2K7 Winner

Madden NFL 07

NCAA Football 07

FIFA Soccer 07

NHL 07

CYBER VIXEN OF THE YEAR

Laura Croft - Tomb Raider

Alyx Vance - Half-Life 2 Episode 1 Winner

Princess Peach - Super Mario Brothers

Enrica - Tom Clancy?s Splinter Cell Double Agent

Jen - Prey

BEST GAME BASED ON A MOVIE

Lego Star Wars II: The original Trilogy Winner

The Godfather

Scarface: The World is Yours

The Sopranos: Road to Respect

Family Guy

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN ? MALE

Seth MacFarlane - Family Guy

Gerry Rosenthal - Bully

Patrick Stewart - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Winner

Johnny Depp - Pirates of the Caribbean: The legend of Jack Sparrow

Kiefer Sutherland - 24: The Game

BEST SUPPORTING MALE PERFORMANCE

Seth Green - Family Guy

James Woods - Scarface: The World is Yours

James Caan - Godfather

James Gandolfini - The Sopranos: Road to Respect Winner

BEST PERFORMANCE BY A HUMAN ? FEMALE

Vida Guerra - Scarface: The World is Yours Winner

Tia Carrere - Saints Row

Emmanuelle Vaugier - Need for Speed Carbon

Keely Haws - Tomb Raider: legend

Rosario Dawson - Marc Ecko?s Getting up: Content under pressure

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE PERFORMANCE

Rachael Leigh Cook - Kingdom Hearts II Winner

Elisha Cuthbert - 24: The Game

Brittany Murphay - Marc Ecko?s Getting up: Content under pressure

Mila Kunis - Family Guy

Lynda Carter - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Best Cast

Godfather

Family Guy Winner

Scarface: The World is Yours

Saints Row

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

Loco Roco No Uta - Loco Roco

Lights and Sounds? by Yellowcard - Burnout Revenge Winner

Bloc Party - Helicopter - When I get up

AFI - Summer Shudder - Madden 07

Heavenly Star - Lumines 2

BEST SOUNDTRACK

Madden NFL 07

Scarface: The World is Yours

Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories

Guitar Hero II Winner

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Winner

Bully

Elektroplankton

Okami

Final Fantasy XII

STUDIO OF THE YEAR

Clover Studio (Okami)

Relic (Company of Heroes)

Cliff Bleszinski /Epic Games - Gears of Wars Winner

Todd Howard /Bethesda Softworks - Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Winner

Harmonix (Guitar Hero II)

PONTIAC BEST DRIVING GAME AWARD (Viewer?s Choice)

Burnout Revenge (XBox 360) Winner

Need for Speed Carbon

Toca Race Driver 3

GTR 2

MOST ADDICTIVE GAME FUELED BY MOUNTAIN DEW (Viewer?s Choice)

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Winner

Brain Age: Train your Brain in Minutes a day

Gears of War

Guitar Hero II

Company of Heroes

BEST FIGHTING GAME

Mortal Kombat Armageddon Winner

Dead or Alive 4

Tekken Dark Resurrection

Street Fighter Alpha Anthology

God Hand

BEST ACTION Game

Dead Rising Winner

New Super Mario Brothers

Okami

Saints Row

Bully

BEST MILITARY GAME

Company of Heroes Winner

Tom Clancy?s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Call of Duty 3

The Outfit

Battlefield 2142

BEST GRAPHICS

Gears of War Winner

Okami

Tom Clancy?s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Company of Heroes

BEST Wireless GAME

Dinner Dash

Swat Force Winner

Tower Bloxx

Super KO Boxing

BEST MULTIPLAYER GAME

Gears of War Winner

Company of Heroes

Metal Gear Solid 3: Substance

Tom Clancy?s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Tom Clancy?s Splinter Cell Double Agent

BEST BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Wii Winner

Xbox 360 (Microsoft Game Studios)

PS3

DS Lite

Elecktroplanton

BEST PC GAME

Company of Heroes Winner

Half-Life 2: Episode 1

Battlefield 2142

Star Wars: Empire at War

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

BEST RPG

Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Winner

Final Fantasy XII

Kingdom Hearts II

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

BEST Handheld GAME

New Super Mario Brothers Winner

Brain Age: Train your Brain in Minutes a day

Grand Theft Auto Vice City Stories

Tetris DS

Loco Roco

Kirk Jensen Owner of: www.gameznstuff.com

www.gameznstuff.net

How to Cure Lower Back Pain In Days

My husband had lower back pain for 10 years. X-rays had revealed that he had a slightly slipped disc in his back. He had been to see Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Sports Therapists, Acupuncturists, Physiotherapists and nothing had worked.

Eventually he allowed the pain to control him and he grew frustrated and worried daily about how he would play with our children when the time came.

After 10 years and an unknown amount spent on professionals we were willing to try anything.

We experimented with various techniques and this is what we found:

When we focus on something, we give it energy.

When we focus on pain, we attract pain.

When we focus on love, we attract love.

Our bodies are designed to be healthy- If your body is in a state of dis-ease it is trying to tell you something is wrong.

There may be various reasons why your body has created this dis-ease and it is up to you to play detective. In my husband?s case it was more than one reason.

Firstly, he lower back region of the body relates to support and finances. My husband has not had the support he needed from his family and friends and whenever we returned from a family visit his back was much worse.

Secondly, he might be creating the lower back pain in order to NOT participate. Now I know this might sound like self sabotage and that is EXACTLY what it is. In order for him to not make a fool of himself or fail at the activity he simply gave himself back pain as an excuse to not even try.

Now, you have to understand that this is all SUBCONSCIOUSLY. He did not ?give? himself pain knowingly.

Your subconscious is immensely powerful.

It has a primary goal: To make whatever you believe to be true.

Say, ?My back is killing me today? and it will probably hurt twice as much as it normally does.

Pay attention to your words and thoughts. Your subconscious is ALWAYS listening.

And that?s why we decided to use it to our advantage.

Affirmations. Ever heard of them? Yes, the mantras you recite over and over to yourself in the hope that what you say comes true.

Well, guess what?

They work!

He wrote the following on a small piece of cardboard and carried it in his pocket and every time he went to the bathroom he would repeat it over and over- about 50 ? 100 times a day.

I LOVE BEING PAIN FREE AND BEING ABLE TO DO AND ENJOY ANYTHNG I WANT

And the lower back pain disappeared within 3 days and he is now able to do exercises (the ?cobra pose? in Yoga is a great exercise for strengthening the lower back).

