What Casino Games Should I Play?

Title:
What Casino Games Should I Play?

Word Count:
552

Summary:
Every casino, regardless of it being a land based casino or an online casino will offer its players the large selection of the most popular casino games, but which one is right for you.


Keywords:
Gambling, casino, online, roulette, craps, poker, blackjack, entertainment, sports and leisure, slot machines, recreation


Article Body:
Choosing the right casino game to play is very important. A novice gambler should not be playing games of skill such as blackjack and poker, and needs to be informed of what the other games have to offer.

Slot Machines, in the days of the Wild West Slot Machines were known as one arm bandits because you could sit there all day putting in coins and pulling that handle without ever getting a win and the same is true today. Today's slot machines have more ways to win, so you probably will not go all day winning nothing but other then some small five dollar or less wins you probably won't do to well on the slot machines. If you insist this is the game for you try to remember that the more the machine is the better the odds of you getting a bigger win.

Roulette, this is a good game for the beginner with just a little bit of knowledge you can play roulette because it requires no real skill or experience. The only thing you need to know are the procedures to playing in a casino, and the different bets you can make. All of these things can be learned by just watching the table for a few spins of the wheel before placing any bets. By sticking to what is called betting the outside of the table you can give yourself odds as low and 1 in 5 of being able to double your money. Unless you have the money to risk it is not a good idea to bet the inside of the table, the odds are bad but if you do win it can be up to a 37 to 1 payoff.

Keno, this is a game that older people and people with little money enjoy. Keno is basically playing a lottery that has a drawing every 5 minutes. The object is to guess which numbers the computer is going to select. Depending on how many numbers you get right and how much you paid for the game winning can pay up to 1 million dollars.

Craps, even though Roulette may be easier to play for a novice player, it offers the best odds for the player in the casino. To most people who have never played craps before it can seem like a very difficult game, but after watching a few rounds of the game for a bit you will quickly pick up on how to bet, and most players say of all the most Popular Casino Games craps is much easier to win larger sums of money in the casino.

Poker an Blackjack are two games that should be avoided by beginner gamblers, the games rely on more skill then luck, and by not knowing the game you will also be messing up the other players who know what they are doing, and they are counting on the fact that if you sit down at the table with them that you know what to do.

If it is these games that interest you then before you go to the casino spend some time learning the game and playing as many hands either in an online casino practice room or you can download one of the many programs available on the internet.

What Casino Games Should I Play?

Title:
What Casino Games Should I Play?

Word Count:
552

Summary:
Every casino, regardless of it being a land based casino or an online casino will offer its players the large selection of the most popular casino games, but which one is right for you.


Keywords:
Gambling, casino, online, roulette, craps, poker, blackjack, entertainment, sports and leisure, slot machines, recreation


Article Body:
Choosing the right casino game to play is very important. A novice gambler should not be playing games of skill such as blackjack and poker, and needs to be informed of what the other games have to offer.

Slot Machines, in the days of the Wild West Slot Machines were known as one arm bandits because you could sit there all day putting in coins and pulling that handle without ever getting a win and the same is true today. Today's slot machines have more ways to win, so you probably will not go all day winning nothing but other then some small five dollar or less wins you probably won't do to well on the slot machines. If you insist this is the game for you try to remember that the more the machine is the better the odds of you getting a bigger win.

Roulette, this is a good game for the beginner with just a little bit of knowledge you can play roulette because it requires no real skill or experience. The only thing you need to know are the procedures to playing in a casino, and the different bets you can make. All of these things can be learned by just watching the table for a few spins of the wheel before placing any bets. By sticking to what is called betting the outside of the table you can give yourself odds as low and 1 in 5 of being able to double your money. Unless you have the money to risk it is not a good idea to bet the inside of the table, the odds are bad but if you do win it can be up to a 37 to 1 payoff.

Keno, this is a game that older people and people with little money enjoy. Keno is basically playing a lottery that has a drawing every 5 minutes. The object is to guess which numbers the computer is going to select. Depending on how many numbers you get right and how much you paid for the game winning can pay up to 1 million dollars.

Craps, even though Roulette may be easier to play for a novice player, it offers the best odds for the player in the casino. To most people who have never played craps before it can seem like a very difficult game, but after watching a few rounds of the game for a bit you will quickly pick up on how to bet, and most players say of all the most Popular Casino Games craps is much easier to win larger sums of money in the casino.

Poker an Blackjack are two games that should be avoided by beginner gamblers, the games rely on more skill then luck, and by not knowing the game you will also be messing up the other players who know what they are doing, and they are counting on the fact that if you sit down at the table with them that you know what to do.

If it is these games that interest you then before you go to the casino spend some time learning the game and playing as many hands either in an online casino practice room or you can download one of the many programs available on the internet.

What Everybody Should Know... About The History & Development Of Communication

Title:
What Everybody Should Know... About The History & Development Of Communication

Word Count:
645

Summary:
Many people just leave their communication skills to happenstance and live in a world of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, loss of relationships and business disasters. Quite often they look for outside reasons for challenges or failures. Yet, history and our cortex show that we were meant to connect and communicate and understand one another.


Keywords:
CommunicationTraining,Misunderstanding,CommunicationHistory,MotorCortex,Brain,Neanderthals,HomoSapiens,Language,OvercomingBarriers


Article Body:
Have you ever stop to realize just how important communication is to you. Without being able to connect with other people it not only stops you from achieving your goals and desires, it could also threaten your mental and physical health.

Yet, many people just leave their communication skills to happenstance and live in a world of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, loss of relationships and business disasters. Quite often they look for outside reasons for challenges or failures. Yet, they can overcome the challenges.

History has shown just how vital communication is in order to grow, succeed and to become more than we are. When you look at the development of humankind and of our brains, you can understand the importance.

In a study on the development of humankind, it was stated that many versions of humans started out, but due to a variety of reasons, they didn’t survive and became extinct. The last two types stated to survive were the Neanderthals and the Homo sapiens. There has been much debate as to whether they were two subsets of one species or two distinct species.

The one thing agreed upon was that other than the difference in the brow bone and chin that the two were more similar than any other versions and that they both had a larger brain than the previous. They could tell that the Neanderthals could think out problems, as they had created tools and buried their dead. Therefore, they couldn’t understand why they became extinct.

A scientist recently discovered one difference between the two. He noticed that when he turned the skull upside down and looked at the base of the brain area that the Neanderthals had a flat base, where as Homo sapiens have a bulge downward.

This effects where are larynx is located. The Neanderthal's would be higher up and unable to make many of the sounds that Homo sapiens do. They wouldn’t be able to make the vowel sounds. In other words, they weren’t able to communicate and connect with others on a higher level in the same manner as Homo sapiens. It is believed that this inability to communicate as well is what eventually lead to their extinction.

The conclusion was that intelligence on its own, is not a guarantee to be able to succeed in life. Your ability to communicate well, and connect with others will enable you to survive and excel business and life. All the knowledge in the world won't help if you can't releate or explain any of it to others.

However, our communication abilities don’t end there. Much of our primary motor cortex in out brain is related to communication. In other words, a big chuck of our higher advanced brain in the motor cortex, was designed to enable us to communicate more efficiently. This relates to our hands, face tongue and larynx.

When we communicate, our message that we give has more meaning than just the words. Our message is sent in part by body language, tone and emphasis.

Body language includes, use of our hands and facial expressions as well as our stance and posturing. Our tongue and larynx give tone, pitch and emphasis. It is these fine details that has enabled us to more clearly define our motives, beliefs, understanding, intentions and desires that we want. It has enabled us to advance in ways that we would never have been able to without our ability to communicate our thoughts, feeling and ideas.

To understand and see just how much our motor cortex is related to our communication skills go to:
http://www.falconfreedom.com/PrimaryCortex.mht


Remember that the success in your life in proportion to your ability to connect with others.

"To Master Communication
is to Master Wealth"

What Is Your Point?

Title:
What Is Your Point?

Word Count:
465

Summary:
What is your point? What do you do if you don't know? Why does it matter?

It is important for every writer to know their point because the writer is in charge of the reader's experience. If the writer doesn't know the point then the reader surely won't. That means at best, a writer without a point will soon be a writer without a reader. At worst, a writer without a point can end up with a confused and perhaps even angry reader.

Making the point of your article or essay ...


Keywords:
write, writer, writing, publish, profit, market, advice, help, tip, article, improve, skill


Article Body:
What is your point? What do you do if you don't know? Why does it matter?

