When one considers the historical nature of security applications and programs of any type, i.e., CCTV, intrusion detection and alarm systems, corporate policies and programs and countermeasures of any type, the phenomenon of the Denial Syndrome, Complacency and Failure to properly allocate a Security Budget can not be over emphasized. If we, as individuals, as a country and as a government, have not learned anything from the lessons of 911, it is the benefit of being pro-active and utilizing the concept of foreseeability.

No mater how, when or where, the denial syndrome is the one human response mechanism which can be most fatal in any security response program or effort. On too many occasions, individuals, whether VIP’s, corporate executives or the neighbor down the street will simply place their hand in the sand and resolve themselves stating to themselves “it won’t happen to me”.

Too many clients respond to their threats whether due to a: stalker and/or threat from a disgruntled employee or corporate enemy, a Workplace Violence issue, internal thefts - both Estate and Corporate, security issues due to high profile or net worth, corporate espionage, marital disputes, etc., with the denial syndrome. Too many individuals simply feel that they can “safely play the percentages” and ignore the threat or the possible repercussions. The results of this type of complacency is too may times very costly and potentially, deadly.

Then of course, there is the individual or corporate executive who inevitably will analytically determine the ROI does not exist in relation to the threat level. However, the individual almost unilaterally comes to this conclusion, completely ignoring and discounting the recommendations set forth as a result of a properly conducted Vulnerability and Threat Assessment. This response is typical and a perfect example of the “penny wise and pound foolish” attitude.

Anothern aspect of life today, which has become such a serious issue and “threat” to us as individuals, families, and as a country and nation, is “Child Abductions”. We too many times, turn on the evening news to hear of yet, another child being abducted. These child predators have no conscience and seek out victims, statistically between the ages of 10-12 but not limited to those ages, more times than not, a young girl and brutally sexually abuse and then murder them. The predator would more than likely prefer to abduct the older person, perhaps a 19 or 20 year old female. However, probably due to the greater degree of resistance and increased difficulty in being successful, the predators choose the younger victims.

It is in these instances that we sharply notice the denial syndrome, complacency and failure to properly budget security in operating in our lives. We plainly need to realize that we no longer live in a society that was as safe as when we grew up.
Today, due to many circumstances, one being the overcrowded criminal detention system and the pressures it places on the criminal justice system to plea bargain down felony crimes and another one being the past decades of budget cuts in state and municipal funding of Psychiatric Institutions has placed too many “psych” patients and “predatory criminals” out on the streets and living in our neighborhoods among us.

We, as parents and as a society in general, have to come to grips with the fact that we must be as pro-active. Simple mistakes such as allowing our children to ride their bikes alone, travel (walk) to a friend’s house or to school, unescorted can be fatal. We simply can’t allow small children to play unsupervised, in any environment, whether it be the driveway, backyard, park or school playground. Predators exist. They are out there, looking for the mistake.

Being pro-active is critical. There are other steps parents can take, such as the use of a GPS watch or cellular phone. Obviously, the wealthier can utilize the services of an armed bodyguard, protection agent to escort their child, such as in the movie “Man On Fire”.

Given the nature of today’s occurrences, whatever the countermeasure taken, we can be assured, it probably rests within the parameters of sensibility.

For a free community service seminar on “Child Abduction Awareness”, J.A. LaSorsa & Associates can be contacted at: 954-783-5020 or via e-mail: jal@lasorsa.com or by visiting: www.lasorsa.com

Mr. LaSorsa manages J.A. LaSorsa & Associates, a South Florida based security consultancy and investigative firm, which provides professional services to include: asset and executive protection, corporate security and loss prevention, litigation support and expert testimony as it relates to premises liability, foreseeability, security negligence and security operations; technical security counter-measures, de-bugging, electronic sweep, anti-wiretapping, safe rooms and security systems consulting, event and tour security, investigations and undercover operations, suspect interviews, surveillances, workplace & school violence intervention & consulting, threat and vulnerability assessments and developing/ implementing Crisis/Disaster and Business Continuity Management plans.