He still uses the affirmations and does 50 ?cobra? repetitions a day and so far is still free from lower back pain.

What a pleasure!

Lana Rolfe is a Life therapist and qualified in various alternative therapies. She runs a successful private practice where she assists people in becoming their SublimeSelf?. Her goal is to raise awareness of the body?s own ability to heal itself and to share proven methods with millions around the world. To learn more visit the Alternative Medicine Natural Healing web site today!

Use Self Belief To Shape Your Own Destiny

Of all the things that go towards shaping our destiny, it is our belief in our own abilities which has the greatest influence. Our level of self belief determines whether we succeed or fail to achieve our dreams and ambitions. As Henry Ford said If you think you can, you're right. If you think you can't, you're right.



I was watching a program on the Biography Channel the other day which illustrated the truth of Henry Ford's words and highlighted the importance of self-belief. The subject of this program dropped out of the educational system without a degree, in fact, he quit school before he even reached college age and left school with woefully inadequate qualifications. The reason for this academic failure was a combination of dyslexia and general lack of interest in school work.



Sadly, the lack of academic achievement was accompanied by a complete lack of prowess on the sports field. To top it all off, as well as being a dunce and a sporting failure, the poor kid was not even good looking. He did not have rich parents to give him financial support . His parents were not business owners, so there was no chance of a career via nepotism. He had no obvious skills or talent, so a career as an artist or musician was not an option.



This sounded like the stereotypical beginning for a person who will at best survive by taking low-paid employment and, at worst, will drift into a life of crime as a way of snatching what he is incapable of earning. His school headmaster is credited with saying on his premature departure from the education system, ?I feel sure you will either end up in prison or become a millionaire'. To entertain the idea that this person had any prospect of becoming a millionaire, you would have to know his character. We can only see the external disadvantages, the headmaster was aware of the strength of character and depth of self belief existing within this person. That self-belief more than made up for any lack of education and academic qualifications.



One thing the prospective jailbird/millionaire had was the ability to spot a niche for a new business. No, this is not a story of luck bringing an instant rags to riches transformation. Unfortunately his first two business ventures failed miserably. Did this set him on a path of serial business failures? Not at all, the failures probably taught him valuable lessons. He started the first business at the age of seven, so the chances of real success were pretty remote! The fact that he had sufficient self-belief to start his first business before he even reached his teenage years gives us a clue as to his character.



The condensed version of the rest of this biography is that the hero of the story built a successful business before he reached his twenties, was a millionaire by the age of 25 and was the owner of a Caribbean island before he was thirty. He did not stop working then, he went on from flamboyant success to even bigger flamboyant success, setting records and achieving the apparently impossible.



The subject of the TV program was Sir Richard Branson who is, at the time of writing, a billionaire several times over. He has attributed his success to hard work, belief in his business ventures and a willingness to take risks. These risks have included the well publicised (and life threatening) hot-air balloon journeys, starting a business on borrowed capital and taking risks in business where the potential losses were huge.



It is self-belief which made it possible to take those risks. Without belief in himself, Richard Branson would not have dared to borrow the money to start his first business as a magazine publisher after leaving school. Without self-belief the balloon challenges would not have been contemplated. Without self-belief the ambition to own an airline would have remained just a dream.



It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself. Those words were said by Muhammad Ali but they sum up the essence of what makes any person able to reach his goals in life. We must learn to sow and cultivate self-belief if we wish to achieve the harvest of our dreams.







For more articles about self morivation in business visit Elaine Currie's Work At Home Directory For more about writing visit the Writing Tips website.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING OR ANY OTHER TIME ONLINE SHOPPING IS HERE TO STAY

THE PROBLEM: O.K., part of the excitement of holiday shopping is fighting bad weather, sneaking into that last parking spot, feeling like a sardine as you are pancaked in the mall, not finding those perfect gifts and settling for an almost perfect gift, rude sales clerks, $5 for cold chop suey, or was it a taco, or maybe some weird health food dish mistakenly purchased in the wrong line ... - well perhaps excitement is not the right word for it. There may be a solution that would avoid all of the above!

THE SOLUTION: What about a mall that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; no crowds, no lines, no waiting; virtually unlimited selection; salesclerks can always find your requests (that are not rude); the ability to find auto accessories, baby gifts. computers, personalized gifts, home improvement items, coffee, cool food items, toys, video games, sporting goods, jewelry, --- all from the same comfy computer chair. Most traditional retail stores understand the power and future of the internet and have made their products available online. Some even have web-only specials.

THE PLAYERS: Companies such as Wal*Mart, Service Merchandise, Starbucks, Office Max, Blockbuster, eBay, Hickory Farms, Bits and Pieces, My Twinn, Omaha Steaks, NBA Store, Shutterfly, Lenox, Franklin Mint, Rubbermaid, Bombay Company, Bass Pro Shops, Pet Care Central, Amazon, All Posters, Charles Tyrwhitt, Jos. A Bank, Florsheim, Dunham's Sports, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Radisson Hotels, The Shopping Channel, Dickie's, Columbia house, Road Runner Sports, Dell Systems, CHEFS, NetFlix, Diamonds International, Disney Movie Club, Christianbook, and many others have very aggressive internet marketing departments. All of this without ever having to spend a penny on gas!

THE DELIVERY: With the improvement of shipping efficiency by companies such as UPS, FedEx and DHL, even regular shipping for items are normally 2-3 days. Since most last-minute shopping is caused by not being able to find the time to get to the mall, receiving the items in time from an online purchase should be a piece of cake. Another idea could be to have the item directly shipped to Uncle Bob and Aunt Jane to avoid the additional headache of getting to the post office and paying additional much needed funds to get the present there on time.

THE SECURITY SOLUTION: There has certainly been a great deal of publicity about security issues for internet shoppers. A few small but important considerations should reduce many security/privacy concerns: making sure the actual purchasing site (where your credit card information is requested) shows up as https, making sure the company is registered with a security company such as VeriSign or Thawte, and dealing with reputable retailers. Most online sites accept all major credit cards. Some accept PayPal, Google Checkout, and online checks. All of these options are designed to improve your online shopping experience.

THE REWARD: So during this holiday season, remember the real reason for the season: celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and spend more time with your family (and save money on gas and gifts by onlining your shopping experience!).

Find hundreds of gifts ideas from the above online merchants and many more (new companies added weekly) at http://www.virtualmallcity.com.

http://www.MarshfieldMoInfo.com is a portal site that contains a number of different websites on a variety of subjects: Virtual Mall, Web Site Design and Hosting, Wedding Gown Preservation, Bridal Veils, and Unique Baby Items.