It is important for every writer to know their point because the writer is in charge of the reader's experience. If the writer doesn't know the point then the reader surely won't. That means at best, a writer without a point will soon be a writer without a reader. At worst, a writer without a point can end up with a confused and perhaps even angry reader.

Making the point of your article or essay clear and apparent is how you capture the interest of your reader and it is how you keep the interest of your reader.

However knowing your point and making it clear and apparent are sometimes easier said than done. So what is a writer to do?

Finding your point is as easy as 1-2-3.

First, identify your topic. Simply make a note of the subject you plan to address. Narrow it down to one word or simple phrase. For example, you plan to write an article about potty training. That makes potty training your phrase.

Second, ask yourself a pertinent question about that topic. For example, how can you make potty training easy? Now turn that question into a statement, such as "You can make potty training easy... " This is your point. But you aren't done yet.

Third, you will need to expand and support your point so you must come up with three supporting points. Remember, not only do you have to make your point, but you also need to make it clear and apparent. That is why support is important. So think of three points you can make to support your point. For example, keeping the pressure low, making it fun, and giving it time. Finally, you join your statement with the three points and use a preposition to join the two together. In this case probably "by" would work best and often "because" is a good choice. Some other prepositions include about, during, through, under, and with.

Now you have a good introductory paragraph:

You can make potty training easy by keeping the pressure low, making it fun, and giving it time.

Not only do you have a point that you will be able to make clear and apparent to the reader, but you also have a road map for your article or essay. Simply expand on your introduction and expand on each supporting point in turn and you will have a clear point, good organization, and solid support.

Taking a few minutes to plan out your point in this manner can be well worth spending the time as it will make your writing easier. It will also make the reading easier as well. And that is the point of this article.

What's Your Passion?

Title:
What's Your Passion?

Word Count:
413

Summary:
Okay, you've decided you want to make money with Affiliate Marketing. So, you join some affiliate programs and start submitting free ads to newsletters and free advertising classifieds sites. You're going to make BIG money now -- right?


Keywords:
marketing, affiliate marketing, internet marketing


Article Body:
Okay, you've decided you want to make money with Affiliate Marketing. So, you join some affiliate programs and start submitting free ads to newsletters and free advertising classifieds sites. You're going to make BIG money now -- right?

Nope! Sorry! Just sending out a few ads is not going to do it. Not if you want to be a real success.

You must first determine your passion. I mean other than making the money! What is your hobby? What do you know how to do REALLY well? What is your job? Everyone has something that is their own special talent. Find yours.

You probably have more than one thing that you are very interested in and do well. See if you can find five (ten if you're really ambitious). Write them down in a list. Remember, you are going to be spending a lot of time working with this subject. Make sure you enjoy it!

Go down each item on your list. Start writing a rough outline of everything you know about the topic. It doesn't have to be elaborate. This is just to give you an idea of how much information is available for a given subject.

Try mind mapping. Write down the main subject of your idea. Draw a circle around it. Now, start thinking of sub-categories that are related to your main category. Draw a line from your main category and end it with a circle. Put the sub-category title inside this circle. Find as many sub-categories (and sub-sub-categories) as you can.

Go through each of your interests with this procedure. Choose the one that you know the most about and that you can write about comfortably.
What if you "think" you don't know enough about your topic? Then, do some research. Read books and magazines. Do some searches on the Internet. Who knows? You might find an area, a niche, that is just waiting for you to fill it with useful information.

There's a lot more to affiliate marketing, of course. But the first step is to find your passion. Your "passion" doesn't have to be making money on the Internet. It can be cooking, sewing, billiards, or whatever. In fact, it's better if you find a niche that isn't in the online marketing arena because that's what nearly everyone else is doing.

Make your topic unique. Make it yours. And make it your passion. It will pay you well.

What Should Be Included In A Nonfiction Book Proposal

Title:
What Should Be Included In A Nonfiction Book Proposal

Word Count:
626

Summary:
A great nonfiction book proposal is the key to convincing an acquisition editor you deserve a substantial advance and getting your book published.

What should be included in a book proposal?

Concept:

A brief, no more than one page description about why your book is unique.

Market:
Who will buy your book and why. Include the demographics of your potential readers and how many of them there are. If you can, quote statistics, such as baseball is the most often viewe...


Keywords:



Article Body:
A great nonfiction book proposal is the key to convincing an acquisition editor you deserve a substantial advance and getting your book published.

What should be included in a book proposal?

Concept:

A brief, no more than one page description about why your book is unique.

Market:
Who will buy your book and why. Include the demographics of your potential readers and how many of them there are. If you can, quote statistics, such as baseball is the most often viewed sport on TV with x million people watching. Or x number of people attend arts and crafts shows a year. Or $xxx dollars of revenues are generated by customers buying garden tools. Whatever is relevant to your book’s topic.

Competition:
Similar books that have been published in the last year or that will be coming out soon. You can get an idea of soon-to-be published books by going to amazon.com, and searching under key words. When you get a listing of books that you think are similar to yours, then rank by publication date.

Include the title, author, ISBN, and a brief description. Then state why your book is better or what your book addresses that the competition doesn’t.

Go to the library and read currently available books you feel are competitive to yours. Again include the title, author, ISBN, and a brief description. Then state why your book is better or what your book addresses that the competition doesn’t.

All books have competitors.

Promotion:
What you will do for promotion. How will you market your book? Be specific. If you are willing to give seminars or speak at events, try to line up a few. Publishers want authors that actively market their own books. This doesn’t mean that you have to spend money, but it does mean you have to expend effort.

About The Author:
Pretty self explanatory. What makes you the best author to write this book. This is not a resume; include what is relevant to the topic of the book. If you have previous books published list them, with a short description.

Media Placement:
Any newspaper or magazine articles you’ve been featured in. Include articles that you’ve written and have published. Offline, hard copy publications are better than online. Online is better than nothing. Plan ahead and in the months while you’re working on your book proposal see if you can get a few articles placed. If you have just a few, include clippings. If you have more than a few, list the publication, date, title of the article. Writing a book makes you an expert in the eyes of the media, but you have to let them know you’re available.

Endorsements:
If you can get a well known authority figure, expert, celebrity or author to give you an endorsement, or to commit to an endorsement, it puts you ahead in the game.

Chapter Outline or Synopsis:
Two to four pages. Each chapter is listed and the subheadings with a brief description, a paragraph or two explaining what will be included in the chapter.

Sample Chapter:
It doesn’t have to be the first chapter. Pick the chapter you’re most excited to write, or that you are the most knowledgeable about. The editor will judge the quality of your writing by this chapter.

The proposal not including the sample chapter can run from 10 to 20 pages.

Resources:

Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why, 2nd Edition, Jeff Herman, Deborah Levine Herman.

Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write: How to Get a Contract and Advance Before Writing Your Book, Elizabeth Lyon, Natasha Kern

Thinking Like Your Editor: How to Write Great Serious Nonfiction--and Get It Published, Susan Rabiner, Alfred Fortunato

What You Can Learn From Dr. Phil About Writing Non-Fiction Books

Title:
What You Can Learn From Dr. Phil About Writing Non-Fiction Books

Word Count:
1078

Summary:
Even if your career doesn't involve being a full-time writer, being the author of a book can be a huge boon for you. Our society holds authors in such high regard that anyone who has written one is seen as knowledgeable, self-disciplined and special. A book can help your business or career by making you more visible and sought-after for your expertise. All very good things. But if your natural talents don't involve writing regularly, it may be difficult for you to figure out ...


Keywords:



Article Body:
Even if your career doesn't involve being a full-time writer, being the author of a book can be a huge boon for you. Our society holds authors in such high regard that anyone who has written one is seen as knowledgeable, self-disciplined and special. A book can help your business or career by making you more visible and sought-after for your expertise. All very good things. But if your natural talents don't involve writing regularly, it may be difficult for you to figure out how to organize your expertise into an engaging book. Luckily, there are tricks that make it far easier to write non-fiction than fiction. Here's how to get started. I'll use Dr. Phil McGraw and his successful line of books as my example.

It's Not About You

Okay, it's easy to forget that writing a non-fiction book is not about you. After all, most likely, your picture is going to go on the cover! But let's face it: people are not going to buy your book just because of you. People don't buy Dr. Phil's books because they're so excited to hear what he has to say. No. They are buying it because he's going to help them solve a problem like losing weight, strengthening a family or salvaging a marriage. Where do you come in? People will be attracted to your overall message and how it makes them feel. Dr. Phil's message is to make you take charge and "get excited about your life". That's what's going help you lose weight, strengthen your family or salvage your marriage. Note that the message is simple, clear--and not about Dr. Phil. What is your message? Make sure you connect it to others and don't overthink it. Most likely it's something you already radiate in your words and your being and you don't even know it!