Joe has over twenty-nine years of experience, which includes a twenty-year Federal Law Enforcement career as a Senior Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, Presidential Protection Division, the White House.
J.A. LaSorsa & Associates can be contacted at: 954-783-5020 or via e-mail: jal@lasorsa.com

Many a philosopher has indeed considered this topic. And having been involved recently in an online think tank discussion of this subject matter, I would like to assist you in considering some of the points of this subject.

Personally, having removed myself from the equation and then studied this question the prior from another’s perspective; that is to say a “non-human” I would agree with the hypothetical conclusion of course that humans are indeed animals. Thus I have stated: “Humans are animals and nothing I have observed would preclude them from such classification. Certainly not the ties they wear or the tools they create or the thought they are capable of.”

However, I have witnessed some rather astounding things from a very small subset of humans, which is quite impressive of the average member of their groupings. So, having already thought on such hypothetical questions such as “what if an alien race came to explore Earth and then classified all mammals as animals and included the species of human in that grouping?” This question was asked in the online think tank and here are my thoughts on the issue.

Perhaps from my readings and understandings of Sci Fi authors like Issac Asimov and others, I have come to the same conclusion as the characters (that is to say aliens) in this hypothetical. The next part of the question is; “As a human, how does that make you feel?”

As far as feelings, I do not have feelings of this only that I concur with the conclusion of the hypothetical. Now that is not to say that another may not be devastated by such findings if they are or were so. I can understand the reluctance of the human ego to dismiss such notions of course, although emotions should not get in the way of reality or science.

Personally humans do not impress me, as much as they appear to impress themselves, as they so often remind themselves of their abilities, rather than building upon those abilities to make them better. However, that is not to say that the forward progression of the human race is non-existent, only that it is much slower than it could or should be considering their baseline average, which although not high, is high enough to really give them a head start towards greatness or the next evolutionary step. Is this subject too heavy for you? Okay, then class dismissed. However, I can tell you that there is a lot more where that came from if you care to seek answers on such issues. Consider this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

In the course of life, each person is the both the architect and builder. That means that every step of the way, we design and create our lives the way we want it. But what about the steps leading up to that? In other words, the million dollar question is: how do we know what we want to create in order to create it? This is probably the most common question I get as a coach, and, I believe the doorway to conscious living.

Well, the keys to that doorway lie in finding our purpose and/or passions. Ironically though, we also tend to tie that question often with the flow of money. Someone told me once to “do what I loved and the money would follow”. Well, after many years of pondering that statement, doing many things that I loved, and very little money following, I discovered that there was one vital problem - yes I loved to do a variety of things, but not everything that I loved automatically created an income flow for me. Especially in a way where I felt I could be contented and fulfilled, since I very much connected the two concepts. And I actually believe that all I had to do was “love” to do anything at all, and the money would just appear like a genie. NOT!

But what I did discover was this: that there is a difference between the things that you are passionate about and one’s purpose in life, sometimes both coming together, sometimes not. Money of course is a result of that, whether small or large amounts. Here’s an example of passion and purpose being separate: I can be passionate about being a superstar basketball player, but if I’m only 5 feet tall and no athletic inclinations whatsoever, then it is certainly not my purpose. And even though I could still choose to devote 100% of my energy because of my passion around it, it still wouldn’t net me a spot with the Harlem Globetrotters. It would also leave me broke and starving, since my all my energy would be going out towards this passion, but netting me nothing in return.

I believe there are four main keys to opening that doorway of discovery. Ask yourself these questions:

What are your gifts? These are the abilities you were born with that came naturally to you. You had no training, you were just good at them. For example, your physical abilities, your personality, your looks, the way you communicated or thought, ability to play a musical instrument. Think back to your childhood - what were you naturally good at - what came easily to you without any thought whatsoever? What did you enjoy? What did you love to do?