About the Author

www.MarshfieldMoInfo.com is a portal site that contains a number of different websites on a variety of subjects: Virtual Mall, Web Site Design and Hosting, Wedding Gown Preservation, Bridal Veils, and Unique Baby Items.

Ford's Comeback Lacks Momentum

General Motors Corp. is heading toward recovery. And Ford Motor Co. is expected to follow after. Though it is apparently exerting efforts, they still lack momentum to save the sputtering automaker.

Ford earlier announced its campaign involving zero-percent financing and $1,000 savings on range of brands. These strategies are aimed at increasing the February sales by 3.4 percent. But February sales turned out to be a frustration. But Mark Fields, the Ford Americas president, is still confident the automaker could still achieve its turnaround goals for the year.

The automaker received more bad marks on its latest internal report card. The report card was shared to ford?s employees following Fields' weekly Webcast. The report card reflects that the automaker?s February retail sales in the United States were worse than the company projected they would be a month ago.

The recovery plan require for the company to hold onto just over ten percent of the domestic retail market in February. Last month, it said that was improbable but it contended the company could hold the line at ten percent. Nevertheless, Ford only managed to claim a 9.8 percent share in February, missing the target by about 1,900 units.

The automaker blamed the results on weaker than expected sales of the Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, Ford Mustang sports car and the F-series pickup. But with the new ad campaigns, executives are confident that sales will return to the right track. The ad campaign challenges consumers to compare Ford products to the product line of rival manufacturers.

Ford spokesman Oscar Suris said the numbers presented to employees only show part of the picture. This is not a comprehensive look at everything affecting the business, Suris said in an interview. There are other areas where we are ahead of schedule. Overall, we are where we expected to be at this point.

According to the report card, 39 percent of those surveyed said they had an excellent view of Ford. That's better than our domestic competitors, Suris said, though he said the company still has a ways to go before catching up with Japanese brands like Toyota. We don't want to stay there. The document also showed that financial weakness at many of Ford's suppliers continues to be a challenge.

During his webcast, Fields said improving brand favorability is a key objective of Ford's recovery plan. Fields also challenged employees to talk up the company's new products with everyone they know, saying word-of-mouth marketing can help change the way people look at Ford.

Ford is motivated to make a moving change this year to alleviate its standing. This change could be triggered by powerful campaigns, auto parts upgrade, and efficient work plan. The heat of the auto competition is getting hotter to test not just the performance of Gibson exhaust but the survival instinct of the automakers.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

Does Your Soulder Need A Shoulder To Cry On?

A healthy shoulder is a result of good muscle balance. To have a good muscle balance it is imperative to understand the role of mechanics and blood circulation. This is of vital importance, especially in athletes competing in sports that involve continuous shoulder movement. It is also important for these athletes to understand the importance of training and exercise to treat shoulder injuries. Shoulder injuries are very specific and certain injuries tend to worsen when exercised in a particular way. It is easy to avoid the worsening exercises but hard to recognize the exercises that can rehabilitate a specific shoulder injury.

Most shoulder injuries are caused by muscular imbalance. This imbalance is usually caused by a sport specific training regimen. Some muscles become highly developed and strong while the others remain where they were. In case of shoulder injury in an athlete the following is recommended:

1. Until and unless the cause of the injury is determined, the shoulder should not be exercised in any way.

2. In case of inflammation apply ice.

3. Isolate the part that is injured - ligaments, tendons etc. and the area of injury. The most susceptible parts for a shoulder injury are bicipital groove and coracobrachialis. In case of a tear to the ligament or tendon, surgery becomes important.

Weight lifters and power lifters are mostly prone to shoulder injuries of a different nature. Muscles keep the shoulder joint in place including the glenoid cavity that accommodates the ball-and-socket in which the head of the humerus plays. Weight lifters are prey to a very common shoulder injury - over rotation of the arm caused by a too strong pectoralis musculature. The muscles along with teres major, try to cause rotation against the rotator cuff causing shoulder injury.

Prevention and treatment comprises of:

1. Restoring nerve supply.
2. Relieve the spasm causing the shoulder injury by acupressure right in the middle of the pectoralis and teres major.
3. Cut off all exercise aggravating shoulder injury and any contraindicating exercise directly or indirectly contributing to shoulder injury.

Healing is possible on restoration of nerves and blood circulation. After going through a few chiropractic treatments and assessing the progress, a rehabilitation exercise regimen can be prescribed. These exercises should be free hand to begin with and weights could be introduced at a later stage. Consumption of calcium and magnesium is recommended through diets rich in these minerals.

The treatment should be kept as short as possible keeping in mind the response of the patient suffering from shoulder injury. The patient should feel comfortable with the exercise regimen and progress without any unnecessary acceleration.
About the Author

Julian Hall - Director of Claims
Master Group.
Personal Injury Claim,No
Win No Fee,

Shoulder Injury Advice

Child Birthday Gift Ideas

 



Child Birthday Gift IdeasSubmitted By: Misti Norusis  

Picking that perfect birthday gift for a child is always an exciting experience, but can also be rather challenging. Possibilities are countless, the choice of a birthday gift will depend on the resources available to the giver, and many other considerations, like the child?s age, sex, and interest. Think about clothes, shoes, little girl jewelry, trinkets, fairy tale stuff, art materials, dolls, toys, playhouses, vanity sets, music boxes, racing cars, robots, and many others. Can you say Cash, perhaps?

Here are some gift ideas for the birthday girl or birthday boy.

Newborn to 1 year: On the baby?s first few months, colorful toys like fancy rattles, flash cards and large picture books will keep the baby entertained, also nice soothing music. Activity quilts, decorated with animals or soft dolls, cloth books, bath toys or baby swings come useful. Be sure that the quilts are free of button noses and eyes, and small parts.

Ages 1 to 3: When a toddler turns one year old, he or she will engage in more active play, like climbing, jumping and exploring. Toys for building basic structure and those that can be used in active play will be preferred. Examples of gifts that will impress this age group are Kid's Rocking Horses and Rockers, and educational toys.

Ages 3-5: This is the stage for a child?s creative and imaginative play. A child likes building recognizable structures, and uses smaller and more complex pieces. Your child now prefers playing in groups, and will show interest in toys that can be shared with friends. Examples of gifts that will impress this age group are pull toys, pretend play like puppet theaters, child sleeping bags and kitchen sets.