What Aspect of Your Expertise Do People Want Most?

What do people come to you for? Are you a mortgage broker, but you find most people come to you with questions about their credit? Are you a family therapist and you observe that most of your patients don't know how to talk to each other? Are you a house painter and most of your customers don't know how to choose colors for their home? Wherever you see such a void, there is room for a book on that topic. You have to figure out what people want to know. Notice I use the word "want", and NOT "need". People rarely buy what they need, no matter how good it is for them.

That's a trap many new writers fall into. They write with a sense of duty, thinking "people really need to know this", like they need to know what being overweight can do to a body in the long term--and that's probably true. But readers would rather buy a diet book that will tell them how to solve the overweight problem as quickly and easily as possible. Dr. Phil's The Ultimate Weight Solution is a book about doing the real work of exercising and correcting inner problems to solve weight issues--Dr. Phil has said he didn't want it to be a book about telling people what to eat. And yet that's what people wrote in and said they wanted most--they wanted Dr. Phil to tell them what to eat. So what did he come out with next? The Ultimate Weight Solution Food Guide and then The Ultimate Weight Solution Cookbook! You too can find out what people want by just asking. Create a survey if that's possible for you, but the more you can find out about what your readership wants, the easier it will be for you to decide how to write it for them.


Write a Punchy Title

Once you've figured out what people want, you have to make it crystal clear that you're going to give it to them. You'll do that with the title and subtitle. It may help you write the book if you come up with your title first, because a good title will remind you of what you have promised to deliver. When you find your working straying and unfocused, you come back to the title and think, "oh yeah, I'm supposed to be telling them how to do X." Ideally, the title should be a grabber, and the subtitle tells exactly what the reader will get. Dr. Phil's titles do that really well. Here are a few examples: Love Smart: Find the One You Want--Fix the One You Got, and The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom and Family First: Your Step-by-Step Plan to Creating a Phenomenal Family. Note how each subtitle makes you think, "Yeah, I want that! or I want to know how to do that!". Result: reader picks up the book!

Think Steps, Keys and Strategies

Note Dr. Phil's use of "keys" and "steps" and "plans". Even if you're working with a complex subject, you want to chunk it down as much as possible and keep it simple for your readers. You want them to see that they can do X on their own just by reading your book. You will give them everything they need. Again, this tactic will also make it easier to organize all your knowledge and expertise because you know you only have to focus on one particular "how to" and the X steps it will take to handle it.

Tell Stories

This idea goes all the way back to the Bible and beyond: we learn best from stories. It helps to hear how someone else handled the same situation because we can see what is possible. As you outline your book, make a note as to what story or stories you will tell to illustrate every point you'll be making. Tell the stories of your clients (changing names, of course, to protect their privacy) or use anecdotes from your own life experience. Dr. Phil's Family First is peppered with his stories of growing up with his own family issues. Make sure you use the right stories. You want them to be clearly connected to your concept so there's no mistaking your point.

And that's it. Following these guidelines should help you create a book that not only showcases your expertise, it will also be one that's sought-after by a market hungry for what you have to offer. All you have to do now is get started!

Who Is The "Hero" In The "Hero's Journey"?

Title:
Who Is The "Hero" In The "Hero's Journey"?

Word Count:
606

Summary:
During the past thirty years, much has been (rightfully) made of Joseph Campbell’s breakthrough research in cultural anthropology, most famously published in “The Hero With A Thousand Faces.” In this book, Campbell examines the many cultural expressions of the heroic role model, and in doing so helped to establish the universality of human hopes, dreams, and lives.

Hollywood, in particular, has embraced this vision, which powers dozens of films a year, and has become clic...


Keywords:
writing, politics, psychology, philosophy


Article Body:
During the past thirty years, much has been (rightfully) made of Joseph Campbell’s breakthrough research in cultural anthropology, most famously published in “The Hero With A Thousand Faces.” In this book, Campbell examines the many cultural expressions of the heroic role model, and in doing so helped to establish the universality of human hopes, dreams, and lives.

Hollywood, in particular, has embraced this vision, which powers dozens of films a year, and has become clichéd wisdom in development executive suites all over Southern California. Of course, the question of the nature of heroes enters other arenas as well. In the political arena, shaping doctrine around strong leader figures is one way to promote ideas to the public. Heroic firefighters and soldiers appear in ads for one party or another, and our elected officials trumpet their military service—or are criticized for their lack thereof, or are called cowards or even traitors if they disagree with the plans or opinions of an opponent.

Whether one wishes to understand the “Hero’s Journey” as a tool for fiction, or desires to rise above the rhetoric a bit, it’s useful to define just exactly what a hero is. This is, after all, the human face of the story. If the “Journey” is important, even more so is the person taking it. If we, as a culture, tend to worship and follow heroes, it is vital to have a definition of exactly what this is.

Of course, each of us should search our own hearts for the definitions that help us guide our lives. With that understanding, I’d like to present a definition that has worked for this writer and citizen for many years.

“A hero is a man or woman who holds to their deepest values, regardless of the stress or pressures.”

This applies to soldiers in combat, teachers in the inner city, mothers sacrificing for their children, artists resisting commercial demands, teenagers resisting the call of drugs or alcohol or premature sexuality. It demands that the “Hero” understand his or her deepest values, and often, the entire purpose of a story is to force them to confront these deeper truths, stripping away superfluous ego-identity.

Culturally, this means that a person of Heroic dimension doesn’t necessarily share our point of view, our political beliefs, even our morality. To understand this is to understand how an apparent moral monster can be lionized by his followers. When we disagree with a leader, and are forced to dehumanize him in order to justify our own position, we diminish our capacity to understand the human condition.

We must hold to our values, and be clear about them. The entire world of advertising—whether Madison Avenue is selling cereal or an unpopular war—is based on anchoring some goal to basic human drives. Those who are uncertain of their values are like straws in the wind, blown by whoever plucks their strings. No wonder we cherish those who seem clear and strong in their identity, who stand by their choices even under stress. No wonder we respect these men and women even as it becomes clear that flexibility and compromise might be the better way. At least they believe in SOMETHING!

If we are to grow beyond sheep needing a shepherd, we must be strong ourselves. We must know ourselves deeply and honestly, and find the bedrock of our own morality. From this place it is easiest to determine when a leader is truly worthy of emulation or admiration or obedience. When we walk this road of self-discovery, we become heroes ourselves, experiencing the adventure of our own lifetimes.

Why

Title:
Why

Word Count:
512

Summary:
Why do some things happen the way they do. Here, I point out some of the unique conundrums existing on earth.


Keywords:
humor,humour,jokes,life,puzzles,riddle,riddles,puzzle,why,entertainment,funny facts


Article Body:
Many articles supply answers, but here I do not. Here, I ask the questions. If you want to rack your brains for finding the answers to these life conundrums. But, I warn you. Beware. These are not easy, and though somewhat hilarious and funny, they are real and true to life.

Should I begin? Ok, here I go:

1) How come Tarzan has no bears even though he grows up with wolves in the jungle?

2) Why does glue not stick to the insides of the tube or can that it comes in?

3) Why do they use sterile injections when executing someone who is condemned to death?

4) Why do we press down harder and harder or the remote controls even though we know that the batteries are low?

5) Why is it that when someone hits us in the ankles with his supermarket trolley and then appologizes, do we say that everything is ok? I mean, things are not really fine. Why is it that we do not say that it hurts?

6) Why is it that whatever the color of the bath soap, the bubbles are always white?

7) Why is it that you will never find a day when mattresses are not on sale?

8) Why is it that online casinos always offer big prize money for their tournaments but never reveal the real name of the winner after the competition is over?

9) If human beings evolved from monkeys, why is it that there still are monkeys?

10) Why did the Japanese Kamikaze pilots wear helmets during the second World War?

11) Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest but, then, duck when the empty gun is thrown at him.

12) Why do banks charge a commission when you go into debt even though they know that there is no money in that account?

13) Why do people go back again and again to the refrigerator hoping that something new to eat will appear there?

14) Why do people move their vacuum cleaner over a thin thread lying on the floor, bend down, pick it up, examine it, and then, place it on the floor again and move the vacuum over it again?

15) Why do people believe it when they are told that there are more than four billion stars, but when they see a sign that says wet paint, they have to touch and check?

16) Why does a plastic bag not open at the end where you first try to open it?

17) Why do you never hear jokes about father in laws?