What are your strengths? These are your natural abilities or gifts that you have taken in your life and refined further.

What are your interests? These are areas usually associated with positive experiences from your past that you have chosen to develop and master.

What are you passionate about? What do you stand for? What do you value? These too are developed, however very often associated with challenges, hurdles or negative experiences from your past. For example, maybe you had a bad familial experience and it is what helped mold you into the person you are today. It may also be a cause you wish to take up, because of a challenge you had to face, and in turn channel that energy into something positive that may help others facing that same challenge.

Discovering the purpose is not often the passions that we have, however finding what we want usually involves bringing passion and purpose together. In order words, falling in love with your purpose. Your purpose is the responsibility that you have to contribute to others. Finding what your purpose is centers around your gifts first and foremost.

Somestimes the clues about your purpose are very often what we try and run away from, and yet comes back at us consistently. As the saying goes, “what we resist, persists”. If you take what your natural gifts and strengths allow you to experience, you can create and contribute in a way that allows you to add value to those around you.

Adding value is vital. It’s your contribution to society as well to yourself, in being fulfilled and having a consciously purposeful life. Ask yourself two more questions: If you found out that you only had three months to live, what would you do? What would you like to be remembered for? The answers may shock and surprise you.

The closer you are with using your gifts, the closer you are to finding what you desire, and therefore, your purpose, personal fulfillment and everything else that stems from that. I’m sure Tiger Woods would agree with that picture.

Coaching is certainly a tremendous tool to help one uncover their purpose and value to others. And working through life to get to the point where Purpose and Passion are connected is one of the fundamental aims of coaching.

So what are you waiting for? Start unlocking those doors. And let your purpose shine for the rest of the world to see!

Copyright 2005

Olena Gill is a life coach and owner of Indigo-Crystal Coaching Services in Errington, BC, Canada. She assists people in discovering their purpose and aligning actions with their vision. Visit http://www.indigocrystalcoach.com for more information.

Christmas may very well be the oldest holiday that is shared across the many cultures of the world; it is traditionally celebrated during the winter season (or even the warm summer season if you count Australia, where Christmas is celebrated as an official holiday).

Before Christmas was celebrated, people were finding time to celebrate in Europe during the winter holiday before the birth of Jesus Christ ever even occurred!

The Winter Solstice has always been a time to celebrate and rejoice; it is celebrated on December 21 in the northern hemisphere and it was after the Winter Solstice that the worst part of the year was behind them. It was at that point during the year that the days began to get longer, giving the people more time to spend outside on their crops and tending to their animals.

In Scandinavia during the Winter Solstice, men and their sons used to go in to the woods to cut a tree down. After the tree had been felled, a nicely sized log was cut out of it, and the men would carry the log back to the home. This log was dubbed a Yule Log, and the Yule log was burned in the fireplace. The entire time the Yule log burned, the family would feast. Often times the Yule log might burn for a whole twelve days! Of course, as the Yule log burned it sent sparks out of the hearth and as the sparks flew out of the fire place, the family would count the sparks and each spark stood for a farm animal (a cow, a goat, a pig, etc) that would be born on their property that year. It is important to note that farm animals were signs of wealth back then.

Saturnalia is a celebration of the Winter Solstice that occurred in ancient pagan Rome. Saturnalia was celebrated in honor of the god of agriculture, who was named Saturn. During the time of Saturnalia, the entire Roman empire is in a state of social disarray. Servants and peasants spend time with and celebrate the holiday with people of higher classes, which was a rarity back then.

The Saturnalia festival in itself can last as long as an entire week in Rome. During that time, people rejoiced all over the country of Rome. The phrase ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ was played out to its fullest. Shops and businesses are closed during the Festival of Saturnalia. Following the first week of Saturnalia, the festival itself usually ends, but the Saturnalia period itself does not end.