Ages 5 to 7: Children now develop stronger muscles. Coordination is improved, and so is dexterity. They develop a degree of competitiveness, and interaction becomes complex. Your children also become interested in home activities like, arts and crafts, reading, writing, and collecting. Look for activities involving arts, music, outside play, and sports. Children in this age group want more complex things to play with?more difficult games like card games, and more complex puzzles. Older children like reading easy novels, favorite stories, children's recipe books, and diaries. Examples of gifts that will impress this age group are child art easels and child sleeping bags. Unique child furniture like rocking chairs and toy boxes also make for great gifts.

Sometimes, it is a good idea to stock up on gifts, especially the small stuff, and those that do not get spoiled when kept in storage for a few months so that they can always come handy.

When giving gifts that take a lot of space, consider the size of the house where the family lives. Also, if the celebrant has other siblings, bear in mind that the gift items you have in mind, especially toys, might already be available in their home. Try to avoid the possibility of duplications.

If you are very close to the parents of the celebrant, and if you feel that they would not mind, ask what the birthday celebrant might need. This way, you will be able to get that almost perfect gift idea for the little one.

Article Tags: age, play, toys

Sell Coins Medals and Tokens on eBay

Tell me: what does the word ?coins? conjure up in your mind?s eye? Is it neat velour covered boxes with a multitude of shiny coins sitting neatly in slots and covered in perspex, or coins hidden below ground centuries ago to safeguard one's wealth from wayside robbers and vagabonds?

And ?medals?? Do you see long rows of brightly colored gongs and ribbon with some long dead soldier?s name carved on the side, or Cruft?s Championship Tokens, ?Blue Peter? giveaways, some Boy Scout's best attempt at tying reef knots or thousands more alongside?

And what of tokens? Love tokens? Bus tokens?

I?ll tell you what coins, medals and tokens mean to me - an immensely popular eBay collecting category with hot selling products and little competition.

An eBay PowerSeller's dream come true and also a great way to lose money, lots of money, if you're not careful.

YOU MUST SPECIALISE

Most certain profits come from unusual and even unique medals in specific high interest collectible sub-categories. Study the niches and you'll always succeed. So instead of buying and selling 'medals'; namely any medals, coins and tokens, go for Boer War Military Medals, Police Dog Bravery Medals. For coins, opt for limited edition collectors' sets and buy when they are new, store them safely away for a few years, promote them outside their area of origin and expect decent or magnificent profits. For tokens, choose mining tokens from a colliery long since closed, possibly one with a sad or tragic history of serious accidents. For sports medals and tokens, choose popular sports like golf and cricket, motor cycling and football.

SUB-CATEGORY: MILITARY MEDALS

Military medals vary in price according to actual battles and recipient?s rank, also level of bravery involved. So a bravery medal awarded to a high-ranking officer in the First World War ? long battle period, wide scale action, many countries involved ? might - be worth less than one awarded for similar level of bravery, to similar service rank, in a shorter war involving fewer countries and smaller geographic scale, such as Vietnam, Falklands War, Iraqi War. Only 'might' remember because two or more people desperate to have an otherwise common item can start another war, a bidding war with fierce bidding and high finishing prices.

TIPS

* Beware of re-engraved medals. It was quite common for men who lost their own medals or were less than proud of their own service status, to buy another man?s medals and remove the name and re-engrave with their own names.

* Medals were worn with pride and polished sometimes daily causing wear and reducing value. Medals dropped or otherwise facing heavy use get damaged and are also worth less than their pristine counterparts.

* Fakes abound for really rare medals so aim to prove authenticity such as by checking vendor's background for military decorated relatives, check letters and photographs, consult military records for really high price items.

Avril Harper is a business writer and eBay PowerSeller who has produced several guides to making money from eBay, including MAKE MONEY TEARING UP OLD BOOKS AND MAGAZINES AND SELLING THEM ON EBAY which you can read about at: http://www.magstoriches.com 103 POWERSELLER TIPS can be downloaded with other freely distributable reports and eBooks at http://www.avrilharper.com

MustHave Mirrors

Famous auto parts suppliers come and go, but only those that are well trusted by consumers last and are established. One of these brands is CIPA, famous for its quality mirrors. Established in France in 1926, CIPA has been an innovative industry leader for over 65 years, playing a major role in the design evolution of rear view mirrors. Big clients in the European market include top auto manufacturers BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, Renault, and Volkswagen. CIPA-USA was a subsidiary of France until 1985. Huge US clients include Chrysler and Ford, whose vehicles are most often spotted with CIPA mirrors. At present, CIPA-USA is the only company in the world that has a full line of mirrors for all watercraft types. Hence, US' finest boats, motorcycles, watercraft and snowmobiles use CIPA mirrors as well.

Over the years, CIPA has shown constant growth. Manufacturing its products in the US, France, and Asia, its quality products in every category continue to set sales volumes records. Among CIPA's trademarks that customers just cannot resist are good customer service and on-time delivery. Hence, it's not surprising that CIPA mirrors were able to penetrate into every automotive market, considering CIPA's humble beginning as a car rear view manufacturer. For instance, 100% of the mirrors of tournament ski boats manufactured in the US today are supplied by CIPA.

What is it about CIPA mirrors that have made them number one throughout the years? Topping the list is these mirrors' superior precise construction from the toughest plastics to make them last for a lifetime. Broken mirrors at the slightest pressure will never be of sight when it's a CIPA mirror you have installed. And speaking of installing, there's no need to install CIPA mirrors as they slip right on. Made for exact fit, CIPA mirrors are also guaranteed not to damage your existing mirror.

Options abound with CIPA's mirrors as CIPA manufactures a wide variety guaranteed to suit your specific needs. Their mirror lines like the passenger vehicle Custom CIPA Mirror line are equipped with lots of convenient features. For example, when you're driving in unfamiliar territory or in the dark, CIPA mirrors that feature a compass, temperature sensor, and map lights would be beneficial. When cruising in icy conditions, CIPA mirrors equipped with an ice warning that flashes when the temperature drops below freezing is truly a necessity. Another good feature of CIPA mirrors is the ability to sense ambient light and glare from behind the vehicle.

For racing and sports fanatics, there is a CIPA mirror especially made: the CIPA Optic Custom Sport Mirror. This mirror actually comes in several styles. The CIPA Optic Glow Mirrors are manual sports mirrors featuring green or blue LEDs that produce a glowing effect. The CIPA Optic LED signal mirror features forward amber signals for style and safety and offers a more classic and luxurious style, coming in black and carbon fiber finishes.