18) Why are there dead insects inside enclosed electric lamps?

19) Why is it that in winter we try and keep the house as warm as it was during the summer when back in the summer we hated the heat?

20) Why is it that every time you try and catch something that is about to fall off the table, you always hit something else and drop that instead?

Conclusion:
Life has many oddities and conundrums: some funny, some less. I have mentioned but a few. Think of more? Send them to me.

Why casinos need 24 hour day care

Title:
Why casinos need 24 hour day care

Word Count:
498

Summary:
By requiring casinos to offer daycare they could help save the lives of children of gambling addicted parents, and could help the parents receive help for their addiction.


Keywords:
Children, addiction, society, social issues, parenting, sports and leisure, entertainment, casino, casino gambling


Article Body:
Recently in the news across the USA there have been several reports of parents leaving their children locked in their cars, while the parents sit in a casino and gamble.

A great way to stop this from happening would be to legalize online gambling so that parents that can not afford a baby sitter will not do something as stupid as locking a small child in a car alone for several hours.

Another solution would be for the casino industry to take responsibility of the people they lure in with promises of riches beyond belief. If the casinos all offered 24 hour free daycare for all casino players those parents who are so far gone in their addiction will not have to make the decision of what to do with their children, they can just take them to the casino and let them be watched after in the casinos daycare centers.

As well as making sure children are not being neglected by their parents or legal guardians, the children in their care can be checked for signs of abuse and any parent that brings a child regularly to the casino can be talked to about gambling addiction.

Please do not get me wrong I feel the parents should be the ones taking responsibility for their kids, but gambling addiction is a disease, and at least this would provide a way for the government to monitor parents gambling habits, and to provide them with help if they need it.

Besides being the right move for the casinos to make for its own civic duty, it also makes good business sense. If the casinos offer such a service they also open themselves up to single parents that could use a little time for some adult fun, and by making the day care 24 hours a day there is no reason why a parent would leave their kid at home instead of at the casinos free daycare.

The parents could relax and have a little fun with the knowledge that their kids are being taken good care of.

This is not a new concept there are several casinos in Las Vegas that offer day care. These centers offer children of different ages fun things to do, such as all the popular videos, and games fro kids. This will appeal to people with kids. The parents get to gamble and have some adult fun and the kids get to do fun kid stuff.

By doing this the casinos will get more business and they are doing the responsible thing for their customers with gambling problems. I understand that the casinos are a business, but they should make sure that some of their less responsible gamblers do not put their children's lives in danger just to make an extra few dollars in a multi billion dollar a year industry

If enough people recommend this to their local casinos and state officials, casinos could be required by law to provide child care when they are open.

Why Do People Gamble? Reasons to Gambling Popularity

Title:
Why Do People Gamble? Reasons to Gambling Popularity

Word Count:
533

Summary:
Here you can read why despite the risk and the bad reputation gambling is so popular worldwide.


Keywords:
gambling, national lottery, casino table games, wagering, casinos, race tracks, bingo halls, poker game, casino games, Las Vegas casinos, gambling game, casino gambling, entertainment, sports


Article Body:
Gambling in its various forms has been popular for centuries in different cultures all over the entire world. Whether through the national lottery, in horse racing tracks or in casino table games, people are wagering their money hoping to win big time. Although the number of people who go home with life changing winnings is much smaller than the number of people who have left their money in the casinos, race tracks or bingo halls, the popularity of the pastime has not been reduced through the years.

Despite the low odds of stepping out as winners in most popular forms of gambling is a well known fact, even though gambling suffers from a bad reputation and even when it is illegal, gambling is still one of the most popular pastimes in the world. So, why do people gamble? The most obvious answer would be money, but it will not be a full answer. There are many other reasons that drive people to the nearest gambling facility. Here we will try to offer an answer to this disturbing question.

Luck: the irrational believe in luck is engraved in most of us. These unexplained gut feelings that a special day or a certain number is luckier than the others are sends a lot of people to gamble or even gamble on the same numbers over and over again.

Social Purposes: have you ever wonder how can a group of people beat the pants off someone in a poker game and remain best buddies? You can see it in bingo halls, casino bars and friendly poker games: many people see gambling as an opportunity to make new friends or spend time with old friends in addition to the chance of earning additional money.

Entertainment: many people visit casinos and play their favorite casino games simply because they love it and they are having a great time. In Las Vegas casinos for example, you will meet more recreational gamblers who see gambling as part of their vacation activities than professional gamblers who take gambling as a serious source of income.

Excitement: the act of gambling apparently can give you quite an adrenaline rush. Regardless of the money aspect, the anticipation of the outcome of the game while still not knowing whether it would match your bet is what makes all forms of gambling so thrilling and exciting.

Relaxation: as opposed to the accelerated adrenaline rush described by many gamblers, many gamblers find the gambling experience relaxing. When you think about it, what can be more relaxing than ending a busy work week in the comfortable casino atmosphere, playing your favorite game and served free drinks?

Boredom: whether exciting or relaxing, when the daily lives become an unbearable routine, gambling can serve as a way to escape reality.

Money: in addition to all the reasons mentioned above, gambling allegedly provides an opportunity to can earn unbelievable amounts of money within short time and minimum investment. Even if you are aware to the exact mathematical odds of beating each and every gambling game, if you are an optimist by nature, this slightest chance would nevertheless drive you to a casino, a bookie, a lottery terminal or a bingo hall.

Why I Killed My Muse-- And You Should Too

Title:
Why I Killed My Muse-- And You Should Too

Word Count:
670

Summary:
Last night, in the dark following midnight I killed my muse (suffocating her quietly with a pillow) and buried her in my back garden. Today I will plant a roses to hide the grave. No one will ever know and I will be free at last of her insidious hold and I will be able to write what I want.

Why did I resort to this deed? After all my muse was lovely and gave me many gifts over the years. She saw me through dark times and helped mark the joyous ones. Many times she inspired...


Keywords:
write, writer, writing, publish, profit, market, advice, help, tip, article, improve, skill


Article Body:
Last night, in the dark following midnight I killed my muse (suffocating her quietly with a pillow) and buried her in my back garden. Today I will plant a roses to hide the grave. No one will ever know and I will be free at last of her insidious hold and I will be able to write what I want.

Why did I resort to this deed? After all my muse was lovely and gave me many gifts over the years. She saw me through dark times and helped mark the joyous ones. Many times she inspired me to reach for more and push myself beyond what I thought I could achieve. Knowing all this why would I kill the very source of my inspiration?

Oh, I had my reasons...

It started out quietly. As I would sit at my keyboard or curl up with a notebook, she would perch on my shoulder as was her wont to do. "I don't think you meant to write that sentence," she would whisper in my ear. "That doesn't sound like the best description," she would snipe. "Is that the best you can do?" she would sneer.

I took to sneaking my writing in when I knew she was occupied elsewhere. She never could resist critiquing the writing in the morning paper if it was left spread on the kitchen table. That way I could sometimes write several pages before she began her commentary. "Surely you can find a better way to approach this topic," her mocking voice would interrupt. "That has been so done."

Soon I was spending more time arguing with her, defending my words, than I was writing. Then my production slowed to a crawl as I would overanalyze each word choice and sentence formation before committing it to screen or paper. All that did was give her more time to find fault with the few words I did write.

Despite urgent deadlines and simmering ideas, I started avoiding the computer and all writing materials. I cleaned my house. I read for hours on end. I made plans for a new garden. The need the write built within me but always my muse was watching me with those eyes -- so judgmental, so critical. I would turn away from my office with a sigh and find some other project.

When I could no longer suppress the urge to write I locked her in a closet and had a wonderfully productive morning. I was so happy with my work that I let her out as I went out the door to run some errands. That just made her mean.

She was waiting for me at the door when I came home. Her glasses had slid nearly to the tip of her nose and somehow she'd found a red pencil (I certainly never brought any such thing into the house). I shuddered at the sight of my happy morning's labor marred by vicious slashes of red. The red blurred before my eyes into a crimson haze and then...

Perhaps it is better that you don't know the details. Suffice it to say that I have selected several old-fashioned roses with luscious aroma and delicate coloring. I am sure they will provide both inspiration and comfort.

Despite my late hours and the physical toil involved, this morning I awoke early and have already logged in several hours at the keyboard. My fingers flew across the keys and after completing several long-stagnant projects I outlined notes for some new. Writing is joyful and rewarding again.