In addition to Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture, the Romans also worshipped an infant type god named Methra, who was carved out of a rock. On Mithra’s birthday, people also rejoiced, just as they did during Saturnalia. The day of this rock god’s birthday was one of the most sacred days of the year for the Roman people. It was a time for celebration and togetherness, and for family.

This article was presented by Christmas Fun

When I started to drive in my late teens it was customary to buy a banger then spend the next year or so doing it up. First we go down to the car auctions, to get what we thought would be the deal of the year, then after driving it home we would find out exactly what we hade bought and why it was in the car auction in the first place.

Of course nothing would dampen my spirits, it was my first car and my first taste of real freedom. So off I would go with close friends to the local scrap yards, where we would walk the old cars scouring for the relevant Car Parts to make my banger into my dream machine.

Looking back on this experience, it was amusing as nothing was priced, you took your tool kit, removed the parts yourself sometimes in extremely dangerous situations with old cars towering above you.
As you took your parts to the man at the gate, he gave you a price off the top of his head as we were young and clearly not in the money, a price would be given that was clearly cheaper than those that turned up in newer cars.
Within our toolboxes would be the bolts and little odds and sods we picked up when we were lying on the ground. I had asked once how much these were, but they were never bothered so I always got these for free.

However things have changed now. There are still scrap yards around, but instead of being able to sell your car to the scrap man, when it was off the road, we now have to pay him to take it away for us. New European laws control the disposal of cars and the materials they are built of, making it harder for your typical scrap yard to make money. In fact it is sometime more trouble than it’s worth. Gone are the days when they would take in any car, now they look at the car parts value, to see if they should have the car in the yard or not.

However the Internet has come to the rescue as it has with many industries. You can now search for car parts on the web across several if not hundreds of scrap yards at the same time. By typing in your car part requirements into a form, which is then distributed throughout the scrap yards at the same time, you can save yourself time and money. Of course if you get more than one reply you can chose the cheapest price or nearest to get to.

I don’t need to search for parts now; it is the turn of my son who of course has got the Internet off to a tee. It may a romantic notion, but it is a shame he can’t go through the same phase of searching and then stripping down an old car to make his good. Ironically I think he would enjoy it as much as I did at his age, even I it was more dangerous than I would like to admit.

Mark is webmaster for Car Rescue Service and Direct Car Insurance.

Michigan, affectionately known to all as the mitten shaped state, provides 3,200 miles of fresh water shoreline, 3.9 million acres of DNR managed land and dozens of cultured cities with museums, upscale restaurants and extraordinary shops. Michigan is a four-season state. Visitors have everything from fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing and much more. Michigan is most commonly known for its Upper and Lower Peninsula’s. Below are just a few places to visit throughout the state.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a nature-lover’s paradise. Visitors should plan plenty of time to visit the 384-mile-long peninsula. The Upper Peninsula is home to the highest mountains in the Midwest and to all but two of Michigan’s 152 waterfalls. Here are just few places you may want to make sure you visit during your stay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Mackinac Island - Take a beautiful ferry ride to the island of Mackinac. A place that will take you back in time to horse-drawn carriages, quaint shops, and historical exhibits. Fort Mackinac was built by the British in 1782 during the American Revolutionary War to control the strategic Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. During the summer months, you can transport yourself back in time with reenactments and tours of the historical buildings on the Island.

Pictured Rocks - An awe-inspiring sight of multicolored sandstone cliffs lining Lake Superior. This 15-mile stretch of shoreline received its name due to the pictures that seem to appear on the rocks from multicolored sandstone and mineral stains on the rock surface. This stretch is known for its hiking trails, beaches and glass bottom boat tours.

Isle Royale - Wander freely with the wolves and moose in this North Woods sanctuary. 99% of this land mass is federally designated as wilderness. This archipelago is composed of ridges resulting from lava flows, which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, excellent fishing, paddling, shipwrecks and plenty of places for observing wildlife.