Among the latest innovations CIPA has introduced deals with their towing mirror line. Manufactured by CIPA-USA, CIPA towing mirrors are well designed and versatile, available for a wide range of vehicles and come in many styles and sizes. One product in CIPA's towing mirror line is the Slide On Custom Towing Mirror. With its sleek, aerodynamic make, the Slide On Custom Towing Mirror greatly increase the driver's range of vision for towing safety.
About the Author

Jeremy Stotzenberg is a auto enthusiast having his own shop catering to customized cars in San Mateo, California. He sells car accessories such as, floor mats, cargo liners, and a range of CIPA products. He aims to reach out for more clients through the Internet.

Airsoft vs. Paintball

Airsoft and paintball are pretty similar sports, and they can be played exactly the same way. There are a few key differences, such as that airsoft is used more in military and law enforcement reenactments than paintball. In this sense, gameplay can differ, but people use paintball guns for reenactments as well (just not as often). If you look at the big picture, the games aren?t that different, but sometimes strategy and tactics must be changed depending on the specs of your and your opponent?s gun.

The guns used in airsoft and paintball differ greatly. Paintball guns have a hopper that you pour paintballs into, while airsoft guns use clips. Therefore, loading and unloading is usually easier in airsoft, as is carrying around extra clips. In paintball, you need to have a vest or belt to put large cylinders of paintballs into. That doesn?t mean that airsoft has paintball trumped in this category. Paintball guns can usually carry more ammo than an airsoft gun, and you can still reload relatively quickly.

Ammunition; paintballs in paintball, 6mm BBs in airsoft. This is an important thing to consider. In a forest, there are many tiny branches that can break paintballs, thus stopping them from reaching their target. You have to find a very open area without any obstructions. Airsoft pellets are very small and the likelihood of them hitting tiny obstacles is miniscule. Also, in many cases they can be more accurate than paintballs, so it may not take as much time for a game to end as it might with paintball. The speed, in FPS, of airsoft is also usually higher (between 300fps and 400fps). It can be as low as 120fps, but that isn?t very efficient in an airsoft game. Paintballs can also be dodged; it doesn?t happen often, but if you see one coming toward you in advance it is easy to move out of the way. Airsoft pellets are too small to see at a high-speed, and dodging is basically out of the question. Therefore, overall, in the case of ammunition, airsoft has the advantage.

The next item on the list is maneuverability. Airsoft guns are definitely easy to hold and run with, while with paintball there are big and bulky external CO????????????????????????2 and N2 (or compressed air) containers. Also, the hopper can sometimes get in the way. One gets used to how paintball guns are made, but shooting an airsoft gun is, well, somewhat of a relief. Some people have made advanced apparatuses where CO?2 is on their backs, and a tube from the paintball gun coils around into the tank on their back. I personally saw a man with two paintball guns, each with two tubes extending from the guns to the back-CO2 tanks. It was pretty cool. Anyways, it is clear that airsoft beats paintball in maneuverability.

Another important thing is maintenance. Paintball guns you do need to oil, clean, and of course refill CO2? (depending on how much you play, frequently). If you have a gas airsoft gun, that will also needed to be refilled, but electric and spring airsoft guns require no gas at all. Both kinds of guns can break if not properly maintained. Paintball guns need the barrel regularly cleaned, although that is relatively simple. Most of the time, paintball guns have more parts than airsoft guns, and they may be more costly to repair, but crucial problems rarely occur in either gun type.

The thing about airsoft is people can cheat very easily. In paintball, the ball explodes and the paint is very visible on the person. Sure, one could wipe off the paint, but people rarely risk it because if they are caught, well, they are in trouble. However, somebody can get hit in airsoft and just shake it off. If there are two very competitive people playing, and they keep getting hit, one or the other can?t really prove it, unless they are close enough up to see the pellet hit the person. Airsoft relies on the honesty system, and sometimes that isn?t enough. 6mm paintballs are always an option, but they can break in the barrel, and that causes problems.

The superior product really is a matter of opinion, as there is no clear-cut winner. Each type of gun has its own advantages and disadvantages. Usually, if you start with paintball, you?ll stick with paintball, and likewise with airsoft.

To find high-quality, cheap airsoft guns, visit http://www.mrairsoft.com. MrAirsoft has lots of awesome airsoft gas pistols

Houses in Amritsar malls at Ludhiana

The Chadha group, promoted by liquor baron Ponty Chadha, plans major expansion of real estate business across North India. The group plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore over the next two years to start a number of residential and commercial projects in various cities of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

Other than the Westend Estate project started in Mohali, the group is in the final stages of land acquisition for setting up a residential project in Amritsar. The group also plans to set up townships in Jalandhar and Ludhiana, besides establishing malls through a separate company -- AB Motions -- at Ludhiana and Mohali.

Mr Manpreet Singh Chadha, Director, said they shortly plan to start their projects in Indrapuram (National Capital Region), Dehra Dun, Meerut and Bareilly.

The group has already launched Westend Estate across 150 acres in Mohali, and 50 per cent of the residential sites (flats, plots, and villas) have already been sold out. Since we have hired sports legend, Mr Kapil Dev as the brand ambassador for our residential projects, we will be creating a lot of sports infrastructure in all our projects.

Fortynine per cent area, which is supposed to be left as greens, will be used for creating sporting facilities, he said, while adding that the real estate ventures will be funded through internal accruals and finances from financial institutions.

He said all projects of the Chadha Group would have facilities for entertainment, leisure, and other recreational activities. Additionally, it will also have schools, hospitals, power back up and adequate water supply.

The Rs 2,500-crore Chadha Group is a Delhi-based diversified business conglomerate with interests in real estate -- both residential and commercial.

For more information on Real Estate Agents, MLS visit Propertiesmls.com

Source: IndiaRealEstateblog
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Wholesale Party Favors

Many hosts consider the gifting of party favors as an ideal gesture to convey gratitude to guests attending events or parties. Irrespective of the nature of celebration such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, holiday affair, baby shower, or a corporate get-together, there is always a party favor that suits the occasion. Many companies manufacture items that are meant for usage as party favors, such as candle holders, cake toppers, bags, pens, watches and cookies. They also offer wholesale rates on party favors to retailers who purchase them in large quantities.

Party favors are available in varying styles and budgets and to match the theme of different occasions. While birthday party favors may include mini candy gumball machines, poodle coin purses, cartoon character watches or friendship bands; anniversary party favors include items such as picture frame or purses. There are many branded as well as local companies that manufacture articles such as the above and offer discount rates on bulk purchases.