I think I might dedicate this next book to the memory of my muse. Perhaps it will serve as a warning to those other muses out there who are on the verge of going over the edge. Perhaps it will inspire those other writers out there who have let their muse stifle their creativity and shove them right into writer's block. Maybe my warning will mean those other muses and their writers will find a way to work things out.

Why Marijuana Should be Legal

Title:
Why Marijuana Should be Legal

Word Count:
516

Summary:
Many Americans feel that Marijuana is helping fund the war on terror, but making a war on drugs and keeping Marijuana illegal has not stopped millions of Americans from smoking pot everyday. So what is the answer?


Keywords:
drugs, society, law, government and society,smoking, health


Article Body:
Many Americans feel that Marijuana is helping fund the war on terror, but making a war on drugs and keeping Marijuana illegal has not stopped millions of Americans from smoking pot everyday. So what is the answer?

First, why is Marijuana illegal? In the 1930's William Randolph Hearst, who had significant financial interests in the timber industry testified to congress on the evils of marijuana, saying things like it make people insane and commit acts of cannibalism? at this time very few even knew what it was and to stop people from going insane Congress decided to make it illegal.

The truth is many paper manufacturers were thinking of changing from using trees to make paper to using hemp because it was cheaper and easier to grow and better for the environment, and Hearst stood to loose millions so he used his influence and testimony to help get marijuana banned in the USA.

So now that we know why it was made illegal, we can realize that not only would making it legal in the United States stop terrorist from smuggling it into the USA, but would give us another option to cutting down of millions of trees every year for paper products that can be made better from hemp.

Hemp has thousands of uses that we are unable to exploit because of its illegal status.

During WWII hemp was used for the rigging on parachutes as well as rope and material for uniforms.

Nowadays Marijuana can be used to relieve pain and some of the effect of cancer treatments and old age.

It has been proven to slow down the spreading of Alzheimer's, relieve the pressure behind the eyes from glaucoma. It also helps relieve migraine headaches and the side effect of cancer treatment.

But until the United States realizes how much money can be made from legalizing it, it will remain illegal.

This is much like the situation with online casinos in the USA. America was sending billions of dollars out of the country and the government needed to do something to keep the money here, so they banned Online Casino and just like online casinos and online gambling I believe one day the government will learn to take advantage of these things instead of just banning them.

Eventually the USA will realize that the best way to stop the flow of money out of the country is not to ban marijuana or online casinos, but to enter the market and compete.

If the USA did what Amsterdam has done the government would make not only billions in Taxes from the sales of Marijuana, but the economy would boom from all the tourism that it would bring in from all over the world.

The truth of the matter is that legalization is inevitable. The attitude of people has changed so drastically over the last 30 years, that eventually when the younger generations start to take over marijuana will eventually become legal because they understand the truth, and that is banning something only makes the market for it stronger.

Why Open an Online Casino Now?

Title:
Why Open an Online Casino Now?

Word Count:
557

Summary:
Because of the ban on online gambling, this is the time to set up an online casino. Read why!


Keywords:
gambling


Article Body:
The USA has banned online gambling. Or has it? Reading the Post Authority Law, I have found that what they have banned is financial transactions between US financial organizations and online casinos. Why? They cannot ban online casinos because these are not under their jurisdiction. So, have online casinos complied? Some. The large ones have such as Party Gaming and 888, but an American player can still play.

So what does that tell us?
That gambling is at an all time high in the US and across the world. People like to play games for cash because they love the adrenalin rush they get when they bet money on the outcome of a game. A law, that refuses to acknowledge this is doomed to fail just like a law disallowing people from crossing the road when the signal light is red.

What About the Online Casinos?
Some, like Golden Casino, use a different name as their financial entity and ,thus, effectively bypass the US law. It pretty much works like this: the online casino does not allow US players but they leave it up to the players to stop playing. In other words, they do accept them, but are legally not liable for them.

So Why Should You Open an Online Casino NOW?
The US is bubbling with online players anxious to find somewhere or some casino that will accept their cash and allow them to play there. You can take advantage of this gap and this urge and place your casino in that location. Mind you, this is not unique and many online casinos are trying to think of ways to serve the US crowd, but it still is a budding industry because the big players like Playtech and BetonSports have left. Why not get in there and take up that gap?

Lets discuss this in financial terms. People are looking for this product and are scouring the city to find it. Why not open an online casino and offer them what they want? The initial costs are high, but the return on your investment will more than justify spending such large sums on purchasing the software. Note that running an online casino is not that difficult once you have bought the relevant software. Then, you have to spend on marketing this product. Use the relevant internet sites, and voile, players will start dropping in at an alarming rate.

Another reason to buy or open an online casino is that the law will take a while to take effect. This means that people can still play at casinos without any fear of prosecution. So why not take a plunge?

How Can I Open An Online Casino?
Contact one of the many software companies dealing with gaming such as MicroGaming, OddsOn and many others and ask. Some of these will even allow you to use their services such as customer and technical services while you just sit back and watch the money grow in your account. Is that something or not?

Conclusion:
Opening or buying an online casino now is still if not more profitable than before. But do not take my word for it alone. Look up google or yahoo and research this for yourself. You will be surprised at the number of new casinos coming up. Join this rush for cash too or be left behind.

Why Should You Be Writing For The Internet?

Title:
Why Should You Be Writing For The Internet?

Word Count:
517

Summary:
I have been writing professionally for more than two decades. I have worked as a professional writer and editor for newspapers, books and magazines for local, regional, and international audiences. My primary financial support has always been either professional writing (or editing) or the teaching of writing. In fact, my initial foray into writing for the Internet was not intended to be a profitable venture but rather a way to express myself when I made the transition to tea...


Keywords:
write, writing, publish, edit, profit, market, advice, help, tip, article, improve, skill, book, ebo


Article Body:
I have been writing professionally for more than two decades. I have worked as a professional writer and editor for newspapers, books and magazines for local, regional, and international audiences. My primary financial support has always been either professional writing (or editing) or the teaching of writing. In fact, my initial foray into writing for the Internet was not intended to be a profitable venture but rather a way to express myself when I made the transition to teaching writing full-time. I knew that after decades of writing daily that I would need that outlet. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my hobby could actually earn more than my professional ventures? That is why I encourage my students and my writer friends to explore Internet writing for fun and profit. There are three good reasons for writers to spend at least a sizable chunk of their writing time writing for the Internet.

First, and foremost, if you are a writer then you need an audience. If you are reading this article then you know there is a huge audience accessing their reading material via the Internet. Unlike the reading audience of traditional printed materials, the Internet-reading audience is growing exponentially. More and more people are forgoing traditional newspapers, magazines, and books to subscribe to ezines, web pages, blogs, and RSS feeds. If you can find your audience on the Internet, then that is a very good reason to write for the web.

Another good reason for writers to transition to the web is that is where the money is today. While money can be made through the traditional avenues of publishing books, selling articles, or working as a writer for hire it is getting more and more difficult for established, proven writers to make a living and extremely difficult for newcomers to break in at a livable wage. However writers can start up their own business fast and cheap or work for hire to learn the ropes and build up their nest egg. Trying to do either of those things in the traditional publishing world will not find success.

Finally, or third, there is a niche for everyone on the Internet. Most traditional publishing methods are limited to a specific region due to the cost of printing and distribution. However neither is a consideration on the Internet, so writers can reach audiences around the globe. This means that what may seem a rather small niche (of say people who collect dachsund sweaters) may well find their audience is hundreds, thousands, or even millions. That means there is a need for articles and publications for these folks. As an avid dachsund sweater collector yourself you are an ideal writer for any publications currently serving this niche and if there aren't any then you have a wide-open field to start your own.

These three simple reasons should be enough for any writer to consider writing for the web. The Internet is a great place to break in and get started as a professional writer and the Internet is an even better place for the established pro to profit.

Why so many states are legalizing gambling?

Title:
Why so many states are legalizing gambling?

Word Count:
515

Summary:
For many years gambling has been outlawed in most of the United States, but recently several states have made the move to legalize gambling in one form or another. In this article we will look at why these states decided to make the change


Keywords:
Gamling, casinos, casino gambling, entertainment, sports and leisure, government, society,


Article Body:
There are currently 13 states that have legalized gambling and they have over 450 casinos between those states, and they bring in 72 billion dollars a year.

From this money states get extra money for road repair, schools and many other things that a state needs money to fix and maintain.

In the last 10 years there have also been a large number of Indian casinos being granted licenses in states that do not have legalized gambling, which means the only place t gamble in those states is in the Indian Casino, and they do not pay taxes on that money.