Houghton/Copper Harbor - Observe fantastic views from Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline to the top of Brockway Mountains. Here you can take a scenic drive up the mountain (hopefully you’ll see a black bear in the woods), do some mountain biking, kayak the Keeweenaw Water Trail or just relax along the beach. If you are looking for a white covered, snowy retreat than Copper Harbor gives you great snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Drummond Island - Two-thirds of Drummond Island is state owned. The diverse topography ranges from cedar swamps to rock ledges, prairie meadows to groves of hardwoods, rocky shores to sandy beaches. The recreation available is as diverse as the terrain. Here you can hunt, fish, swim, hike, bike, stargaze and explore the area.

Paradise - Paradise, Michigan is a great little town on the shores of Lake Superior at the northeastern tip of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you are a bird watcher, than this is the place to visit in the spring or fall to watch raptors, waterfowl, and smaller birds in their migration to and from Canada. If you love waterfalls, than be sure to visit The Tahquamanon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. You can take a short walk to the Observation Point, walk down to the bottom of the Falls, or hike on the extensive trail system that runs throughout the Park. Paradise, Michigan also offers wonderful beaches, hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling and many other outdoor recreation activities.

Northern Michigan - Lower Peninsula

Northern Michigan is an often-visited vacation spot offering its guests fishing, shopping, beaches, canoeing and much more.

Traverse City - Traverse City, is located on the west side of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula. Traverse City offers travelers world class wineries, fantastic water sports, golf, a great downtown with shopping and restaurants, and much more. Michigan produces 70 to 75 percent of the tart cherries grown in the United States and in recognition, Traverse City celebrates with their Cherry Festival in July. This is a big event and is one you shouldn’t miss. Make sure to make reservations well in advance, as this is a busy time.

Gaylord - Here, in Otsego County, you can kick back and take in the beauty that is Northern Michigan: shimmering lakes, flowing rivers, wildernesses, scenic trails and great golf. With an average annual snowfall of over 150 inches, the Gaylord area is blessed with some of the most reliable snow conditions in Northern Michigan. Three downhill ski resorts and nine cross-country ski areas provide facilities and groomed trails for a great winter vacation.

Manistee and Ludington - Hiking and fishing are the attractions that draw most to this these two cities. Be a part of The North Country National Scenic Trail, which stretches through seven states. Michigan has the largest percentage of this trail and it stretches through the scenic Manistee National Forest. Ludington, Manistee’s neighbor, is known for it’s premier fishing. The waters between the Big Sable Point and the Little Sable Point offer some of the best fishing anywhere in the state. While the “big lake” fishing is definitely something to brag about, our inland lakes and rivers also offer the opportunity to reel in more than one “fish story.”

Western Michigan - Lower Peninsula

West Michigan has so much to see and do, you’ll start planning your next visit before you finish your first! If your sights are set on learning, you’ll love their museums and historic places. Experience the zoos. Explore the lighthouses. If it’s adventure you’re after, take a day cruise. Rent a dune buggy. Tame a wild water park. If culture is your pursuit, let West Michigan entertain you with festivals galore and performing arts year around.

Grand Haven - Visit the lakefront areas of Spring Lake and Ferrysburg or stroll along Grand Haven’s magnificent two and one-half mile boardwalk to the spectacular beaches. Here, near the water, you will find the restaurants, snack shops, marinas, charter fishing boats, boutiques & specialty shops, trolley rides and other attractions.

South Haven - South Haven is renowned for great swimming off five miles of white-sand beach that stretches south and north from both sides of the harbor pier heads. A paved walkway runs from the south pier through town and out to the north pier, around the entire harbor. Not all trails are paved. South Haven is a town that likes to party. It is host to a wealth of year-round festivals from fine art fairs, the Annual Blueberry Festival each August, antique boat exhibits and many more activities each weekend.

Saugatuck - It’s a trendy resort community, snuggled along the Kalamazoo River on the last leg of its journey to Lake Michigan. Saugatuck is a haven for fine art lovers, featuring more than 26 art galleries, studios and showrooms. Its streets are lined with upscale shops and restaurants, parks and gardens, outdoor tiki bars with live entertainment and waterfront dining. Pleasure yachts parade the river while seagulls cry overhead, soaring below the tips of sand dunes that rise like mountains to the west.