Party favors at wholesale prices are available in items that compliment different theme parties such as cartoons, Hawaiian, sports, princess and dress-up, pirate or a candle party. There are certain companies that provide wholesale rates on party favor products to charities and corporations as a social gesture.

Many items that are ideal for gifting are available at wholesale rates on the Internet. Online stores can be contacted through e-mail to inquire about the wholesale prices they offer. Most online stores offer wholesale prices on a certain minimum number of order or as special promotional deals. They generally request a shipment period, depending on the stock on hand. Most customers find it convenient and very economical to order party favors over the Internet. With most stores having online catalogs that list all the articles available with pictures and prices against each, the process of choosing the right party favor has become simplified.

For individuals and companies that host frequent parties, organizing customized party favors could be a major expense as most gift articles are exorbitantly priced. Therefore, it becomes imperative to look for pricing benefits while purchasing party favors. Many gift stores and online stores provide discounted wholesale rates during celebrations such as New Year or Christmas.

Party Favors provides detailed information on Party Favors, Wedding Party Favors, Birthday Party Favors, Baby Shower Party Favors and more. Party Favors is affiliated with Wholesale Candy Distributors.

Simple Yet Strong? Yes It Happens with Logos!

We all know that a good first impression has a long lasting impact. Human beings have the inherent nature of building up their perceptions on the basis of visual stimuli. This particular aspect of human nature is applicable in all walks of life. Be it dressing up smart for an interview/ presentation, wrapping a gift in an elegant paper or even a good handshake with a pleasing smile while meeting a person?the ways we adopt to impress is beyond the scope of compilation. We all strive to make that good first impression to make things work in our favor. It is often believed that a good first impression is all about being flamboyant and colorful. This notion is not necessarily true coz strong messages if communicated in a simpler way can serve the purpose in the best possible manner. A simple logo design that conveys a strong message can lead to the creation of a magical brand.

A logo is an image that represents a company to the outer world. It may not essentially communicate about the business domain of a company but should ideally generate a certain sense of being positive and trustworthy. Think of the swoosh symbol of the ?Nike? logo. Nike is a well-known brand dealing in sports shoes and clothing. The swoosh symbol hardly has anything to do with its product line, but it generates an even stronger and positive message. It all depends on how we perceive this logo. Some may see it as a ?tick? indicating it as a choice (among the rest) while some others may interpret it as a rising curve that depicts the success of the brand and there could be some having a different interpretation altogether. The Nike logo is a classic example for the importance of having the element of simplicity in a logo. The use of a swoosh can be found in the form an arc, a partial ellipse or an orbit in the logos of well known corporate entities like Samsung, Infineon, Whirlpool and many others.

The primary reason of such success and wide usage of a swoosh is mainly due to its simplicity, timelessness and the flexibility of reproducing it in various shapes and formats, without compromising on the overall quality of the image. This brings us to yet another aspect of a logo that needs to be complied with while designing it. Logos with heavy graphics are not only complex to interpret but also looses the flexibility of it being reproduced in various shapes and sizes. Apart from that, heavy graphics also inflates the cost of reproducing it in various formats. Top brands like Coca-cola, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, General Electric and many others have simple yet professional logo designs.

Simplicity is the key to a good business logo design. A good first impression is not all about flamboyancy and complexity. In a similar way a good logo need not be flamboyant and complex. A good logo design is an outcome of proper analysis and superlative designing skills that can only be rendered by a professional logo design firms. This small initial investment is sure to yield high returns in the times ahead.

Alfred Anderson has rich experience in the field of online brand marketing. His interests includes Internet marketing and research on emerging online business trends. Company logo design

The New Audi S5 in Detail

At the recent 77e Salon International de l'Auto Geneve (77th annual Geneva International Motor Show) early this March, Volkswagen Group's Audi division unveiled their latest luxury high-performance sports coupe in front of the European crowd who participated in the show. The Audi S5 took the center stage in the Audi stand along with the Audi A5 coupe.

As for a sports coupe, the Audi S5 features a sporty and elegant exterior and interior design along with clear functionality. Outside the car, you can find the radiator grille painted in platinum grey and fitted with vertical chrome inlays. The front and rear bumpers are more distinctive along with the air inlet grilles. Other exterior parts found on the Audi S5 include aluminium-look exterior mirror housings, colour-keyed door sill trim, dual-branch exhaust system with four oval tailpipes, xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights featuring LED light sand, 18-inch wheels with 245/40 R 18 performance tires, and the pronounced rear spoiler providing aerodynamic down force for better road-to-vehicle traction.

In addition to sporty exterior parts, Audi S5 also comes with a host of elegant and sporty interior amenities. Customers can choose between the available interior trims including carbon, aluminium, stainless steel or wood. Customers can also feel the dynamic environment on the interior with the car's sports seats, sports steering wheel, instruments with grey dials, and aluminium door sill plates. Just like the VW cargo liner, the Audi S5 also comes with a functional luggage compartment.

Audi tuned up the S5 and installed some of the highest quality chassis parts and powertrain systems. The sports coupe comes with a specially tuned sports suspension and high-performance brakes to provide improved vehicle handling and driving dynamics. The special high-performance brakes with their black painted brake calipers ensure precise deceleration. For challenging drivers who have starving needs for speed, they can fully deactivate the Audi S5's electronic stabilisation program (ESP) and explore the sports coupe's full driving potential.

In terms of performance of a sports coupe, the Audi S5 is equipped with a monstrous V8 FSI 8-cylinder engine with an impressive and powerful output delivering 354 hp (260 kW) and produces 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) amount of peak torque at 3,500 rpm. With this V8 FSI engine, the Audi S5 is capable of accelerating from zero to 62 mph in a mere 5.1 seconds. Audi has also included some of the high-end powertrain technology for the V8 engine to boost the Audi S5's performance. The engine comes with a standard FSI direct injection technology with high compression and optimum fuel mixture formation.

The torque distribution is perfectly balanced, 40 percent on the front axle and 60 percent torque out put carried to the vehicle's rear axle. To complete the Audi S5's powertrain system, a six-speed manual gearbox is mated to the engine to power the four wheel drive (4WD) configuration.

Watch out for the Audi S5 when it rolls out in dealerships starting in June 2007, along with the Audi A5 luxury coupe.