Many states are waking up and realizing that there is a very profitable business out there that they are not getting any revenue from, and not only does it bring money into the state it also creates thousands of jobs for each casino that opens. So for a state with a high unemployment rate this means more people are working and less of the stats money needs to be spent on these people, again a win for the state and the people.

It also means more money for the state to feed kids a hot meal at lunch and the money to put new books in the classrooms and maybe to build more schools. This money is also used in some states to hire more police officers.

Legalized gambling besides bringing in more money to the government in taxes also brings money into the community gamblers will use services such as hotels, restaurants and other local attractions while they are in the area. This can bring a major boost to a small starving economy separate from that of the casino.

Another reason why many states are pushing to make gambling legal is to attempt to wipe out the illegal gambling business. Many people feel that if gambling is legalized there is no reason for people to go to sleazy and dangerous back room casinos.

These type of places are becoming harder and harder for the police to find and as soon as they do find them, they will either pack up and change locations or another will just take their place. Another bad thing about illegal casinos s that there is no one monitoring to make sure the casino is not cheating their players.
In many cases police have raided illegal casinos and found that all the table and card games are rigged for the casino to win, and if this is ever discovered the casinos operators have in the past committed murder to keep their secrets, and most people fear for their lives and refuse to cooperate with the police.

Legalized gambling is monitored to make sure both the player and the house are playing an honest game.
Do not let all of this make you think that gambling has no downside. A lot of this money has to go to treatment for people, who develop gambling addictions, and most cities with a casino do usually see a rise in crime in those areas, so more police officers are not just a luxury it is a necessity.

Why we Need to Take Risks

Title:
Why we Need to Take Risks

Word Count:
554

Summary:
If you want to get ahead in life you have to take risks. Being the best always comes with the willingness to take chances and in one way or another, this is the same in every aspect of life.


Keywords:
Psychology, human nature, education, society, news and society, art and entertainment philosophy


Article Body:
It does not matter if you are a Doctor, a Lawyer or an infantry soldier in the Army if you want to be the best and get ahead, you will need to take risks.

A doctor may have to take risks when working with a patient. The Doctor may have to experiment with different forms of medications or new surgical procedures when all else has failed in an attempt to help the patient.

A lawyer may have to argue a case in an unorthodox manner to win the case, but if the lawyer wants to become the top lawyer and make millions of dollars fighting high profile cases lots of risks have to be taken.

A soldier may have to take a risk and run thru gunfire to save another injured soldier, to complete their mission, or just to secure an area from being overrun by enemy troops, after going days with little to no sleep, but if a soldier wants to get promotions and eventually lead men into battle they also need to take risks.

These risks are not unlike someone looking to get rich in a casino, they have to be willing to risk everything they have to get that million dollar payoff. If you play it safe in a casino you may get lucky and win a big jackpot on the slot machines, but if you want to make millions you are going to have to play games such as Poker, Blackjack, Roulette and Craps . These are the games that with some skill, some luck and a lot of risk taking you can retire off your winnings.

The same can be said about life in general. No one gets ahead in life from playing it safe. You will not meet your special someone if you are too afraid to risk getting rejected by someone, you will never get that big promotion unless you take risks at your job.

It is very important to continue to take risks in life. To stop taking risks means to stand still in life. Standing still in life is one of the main causes of depression. These are usually the people afraid to confront the boss and tell him that they demand a raise; they are the ones that allow life to pass them by out of fear. The entire purpose of fear is to stop you from taking a risk.

Fear is nothing more then the unknown. If you have always wanted to quit your job and open a shop but you are too afraid to do it, this is because you are afraid of failing and risking what you already have.

It is important to learn to take risks in life if you want to be happy, you may not always get the things you risked for, but you will know that you tried, and in the end it does not matter in my opinion if you succeed or not it is how many risks you try to make that is the real test of how successful you are.

Just remember if no one took risks we would be a world without flight and probably no automotive vehicles at all, maybe we would have no electricity. So risk truly is needed to improve the world.

Will the Democrats be able to Reverse the Online Gambling Ban

Title:
Will the Democrats be able to Reverse the Online Gambling Ban

Word Count:
513

Summary:
Thanks to a mid term election win the Democrats now control both houses of congress for the first time in 12 years, but will they try to reverse the online casino ban and if they do will they be successful.


Keywords:
Demecrats,republicans,gambling,ban,elections,congress,port security,


Article Body:
Many people were hoping that if the Democrats won control of Congress they would reverse the online gambling ban, but experts doubt they will even try or that if they do that the will be successful.

Once the bill was passed and signed into law by the president, it became much harder to reverse the law.

The democrats would need to bring up the law and get it to a vote, then after the vote passed it needs to go to the president for his signature. The problem with this is that the current president is the one who signed the bill into law in the first place.

Another problem is because the gambling ban was attached to another bill, it means that to reverse the law the entire bill needs to be reversed, but the other part of the bill is for an increase in port security, so any congressmen who recommends reversing this law, will be going on record as trying to reverse the increase in port security.

Because of this trying to get the law reversed could ruin a congressman’s chances of ever getting elected to public office again for the rest of their lives.

It is more likely that it will have to wait till the end of George Bushes term in office and then get an amendment to the law that reverses only gambling ban part of the law.

So if you are on Online Gambling enthusiast and you were hoping that after the election the online gambling ban would just disappear I am sorry to say you were mistaken and that you are going to have to wait a little longer, but that does not mean you need to sit quietly by.

The key is to make sure that you are heard, write letters to congressmen, and attend protest rallies anything that will keep this issue in the front of the minds of the politicians so they know that just as the Republicans lost the house so can they.

The republicans used the online gambling ban to try to gain votes for them in the last weeks before the election, but it backfired on them and lost them more votes then it brought in.

Hopefully the Democrats will learn from the mistakes of the Republicans and will understand that banning something never works, and that it is only thru regulating the online gambling industry that will ensure that it is safe and honest to play and that no underage children manage to play.
Other wise I am sure that the Democrats will also see the wrath of the American voters when it comes time for the next elections.

The American people are tired of having the government controlling every aspect of their lives and I think this election may have made their point for them.

So if the question is will they try to reverse the law I am sure they will try, but how successful they will be is still up in the air, and no one can really know what the outcome will be.

Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic

Title:
Winning Freelance Work: Beat The Skeptic

Word Count:
542

Summary:
I’ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers about how they choose a freelancer for a job. Whether they were reviewing job applications or considering project bids, they all had one thing in common. As every one of them started to look at the applications, they had their skeptic’s hat on.

How a Project Manager Thinks

Here are a few quotes from project managers and employers to show you exactly how they think.

1. Jaime, Editor – “The First Elimi...


Keywords:
writing,freelance,freelancing,freelancer,writer,jobs,work,work from home,telecommute,Elance,bid,work


Article Body:
I’ve spoken to hundreds of editors, employers, and project managers about how they choose a freelancer for a job. Whether they were reviewing job applications or considering project bids, they all had one thing in common. As every one of them started to look at the applications, they had their skeptic’s hat on.

How a Project Manager Thinks

Here are a few quotes from project managers and employers to show you exactly how they think.

1. Jaime, Editor – “The First Elimination”

My process of judging proposals is one of elimination. The first step is about a general impression. If it’s vague and unconvincing – eliminate. If it’s fluffed up but with no substance – eliminate. If it has real details and seems credibale – keep. Many times this process only leaves one person. That’s how easy it is to get a job – be credible and convincing.

2. Jacob, Project Manager - “I only believe what I see for myself.”

I read every proposal while questioning what I’m being told. Some people make things up. Most people exaggerate. Many people think they’re better than they really are. I’ve been working with contractors for a long time and I’ve found that the only way you can judge a person is by what they do.

3. Randy, Project Owner – “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me”

Don't try and impress me with ramblings. Lots of positive words strung together does nothing for me. You know, "I am keen, reliable, prompt, easygoing, articulate, generous, kind, competitive, athletic..." I have no reason to believe you’re any of those things. If you want me to pick you for the project, you have to do more than just tell me. You have to prove it to me.

How to Beat the Skeptic

It’s not about what you say, it’s about how you say it. Three small changes will make all the difference to your credibility and will get you more work more often.

1. Use Real Evidence

It’s always better to sell yourself with a real example.

Not so good – “I am reliable.”

Much better – “You will never be left wondering how the project is going because I will provide timely updates to keep you informed.”

2. Use Your Results

Telling project managers about your past results is also a good way to sell yourself.

Not so good – “I write effective web site copy.”

Much better – “With my new and improved content, my last client increased their sales by 120% in the first month.”