Southeast Michigan

Southeast Michigan, a region of seven counties, revolves around metropolitan Detroit. Southeast Michigan is home to many of the large corporations and businesses throughout Michigan.

Detroit - Detroit, like other Downtowns, has great things to offer. From cool nightclubs, to great restaurants, to awe-inspiring museums, Detroit has something for everyone. Looking for a sporting event? Detroit has two brand new stadiums in the heart of downtown. How about catching a play? Detroit’s theatre district offers nightly shows you won’t want to miss. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the black jack table at one of three downtown casinos.

Ann Arbor - Centered on the Big Ten College, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers all who visit great restaurants, shops, museums and plenty of outdoor activities. Spend your day hiking the Waterloo Recreation area, one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. Explore nine unique galleries containing more than 250 interactive exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

Lexington and The Thumb - Gorgeous sunrises, rich landscapes, sandy shores and playful beaches are hallmarks of what makes Michigan’s “Thumb” area an excellent choice for vacations and day trip visits. Boating, beaching and fishing are the highlights of this wonderful area. Close to Metro-Detroit, it offers its visitors the ability to swim in the clear waters of Lake Huron and to spend your days catching fish like Salmon, Trout, and Perch. Don’t have your own boat? No problem, many charter-fishing companies are available in this area.

Michigan has so much to offer its visitors. This guide only touched on a few of the many wonderful cities throughout this grand state. From outdoor recreation, to fine restaurants, shops and museums, there is something for everyone. When planning your next Michigan vacation getaway, make sure to visit Rentalbug.com, your connection to Michigan lodging. Rentalbug specializes in cabins, cottages, bed and breakfasts and much more. No one knows Michigan like we do.

Melissa Morrison is owner of Rentalbug Michigan Vacation Rentals, a lodging directory dedicated to Michigan bed and breakfasts, cottages, cabins and more. To list your property visit http://www.rentalbug.com

Now a days, there is a variety of essential oils, roots, and herbs available to support healthy living. These natural products can be used for treating ailments, flavoring your food, skin care, create perfumes, and manufacture environmentally safe cleaning products.

If you do not have room for a garden, a few herbs planted by a sunny window are enough to get you started. Subsequently, all you will need then are some essential oils and you are ready to embark on a wonderful journey to natural herbal remedies and medicine.

Essential oils versus blended oils.

The first to consider is the essential oils. Only the purest oils will do for therapeutic purposes. Do not be fooled into thinking that you are purchasing pure oil when in fact it is a blend of several oils. Blended oils are acceptable for fragrance such as perfuming a room, but pure oils are necessary for medicinal intent.

A general guide to the purity of oil is its price. Pure oils are normally more expensive. For instance, common oils such as lavender and geranium are less expensive than frankincense and carnation oil. Therefore, it is advisable to become familiar with essential oil prices and then rely on this knowledge when purchasing oils. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. In addition, a price list from a reputable dealer is a valuable resource when buying essentials oils.

Typically, pure oils cannot be applied directly to the skin and must be mixed with a base oil to lessen their strength. Base oils such as almond oil or wheat germ oil are generally used for this purpose. Base oils are generally derived from seeds, nuts, or vegetables.

Basic oils and natural remedies.

Lavender, without a doubt, is one of the most useful and desirable oils. It will work wonders on cuts, bruises and burns, and promotes sleep and relaxation.

The Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oils are useful for treating a variety of respiratory ailments. These are excellent medication for colds and coughs. These oils can be massaged into the chest or burned in an oil burner to help clear the airways and prevent congestion. Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can be dabbed on cuts, bites and stings. It is often used to treat spots and pimples and when diluted with water, acts as a mouth gargle (keep in-mind it should never be swallowed).