For more details with your VW cargo liner requests check your online resources.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Essentials of the Exhaust System and Its Exhaust Parts

For any and every person who owns or drives a car, the exhaust system is among the most essential parts of an automobile that one shouldn?t be remiss in learning about. The said system performs two vital functions: first, it disposes of the dangerous engine gases from the vehicle. Second, it reduces the noise made by the escaping gases. The exhaust system is incidentally regarded as a safety device because it transports the carbon monoxide to a point just behind the passenger compartment before it releases them to the outside air. Among the dangers that defective exhaust systems pose is the inevitable seepage of the gases into the passenger compartment, an event that could lead to headaches, nausea and even irritability. Exposure to huge doses of the gases can also result into a loss of consciousness and in some extreme cases, certain death. One thing that car owners must remember is that, because the exhaust system is responsible for cutting down on the noise, disproportionate engine rumblings are an absolute, dead-giveaway that the car is in immediate need for the services of a reliable auto shop.

In addition to its two primary functions, an exhaust system that works well is quite a boon to the emission control system of a vehicle because it enhances the behavior of emission control devices. And of course, vice versa since if the exhaust system is faulty, then problems?and not benefits?abound. For instance, restrictions in any of the exhaust pipes or mufflers can directly result into a loss of power for the car?s engine and misfiring. Such incidents, in turn, have ill effects on the precise calibration of the exhaust emission control system, which, in turn, still affects other systems of the car. Everything works through a series of connections so that one mishap, one tiny little problem in any of the exhaust parts could evolve into a huge problem that might cause thousands of dollars to repair. It is for this reason that an exhaust part that is in good working condition is quite the thing to have. Besides, in this day and age, the importance of having exhaust systems, and therefore of exhaust parts, that work without trouble, that last and endure, is fairly well known. With so many media campaigns in every possible medium, society, it seems, cannot stress it enough.

Principal exhaust components include the following: exhaust manifolds, exhaust pipes, muffler and resonator, tailpipe, as well as miscellaneous clamps and brackets. In addition, inline engines commonly have a single manifold with a corresponding system of pipes and mufflers that leads to the rear of the vehicle. Vehicles that employ v-type engines, on the other hand, have two manifolds and have the option to work with either a single or dual system of pipes and mufflers. Still, however certain of your exhaust system you are, the need for regular inspections should not be underestimated. Some problems might be too minute to take note of and could escape even one?s careful scrutiny. In every case, it is always best to let the experts work on what they do best rather than for one to attempt to carry out a task that one has only little knowledge of.

Chantal Smith is a 35-year old mother of 3 who owns a local auto parts store in Detroit, Michigan. Used to be an employee of Chrysler, she decided to put up her own parts store to attend more to her children. Visit exhaust system for more information.

Athletes Foot Sneakers It Is

There are a million of sports fans around the world. Sports rank almost number one among interests and hobbies of most people. There is a sport for every human being in this planet. If you do not have one, it is only because you did not go around looking for that one sport for you or worse you never tried any sport at all.

Every clique and every country has a favorite sport they love and extensively promote. Europe will never be the same without football. The United States of America can never have enough of the National Basketball Association and Superbowl. Sports channels like ESPN and Star Sports thrive on healthy ratings and steady support from advertisers.

It follows then sports personalities are just as well loved around the world. Michael Jordan has Nike. Kobe Bryant was once poster boy fro Adidas. Danica Patrick inspired a lot of women to get into auto racing.

David Beckham was style icon for both football fanatics and those who just think he carries of all types of clothing really well. These athletes can attest ho dressing up right can make or break a race or a game. They have to pay attention to details down to the shoes they are wearing.

Choosing the right pair of shoes is vital in almost all sports. One sports shoes chain that increasingly gaining popularity is Athlete?s Foot. The store name doubling as brand name is very smart. One might think that it is a bad choice considering the bad picture that comes to mind when Athlete?s Foot is mentioned but upon closer look you will realize that and athlete?s foot and footwear can make a lot of difference in the athlete?s over all performance. This is why Athlete?s Foot is a very marketable brand name because it speaks for itself.

So for athletes and would be athletes, it is safe to go into one outlet and go over the various brands and designs that these brands have to offer. For sure they have all sorts but one thing that people, both athletes and non-athletes, should have is a pair of sneakers. A pair of sneakers is basic footwear that is ever comfortable and dependable for everyday wear. It is then acceptable to splurge on an expensive but quality wise worth it sneakers. A person should have at least one pair or better yet two so one can alternate.

Low Jeremy maintains http://athletes-foot.articlesforreprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

32Red?s Latest Acquisition Joins the World?s leading Poker Network

BetDirect has become the latest big name to choose Microgaming software for its poker and casino products, following its acquisition by 32Red Plc. The news means that BetDirect Poker becomes part of the Microgaming Poker Network with immediate effect.



BetDirect brings the total number of new poker and casino operations that have joined the Microgaming portfolio in 2006 alone to nearly twenty. Microgaming will be making further announcements in the final quarter which will confirm its status as the fastest growing poker network on the web.



BetDirect launched in 1998, quickly establishing a first rate reputation for excellent customer service and regular cashback offers and concessions, as well as for innovative marketing and great on-site offers, including some of the best sign up bonuses and regular deposit bonuses in the industry. Through its simple ?single wallet? approach, players are easily able to access a full range of betting services, including casino, poker and sports betting, through just one account.



Ed Ware, CEO 32Red, comments, ?Microgaming?s consistent track record in providing quality software for both casino and poker enables us to deliver a first class service to our customers, thus it was a natural choice for us.?



Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, adds: ?We are delighted to be attracting a front rank operation such as BetDirect and fully believe this is a reflection of the success we have achieved with 32Red to date.?





- Ends -





Notes to Editors



About BetDirect



Bet Direct Ltd (BetDirect) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of 32Red Plc (32Red). 32Red is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, and operates the award winning online casino, as well as one of the UK's favourite online poker rooms.



About 32Red



32Red is an award-winning online casino and poker operator licensed, regulated and based in Gibraltar. For the past 3 years 32Red has been awarded ?Best Casino? by Watchdog and Player Advocate site Casinomeister.



The Company attracts players from around the world but has a predominantly UK player base, with 83% of customers at 32Red.com and 32RedPoker.com registered as coming from the UK & Ireland.





Enquiries:
32Red Plc
Tel: 00 35 049 396
Ed Ware, Chief Executive
Ed Andrewes, Development Director
Email: general@32red.com
Site: http://www.32Red.com

British Sports Car Maker Resurrected

In the 1950?s one car maker set a milestone by producing the vehicle that will make possible the first time that a British car with a British driver has won a Formula One Grand Prix. Aside from that achievement Connaught Motor Company also produced street legal cars which have received good success during the period.