The second statement clearly communicates the quality and effectiveness of the work. And at the same time, it’s likely to excite the project manager into thinking that the same result could occur for them.

3. Be Specific

If you can use facts and figures to make your point, do so.

Not so good – “Most of my business is repeat, showing that my clients are happy with the service I provide.”

Much better – “96% of new clients have returned to use my services again.”

Not so good – “I have completed various similar projects.”

Much better – “I have completed 19 similar projects in the last year.”

Make these three simple changes to your bids and job applications and you’ll win more clients, jobs, and projects.

Words Matter

Title:
Words Matter

Word Count:
618

Summary:
While tone of voice and body language matter very much, don't underestimate the power of words. This article debunks a famous allegation about UCLA Psychology research in 1967. The research team leader is quoted saying that his work had been grossly misunderstood. The allegation: that words only count for 7% of the meaning in communication.


Keywords:
writing, editorial, newsletter, business, communication


Article Body:
Words Matter

Despite the high volume of e-mail that flows invisibly all the time, there is often no substitute for talking with people. Indeed, in many organizations, big decisions are made only after in-person conversations. Many career people take this seriously. Herein lies an opening for misjudgement.

present with sincere gusto
It is not uncommon to find a white-collar worker who believes that tone of voice and body language are underrated in effective speaking. Some polish their hand gestures and rehearse specific tones of voice because they believe that substance without style is weak. It's not just content, they say, but delivery. Seeking an edge, some even have the famous 7% rule memorized.

The 7% rule states:

• 55% of meaning comes from presentation

• 38% of meaning comes from tonality

• 7% of meaning comes from the words themselves.

Though this has brought confidence and success to some, there are still people who pay more than 7% attention to the words others speak. Neither is a fringe group. However, only the latter has the backing of scientific research.

still misunderstood
In 1967, Dr. Albert Mehabrian and his UCLA colleagues concluded studies in communication that yielded an astonishing result: The words you use in speaking to others do not matter nearly as much as the tone of your voice or your body language. As the press picked up the story, the idea was extended: written words also take a back seat to presentation and tonality.

good for shock value
According to Mehabrian and his team, the original studies were never well understood. They have always asserted that words matter very much. Perhaps they didn't use the right presentation and tone - or perhaps the media were hunting for shock value.

single-word expressions only
The Mehabrian studies attempted to reveal the relative impact of facial expressions and tonality on the understanding of spoken words. Subjects listened to recordings of a female voice saying single words (such as "maybe" and "honey") in different tonalities. They were also shown photos of female faces with different facial expressions. They were then asked to guess the emotions portrayed in each, and to link the recordings with the faces.

presentation and tone as guides
The results of the studies appeared in full in Mehabrian's books, Silent Messages (Wadsworth, 1971) and Nonverbal Communications (Aldine Atherton, 1972). In both books, he clearly states that for inconsistent messages or incongruent communications, body language and tonality are probably more reliable indicators of meaning than the words themselves. Presentation and tone are more reliable than words alone for interpretive guidance with single-word expressions. These are not general circumstances.

The 7% Rule is a Lie!
In a 1994 issue of Anchor Point, Dr. C.E. Johnson writes, "If these percentages were really valid, it would mean that learning foreign languages could be greatly abbreviated. After all, if the words only account for 7% of the meaning, we should all be able to go to any country in the world and simply by listening to tone and carefully observing body language, be able to accurately interpret 93% of their communications!"

Tone mightier than a sword?
In a 1997 issue of The Toastmaster, J.E. Pearson asks, "Imagine if Nathan Hale had said, 'Okay; I'm willing to die for my country,' instead of 'I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.' Imagine Winston Churchill saying, 'Don't be afraid,' instead of, 'We have nothing to fear but fear itself.'

Yes; tone of voice and body language matter very much - especially with single-word expressions. When speaking within a common language and culture do not be fooled by the myth of the 7% rule. Words matter - probably much more than 7%.

Write An Article About Almost Anything

Title:
Write An Article About Almost Anything

Word Count:
415

Summary:
Are you a new writer struggling to get ideas for the articles you need to write? If so, you are not alone. It takes time and practice for any writer, no matter how good or how well trained, to learn to come up with good article ideas quickly. So do not be discouraged. Instead, learn from the advice of other writers. I can give advice about article writing because it is what I do.

My first bit of advice is simple: write about what you love. Any time I come to a stand sti...


Keywords:
article


Article Body:
Are you a new writer struggling to get ideas for the articles you need to write? If so, you are not alone. It takes time and practice for any writer, no matter how good or how well trained, to learn to come up with good article ideas quickly. So do not be discouraged. Instead, learn from the advice of other writers. I can give advice about article writing because it is what I do.

My first bit of advice is simple: write about what you love. Any time I come to a stand still about things to write about I go back to the things I am passionate about. I may not be able to write a very convincing article about why all children should watch professional wrestling (because I don't believe it is true) but I may be able to write an amazing article about the importance of families eating dinner together at the end of a long day (because I believe it is true and important). Article writing must come from things that matter to you. Reflect upon the things you value and let those give you ideas for writing.

Another simple piece of advice I'll give about writing articles is to read. That's right: read. Every single good writer I know is a consistent reader. Why? Because we can learn from reading the work of other writers. It is one of the most valuable things any writer can do. Reading keeps us involved in language and even fuels new ideas for article writing. So when you're stuck just pick up a magazine and read an article or two. Don't be afraid of copying. The more you read the less chance you have of copying something you've read.

It is important to think about your audience before you begin writing an article of any kind. It is always wise as a writer to try to write articles that will somehow connect with your audience and affect their lives. Just as you want to write about things that matter to you, so you should write about things that matter to them. No one will read articles that they could care less about. So look for ways to learn what people care about most. Do surveys or talk to your friends that read articles. Readers are the best source for writers.

Article writing can be fun and exciting. Just take your time, relax, and enjoy it. You will never last long at something you hate.

Write in Chunks to Write Effectively

Title:
Write in Chunks to Write Effectively

Word Count:
306

Summary:
Writing chunks, rather than writing the whole message at once, may help you create a better message, one that's more likely to get you the results you want.


Keywords:
write, writing, writing process, written communication


Article Body:
Professional writers are often admired or envied for the end products they create. Yet, few look at the process of writing as an exciting career choice. And, for good reason. It can be difficult to sit for hour after hour, putting words onto pages.

But, few professional writers actually spend all their time writing – instead they get a few words or paragraphs down, take a break or write about something else, then return to the initial project. And, they may spend their whole day working this way.

And here's where you can learn from professional writers. Don't try to get all of your message written at once – especially if it's an important message. Instead, think of writing as a series of intense moments broken up by longer periods spent doing something else.

For example, if you need to write an important memo, think about the chunks involved in creating it. Let's say your memo will start with an objective, in which you outline the problem that needs to be addressed. In the second section you outline the options for addressing the problem. Then, you identify and explain the solution you've chosen, and in the fourth section you list the benefits that should flow out of implementation of the solution.

That's a big bag of ideas to deal with all at once. Perhaps you might start with a simple outline and a few bullet points in each section. After that, you turn to something else for an hour or two before writing the first section. Follow that with a break in which you do something else, then you write the second section. Follow that same write-break-write-break process until you've finished the memo.

In summary, taking a bit-by-bit approach means you'll probably end up with a better message, one that's more likely to get the results you want.

Write to Remember – Seven Keys to Better Note taking

Title:
Write to Remember – Seven Keys to Better Note taking

Word Count:
826

Summary:
It’s a line most of us don’t cross – we either are note takers or we aren’t. While this article may not make the die-hard non-note takers convert, it will give them some tools to try. And even the most avid note takers will get some new ideas to add to their approach.


Keywords:
professional development, personal development, notes, notetaking, learning, training, action planning


Article Body:
People seem to be as divided on note taking as on any hot-button political issue. One group will give you all the reasons why they don’t take notes:

I’d rather focus on listening.
I don’t know what to write.
Note taking never worked for me in school.

While the note taking enthusiasts will counter with:

Taking notes keeps me focused.
I can always refer to my notes – I don’t have to rely on my memory.
Taking notes works for me.

While this article may not make the die-hard non-note takers convert, it will give them some tools to try. And even the most avid note takers will get some new ideas to add to their approach.

Most of us use note taking techniques we learned or developed while in school. At that time our goal was the acquisition of knowledge with the purpose of reciting it back on a test or examination. As adults our purpose for note taking is typically quite different. We are taking notes on:

A group meeting
A phone call
An interview or other face-to-face meeting
A workshop or seminar
A book, article, newsletter or podcast

In all of these cases, while we want to acquire knowledge or information, the end goal of our note taking isn’t a test, but application of what we’ve learned. As with most anything in life, when we change the goal we may want to re-examine and change the techniques we use to get there.