Geranium oil with its characteristic perfume and pain relieving properties is a basic antiseptic. This herbal remedy should be part of your essential oil and natural herbal remedies garden.

Peppermint oil treats digestive upsets and may be used for breath freshening.

Patchouli and Ylang-ylang oils in an oil burner can perfume a room and add a sense of ambience. Orange oil mixed with Cinnamon oil is a pleasant winter scent that brings to mind seasonal holiday smells. Besides their perfume qualities, all four of these oils have other properties. Patchouli treats eczema and dandruff. Ylang-ylang is reputed to relieve stress, palpitations, and high blood pressure. Orange is used in natural remedies for depression and nervous tension. Cinnamon is excellent for warts and viral infections.

Thyme and Rosemary are considered herbs and can be grown in pots and used when needed. Both of these herbs can be used to create oils or flavor food. Thyme and Rosemary are also antiseptics and can be used in skin care preparations.

Lemon oil and fresh lemons will purify water. When lemon is mixed with honey, it is an effective herbal remedies for colds and flu. Lemon and white vinegar are highly effective cleaning agents that can be used for domestic cleaning tasks without damaging the environment. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant or mix it with water to clean windows and wooden floors.

If you want to keep the insects away this summer, Citronella oil or Garlic will do. Add a capsule of garlic to your dog’s food and your dog will not be bothered by fleas. You could also soak a soft dog collar in Citronella to keep fleas and mosquitoes at bay.

Garlic helps to promote a healthy immune system. When the weather turns cold and the viruses begin to circulate, adding garlic to your diet will leave you less susceptible. In fact, most of the oils and herbs listed above are effective in helping to prevent many common winter illnesses.

If you are looking for natural herbal remedies or nature friendly products, the oils and herbal remedies recommended above should help you get started.

For more information about natural herbal remedies and herbal medicine, visit these sites
Natural Herbal Remedies Info and Herbal Medicine Info

With shores on two oceans, Mexico is a beach lover’s paradise. Here’s a primer on three of the beach areas, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada

Puerto Vallarta

Considered a poor man’s Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta lies in the middle of the Bahia de Banderas, a huge bay. The beach is long and nice while the two lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The last ten years have seen a lot of development with condos, hotels and tourist support areas going up like mad. This isn’t particularly surprising since tourism seems to be the hub of the entire economy in Puerto Vallarta.

For beaches, you really can’t go wrong in Puerto Vallarta. The northern beaches tend to be the most popular, which also means more people. Personally, I’ve headed to the south to find a little more breathing room. For gay travelers, Puerto Vallarta is considered the most accommodating beach location in an otherwise conservative Mexico.

Ensenada

Located a few hours south of the border with San Diego, Ensenada is a popular weekend trip. Sitting on the bay of Todos Santos, Ensenada is famous for a vibrant nightlife, nice beaches and being the location where much of the movie “Titanic” was shot.

Historically, Ensenada used to be a secret location known to San Diegans. Then the Mexican government built a smooth highway from Tijuana through Ensenada. So much for the secret!

Today, Ensenada is a good place to go if you want to experience Mexico, but want to avoid the packed, edgy Tijuana scene. In Ensenada, you can ride horses on the beach, do some surfing and visit world famous bars. The most famous, of course, is Hussongs. Hussongs is the place where you can “sample” tequila and sing with Mariachi bands. The two have nothing to do with each other. Honest.

Everyone has a favorite beach spot in Mexico. Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta aren’t bad places to sample.

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

One of the best things about having a growing family is being able to set new family holiday traditions. Some families will carry on traditions from their childhood … others are eager to set their own traditions. Here are a few ideas of activities to share with your family during this special season.

1) Choose a day to officially mark the beginning of your family’s holiday season. Pick a day such as the day after Thanksgiving or the first Saturday in December. On this particular day, begin taking out your holiday decorations, checking for damage, and preparing to put them up. If purchasing a Christmas tree is part of your tradition, select a day to do this also.