In 2002, the brand was acquired by Tony Martindale and Tim Bishop. Martindale is now the Chief Executive Officer of the company. Last year, the company unveiled the Connaught Type-D after being given the distinction of ?Specialist Car Manufacturer of the Year? by Autoexpress magazine.

More recently, the company announced that they will be mass producing the Connaught Type-D at its production facility in Wales. The company will not only produce a sports coupe but also a hybrid version of the vehicle. The production of the newest car from the legendary car maker will start this year. Completed vehicles will begin hitting showrooms in Europe by the start of next year.

Consumers looking forward to the resurrection of the brand will be treated to a four-seater coupe, the Connaught Type D GT Syracuse which will be the first model that the company will be producing. The sports coupe will be equipped with a massive V10 two-liter supercharged engine which can produce as much as 300 horsepower. This amount of power will definitely need good brakes to efficiently keep it in check.

The hybrid version of the vehicle will follow soon after. Plans for the hybrid are already announced by the company. The Connaught Type D V10 sports coupe hybrid vehicle will feature a V10 gasoline engine coupled with an electric motor. The hybrid version of the sports coup is estimated to reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. The torque produced by the engine and the additional torque from the electric motor can propel the Connaught Type D to 60 miles per hour from a standstill within 6.2 seconds. This performance is quite surprising since the company expects the hybrid version to have a gas mileage rating of 42 miles per gallon.

The hybrid version will have 30 percent less emission than its competition in the market. This means that the vehicle cannot only provide good performance but also reduce the emission of gases that contributes to global warming. Aside from these, the construction of the vehicle will also bring good news for Wales. The new facility in the country will create more than 200 jobs over the next three years of operation.

In the facility?s first year, the company is planning to hire thirty engineers. Production-wise, the new facility is expected to produce a hundred Connaught Type Ds in its first year. On its second year, production will be raised to 250 units. On its fifth year, the company aims to produce a thousand units at the assembly plant.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

This Week in Riviera Maya Real Estate News from Playa del Carmen Mexico

A Weekly Update on What's Happening in our Riviera Maya Real Estate Community and Playa del Carmen Market Area

- TM Real Estate Group is inviting all brokers and agents to the launch of one of the most important real estate new projects on the Riviera Maya, the XCALACOCO BEACH RESORT just north of Playa del Carmen. The resort is offering a unique Private Residence Club plan for buyers. There are 265 new residences starting for sale next week. The event takes place on Thursday November 16th at 6pm at the Porto Real Hotel on Avenida Contituyentes in Playa del Carmen. All brokers and agents are invited. MLS 4 Riviera Maya will be there. For more information, contact Director of Sales Miguel Angel Rico at marico@tmrealestate.comThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

- Judi Shaw of Remax Playa is off to New Orleans to attend the National Association of Realtors conference for 3 days. There will be 65,000 attendees and 10,000 exhibitors on the expo floor demonstrating the latest in technology for our industry, new projects world wide developers and presentations for different countries. Its a great place to network says Judi. The conference is packed with educational classes such as marketing resort and luxury real estate world wide, training on ethics, business building techniques and much more than we can describe here. It is a great chance to improve, grow, and learn what buyers and sellers want in a realtor ....

- Shawn Bandick at One Stop Real Estate reports that his office is cramming to close and finish paperwork for all deals before Dec. 12th. The City Offices will be closing for the holidays and we must get stuff in before they shut down for the holidays. Its crazy busy here reports Shawn.

- One Stop Real Estate has sponsored the local Youth American Football League in Playa del Carmen. The Playa del Carmen Caballeros play teams from Cancun and Merida. With over 10 club teams in the leauge in several divisions, American Football is growing and with community support from our Real Estate Community, the sport keeps growing. The Midget team is undefeated in league play this year and has taken the more established teams by surprise. Ricardo Penkoff (14), son of Jorge Penkoff's, partner at One Stop Real Estate is the Quarterback for the team and Riley Bandick (13), plays fullback and defensive lineman as part of the # 1 rated defense in the league. Jorge Penkoff says The kids learn how to play within a team working for a goal while they have fun. It's great fun and we can instill values of cooperation, teamwork, and hard work by supporting youth sports

- Bill Morales at Cozumel Living reports I can't believe we're at a tourist resort. Its so peaceful! said Charles and Kate Green as we toured an oceanview lot, with a two floor, one bedroom studio, on a 650 sq meter land, with lush vegetation surrounding the perfectly trimmed lawn, located in downtown Cozumel just a block from the main avenue and the turqoise blue sea. They finally found what they had always wished. Home away from home. Only $ 190,000 usd! The Hartzog family are already packing and getting ready to come next summer when they will receive their brand new oceanfront, two bedroom condo just sold for $ 300,000. The day after we were told by the constructor prices had increased 15%. The Hartzogs realized they had not only bought a wonderful vacation home but also made the best investment ever. We are having busy and exiting days says Bill Morales - Sales Agent and MLS 4 Riviera Maya Member.

- Conficasa Playa reports that commercial loan activity has really increased over the last month. They have formed an alliance with several banks and private investors in the US and their clients are happy with the results. We now have outlets for Hotel Loans and Commercial Development Loans as well as short term Bridge Loans. We received term sheets for two clients this week and expect more in the near future. Our lenders will consider Commercial Loan requests as low as $1,000,000 says ManagerTom Martin

- This week, MLS 4 Riviera Maya welcomed new members Sally Wood Evans of Coldwell Banker, Pamela DiOrio of Luna Maya Real Estate in Akumal, Clark Kent Race of Remax Playa, and Ricardo Barton of Riviera Realtors to it's growing list of brokers and agents who post their listings on the web site engine. With over 300 listings already posted within the last 45 days and over 4000 links with over 4000 pages indexed (www.widexl.com), MLS 4 Riviera Maya and Riviera Maya Real Estate News are the fastest growing sites in the Riviera Maya.

MLS 4 Riviera Maya
http://www.mls4rivieramaya.com

Riviera Maya Real Estate News
http://www.rivieramayarealestatenews.com

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This Week in Riviera Maya Real Estate is posted every Friday Night. If you have news you want us to promote, you must email it to us no later than 5pm each Friday to jp@mls4rivieramaya. Articles and their links are posted on Riviera Maya Real Estate News and the MLS 4 Riviera Maya Blog. In addition, it is emailed to all on our newsletter list.
About the Author

J.P. Money is a syndicated writer for Riviera Maya Real Estate News and MLS 4 Riviera Maya. He is also host of Mexico's only Podcast for Real Estate Let's Talk Real Estate