Here are seven ways to make your note taking more useful and valuable to you:

Start with the end in mind. Start by understanding why you are taking the notes. Don’t take them because you are “supposed to,” take them because you know what or how you might use them. Having this picture in your mind will help you take the right notes without being lulled into writing down everything.

Lose the linearity. Most people take notes that are very linear in nature. Not all lectures, conversation or meetings follow a strict 1, 2, 3 or outline pattern. Allow yourself to take notes without a strict linear format. There will be times to write a list, but there will also be occasion for more free more comments and thoughts.

Capture ideas. While you are in the workshop or conversation new ideas will spring up. They may be connected to the situation, or they may not - either way you want to capture the idea while you have it! Give yourself permission to write down your ideas with your notes.

Capture actions. The thing you are discussing or learning about (and therefore taking notes on) may suggest specific action steps you need to take. If you are taking notes in a meeting or face-to-face conversation this might seem obvious. But again, as you are engaged in taking notes you may think of a new action step or task. Make sure you write these down and don’t lose them.

Develop shortcuts. You will find that if you use abbreviations, or develop other shorthand that works for you, it will make your note taking easier and faster. Since you won’t likely be sharing your notes with anyone, the nature of your shorthand can be very personal. This technique will help you speed up your note taking.

Have a format. Perhaps you will find that developing a common format will make your note taking easier, or even more enjoyable. I divide a note taking page in to two columns. In the right column I take my normal notes. In the left column I draw a light bulb at the top – under it I place the ideas I have during the note taking situation. About half way down the left column I place a check mark inside of a small box. This is my icon for actions. I write the actions I think of or are generated while I am taking notes in this area of each page. I share my format as a example, you are welcome to use it or come up with your own!

Review and summarize. Perhaps the most valuable thing you can do comes after you are done. Take a few minutes to review your notes – adding any words or phrases that will make them clearer. The review process will help you remember and make the notes more useful. Once you have reviewed them, take a couple of minutes to note the most important points again. This summarization will serve as a great way to “lock in” the learning you gained from the situation.

Each of these seven things can help you improve the value of your notes. If you take notes regularly, try one or more of these approaches. And if you aren’t a note taker, consider these ideas as a way to try a new approach to note taking – one that might provide you value without the barriers you have encountered in the past.

Writing: Is It A Skill, Craft, Or Gift?

Title:
Writing: Is It A Skill, Craft, Or Gift?

Word Count:
597

Summary:
Whenever you gather writers together they talk about writing. There are many different types of writers. Those who prefer to compose in long-hand or can only write on an old-fashioned manual typewriter. Those who write to music, demand complete silence, or create best surrounded by noise. You have the writers who must plan and outline before they can begin and those who find even talking about a project before it is drafted can stifle their creativity. But one of the most con...


Keywords:
write, writer, writing, publish, edit, profit, market, advice, help, tip, article, improve, skill


Article Body:
Whenever you gather writers together they talk about writing. There are many different types of writers. Those who prefer to compose in long-hand or can only write on an old-fashioned manual typewriter. Those who write to music, demand complete silence, or create best surrounded by noise. You have the writers who must plan and outline before they can begin and those who find even talking about a project before it is drafted can stifle their creativity. But one of the most controversial divisions among writers is about whether writing is a skill, craft, or gift.

I admit that I like to stir the fire a bit because I can argue all three points and depending on how my own writing is going at the moment I may find that one viewpoint carries more weight for me personally.

I know as a teacher of writing that writing is a skill. I have taken people, young and old, who loathed writing and believed they would never be able to write -- and provided them with basic tips and tools to become good basic writers. I have taken good basic writers and given them the support and direction they've needed to become skilled writers. I've watched skilled writers with practice and determination become proficient writers. I have seen this in the classroom, at writing conferences, and in newsrooms. I have witnessed this transformation enough to know that writing is a skill that can be taught and a skill that can be learned.

I know as a writer, editor, and reader that writing is a craft. As the definition reads to craft is "to make or produce with care, skill, or ingenuity". A skilled writer can capture our interest and convey information, but a writer can also craft a story, poem, or essay that touches our emotions as well as our brains. For those who have gone beyond simply skilled to be craftsmen and craftswomen they can rely on their knowledge, experience, and instinct to create writing that does more than simply delivers -- it also sings.

I know as a writer and reader that writing is a gift. Some writers simply possess a special quality that allows them to step beyond and above the huddled masses. For some it is a special ability to shape words into images and ideas and for some it is a unique vision of this world (or another) that speaks to our souls in a way others cannot.

Are writers born or made? Many people argue that some gifted writers are born, but I am not convinced. Perhaps you could have some predisposition but I believe that writers are made. They are made in the rocking chair when Mother reads "Goodnight, Moon"; they are made under the cover with a flashlight when you simply must finish "The Hobbit" for the first time; they are made when you proudly pocket your first library card; they are made when you fill your first notebook; they are made when you submit your first poem, article or story for publication; they are made when you receive your first rejection; and they are made when you turn the computer on every day to write.

I believe some writers are supremely gifted but even so does that mean it was a gift given to them whole or was it a gift developed through years of reading, writing, talking, and thinking about words?

So, I believe, writing is all three -- a skill, a craft, and a gift. Some writers find their ability spans all three while others never progress past the level of skill.

WRITING A BETTER STORY

Title:
WRITING A BETTER STORY

Word Count:
583

Summary:
Follow these tips for organizing and writing your next story. Organizing well will make you more productive and give you a better chance at success.


Keywords:
writing, success in writing, writing success, writing organization, organized writing, better writing, learn to write, learn to write well, good writing, improve your writing


Article Body:
Check below for hints and suggestions on how to organize your writing and make it a better read for your audience.

Story Summary.

State in one or two sentences the kernel of your book, story, or blog. Do not exceed thirty words total.

Outline Structure.

Provide yourself with a rough outline of the story’s structure as you see it now. This would include story arcs (beginning, rise, climax), character introductions, main themes, pivotal events, key information, plot points intended to maintain tension, etc.

In the beginning this doesn’t need to be extensive, but have it set aside to refer to, and flesh it out as important points occur to you. After you have a good outline to work with, you can use it like a map. Try to avoid adding ideas on small slips of paper. Instead, incorporate them into your outline. If you’re not sure where they go, guess, and mark them with an asterisk as a reminder to review them later.

Character Traits/Development Log.

List the vital statistics of your characters, leaving room to flesh out the information. As you think of back-story for them, traits, thoughts, etc., list them here. If they are main characters in a long piece, consider setting up separate documents for them, or even databases. Chart a time line for your characters as you go, noting development (growth or decline), change, conflict, back story, relationships with other characters, etc. These thoughts should work in tandem with the outline you are developing. REMEMBER, MOST CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH DIALOGUE. THIS IS THE MOST RELIABLE WAY TO CREATE VIVID CHARACTERS THAT THE READER WILL RECOGNIZE. A READER WILL OVERWHELMINGLY BELIEVE A SPOKEN CLUE TO CHARACTER OVER AN EXPOSITORY ONE.

Note: Characters can and probably need to be witty, but biting wit creates unsympathetic characters and the protagonist should not be unsympathetic. There are exceptions, but the rule is to keep your protagonist likeable.

Exposition

Use this as a device to increase tension and augment the dramatic tone of your work. Be careful to limit self-indulgent wallowing or too much repetition. Topics could include goals, plans, fears, and dreams. Exposition shouldn’t be long-winded, and should have variety. Build on previous revelations, and vary short and long sentences to give your exposition rhythm and punch.

Remember, when readers get tired or bored, this is the stuff they skip. Make your exposition as readable as possible. If you’re going to lose someone, this is probably where it will happen.

Conflict

Stories are about conflict. Conflict is an essential element of fiction. In your writing there should always be at least two things in your story that are sources of conflict. There should be one conflict which follows through the whole story and is only resolved at the end.

Secondary conflicts are necessary because they propel the reader through slower sections of the story and maintain tension and momentum. You should structure your work to include secondary conflicts where they will keep your writing moving at a pace that will make the reader keep the book in his hand. Try diagramming the story by conflict to see where the gaps are.

Have Fun

If you’re having fun writing, your reader will know it. One of the easiest things you can do to improve your writing is to enjoy it. Whatever your level of skill, you’re creating something. The more enthusiasm you have for the process, the better the end product will be.