In our household, we begin taking out the decorations the day after Thanksgiving. We then purchase our tree and decorate it the first weekend in December.

2) Take your children to pick out and purchase a new ornament each year. If the ornament does not include the year, mark the bottom or back of it with white-out or a marker.

3) Create ornaments and decorations together throughout the holiday season. Add a few to your holiday decorations each year and use the rest as gifts! Friends and relatives love ornaments handmade with love from the little ones!

4) It doesn’t feel like the holidays until the aroma of freshly baked goodies floats from the kitchen! Children love to help bake, so let them! Not only is it fun for them, but can be very educational. Let them help you count the number of ingredients, or for the older ones, measure them. They can pour the ingredients in the bowl, mix the batter, and help decorate the finished product.

5) Let the children help you wrap gifts! The smaller ones may make a mess, but again, friends and relatives will find it adorable that their package is adorned with far too many pieces of tape and several mismatched bows. Most importantly, your child will be proud of their accomplishment!

6) Have a family portrait taken each year during the holiday season. The changes from year to year are amazing, and you can document them through pictures. It is not necessary to have one made professionally — simply dress everyone up and ask a friend to snap a few shots!

7) Write a family newsletter to send to friends and relatives. Be sure to include the new family portrait and update everyone on all of your family’s accomplishments during the past year. Allow the children to choose a few of their favorite events for inclusion.

Sit down together with your children and look through magazines and catalogues to choose gifts they’d like to receive or give to others. Help your child write to Santa or create a collage to send to him. Take your child shopping and have them pick out a toy for a needy child. The Toys For Tots program, sponsored by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, is an excellent program which distributes new toys to children that might not otherwise receive Christmas gifts.

9) Replace the nightly bedtime story with holiday stories. Watch classic holiday movies. Play and sing holiday music.

10) Make your own traditions. Whether it’s Christmas caroling, church services, or visiting Santa Claus, the important thing is that you do it together as a family!

Dawn Lloyd is the owner/editor of BabyUniversity.com, PersonalFitnessZone.com and BabyShopsOnline.com. Please visit her sites for more holiday recipes, crafts and ideas.

Feedback:

Most experts agree both types; constructive and positive feedback are beneficial and important to performance improvement. However, the way the feedback and timing of it are crucially factors.

Method:

Feedback will be effective only if it is specific. General statements like ” You really did a good job.” Or ” You didn’t do that so well.” Will do little to improve skills or serve as confidence builders. When providing constructive feedback, don’t focus on what was done incorrectly. Here’s an example of a not so effective feedback: ” Your answer of the phone was too short and incomplete” This feedback identifies the problem but does not state how to correct the problem. Here is a more effective way to provide feedback: “This time try to be sure to state your company name and identify yourself to your caller. Let me give you an example…”

Timing:

The intent for feedback is to give confidence and skill improvement. For feedback to be beneficial it must come immediately after the task is performed. To be effective, it must be given prior to the next time the individual performs the task.

Finally, when giving feedback, focus on a maximum of two things. It isn’t realistic to think a person can focus on more than two areas to be improved. Try to select the most critical or important area to be improved. Be sure to relay how to improve rather than what the person did wrong.

© Bower Income and Profit Systems MMIII All Rights Reserved.

James A. Bower is the Co-Founder and President of Bower Income and Profit Systems a company dedicated to enhancing business performance in many areas through tapes books and seminars. His presentations include sales, marketing, telephone skills, motivation, goal setting and achievement, telephone equipment and voice mail design and business organization for efficiency. He is an internationally recognized instructor and is the recipient of many awards in recognition of his successful efforts in assisting businesses create a more efficient environment resulting in maximum profits. He has had the opportunity to speak for groups as a large as 5000 and can get his points across to any size audience.

James has been actively addressing business issues and solving business problems for over 30 years. He is available to make presentations to company staff or for individual consultation.

Contact James at 316-773-1994 or jbower1@cox.net