One thing that many of us tend to overlook when we're young is the future. Now, by the future I am thinking along the lines of retirement funds. Have you dabbled with this yet? I am getting there. Now that I recently turned 31, I am trying to get a better hold on debt and future capital. In short, everything needs to get paid off as soon as I can handle it. Let's face it folks, no one wants that annoying debt hanging over their heads when they're retired. This is the last financial issue you'll want to deal with. I look at my mother who still owes on some credit cards. This is sad because she's 63 and retired. I think she should have taken care of it sooner. Paying those credit card companies is not so easy on a retirement income. So, how's your retirement income planning going? Is it still stirring slowly in the back of your mind, or are you completely on top of things?

There are a number of ways to plan ahead. Take the game of stocks for example. This is where many individuals like yourself earn plenty for the future. Do a little investing here and there. If you know what you're doing, it's bound to pan out. Set aside that capital for the golden years. Other methods of retirement income planning are even simpler. What about the trust savings account. If you're sticking a little extra cash away each paycheck, this can add up to quite a bit. Let's pretend you put 20 dollars in a savings account, starting at age 34. If you get paid every two weeks, this will add up to oodles of money over the next 30 years. By the time retirement arrives, you'll be better prepared. It's the little retirement income planning secrets like this that far too many of us dismiss. Sure it's simple, but yet it's still very effective. Take advantage of your savings account.

You can attain assistance with retirement options. Hop on the web and take your pick from a number of services that help with retirement income planning. In fact, this may be exactly what you're looking for. Let a professional plan out your income and retirement for you. This way the bills will get paid and you will be planning for the future with all confidence.

Your backyard can be your escape from the stresses of your day. For some people, sitting in a beautifully laid out yard is one of the most relaxing things they can do. For others, they find that planning, building, and planting their garden or yard is the relaxing part they look forward to. If you want have a breathtaking yard, but have no idea where to start, you need some backyard landscape ideas to get you going. Ideas are everywhere, and you may find inspiration in the least likely places.

You can find backyard landscape ideas by visiting other people’s homes. You don’t really want a carbon copy of someone else’s yard, but you can get inspiration by viewing what your friends, family, and neighbors have done with their yards. You might also find inspiration by visiting local parks or botanical gardens. A walk around your own neighborhood may be just the thing you need as well. Don’t forget about the businesses in your community. Many of them are landscaped by professionals, and you may find some great ideas there.

If this isn’t working for you, you can find backyard landscape ideas by watching HGTV. This station is devoted to home and garden improvements. You may find tricks and tips to help you along, as well as inspiration for your own yard. You can find ideas for small yards, gardens, and incorporating elements into your yard you may not have considered. You will also find shows to help with plant care, gardening tips, and advice for what plants work best in your climate.

Consider adding a new element to your yard to help you along. Having an outdoor fireplace, deck, or pool in your yard may help spark backyard landscape ideas. These items are not only useful; they can be the backdrops for your garden to be. You might consider a trellis around your pool for vine plants, or a unique sitting area around your outdoor fireplace.

As a last resort, look through magazines or ask for advice at your local home and garden store. You may find inspiration for backyard landscape ideas by just taking a stroll through the store. If that doesn’t help much, or you don’t know what to do with your ideas, ask a sales person for some advice. They may have ideas for you, or they may be able to tell you what has been popular with other customers.

I accepted a job transfer to San Diego a couple years ago mostly because I wanted to escape the harsh Chicago winters. Things went well for a while, but then my company went through one of those dreaded "downsizing" phases, and I was one of the employees they let go. Even though the job market was pretty good, I still had trouble finding another position because I didn't have the right credentials, such as a college degree. I thought it was the perfect time to go back to school, so I started checking out California universities.

The first schools I thought of were UCLA, USC, Stanford, and Cal. These of course are the most famous California universities, so it was easy to find information about them. However, I could tell almost immediately that those schools weren't for me. First of all, I wouldn't be able to afford living in Los Angeles, Berkeley, or Palo Alto. Even if I could find a job while going to school, it would still be tough to make ends meet. Second of all, the tuition at these particular California universities was much higher than I was prepared to pay. Sure, I could apply for student loans and perhaps get a small scholarship, but I didn't want to have to depend on that kind of money.

So I continued my search and kept looking at other California universities. I realized that there were probably plenty of schools that I never heard of, so I decided went online to see if I could find a comprehensive website that listed all California universities in one convenient place. Fortunately, there are several such sites and they proved to be excellent research tools for me. I was able to compare California universities based on a number of different parameters, including location, tuition, student body, graduation rate, and more. I was also able to find California universities that had special degree programs for adults like me who were interested in getting their careers back on track.

When all was said and done, I found a great school that fit all of my needs. I am currently enrolled in one of the better California universities in the state system, and couldn't be happier with the way my classes are progressing. I am on the fast track to graduation, which means I should have my degree in just a few short years. After that, I'll be more prepared than ever to tackle the job market, all thanks to the quality education provided by California universities.

Every organization that aims to be a great company, normally has a number of structures and processes in place. For instance, an organization could have a process pertaining to the kind of work that occurs in it. There could be systems that define how projects are handled, there could be still more systems defining how information and deadlines are handled. In fact, there could even be systems and processes to define how processes themselves are supposed to be designed and implemented. But of all the systems and processes that an ordinary organization has, none is more important than the system connected with human resource management.

Why do I say this? Simply because human resource management is one of the critical areas of operation that define how successful a company will be. Unless the human capital in an organization is good, there is no way that the organization will be able to make any inroads into being profitable. And human resource management and human resource management professionals are the ones tasked with the onerous task of ensuring that the company is often staffed by the best people.

Contrary to popular belief, human resource management is very much a science. It combines the elements of personality studies like psychology and sociology and mixes them with organizational behavior and even indulges in a little bit of customer centric profiling in order to devise the best method to identify, hire, retain and develop the potential of individuals in an organization. While many smaller start ups and young companies are unable to hire human resource management professionals to do this for them, they had better start relying on their expertise. For this is as mentioned earlier, a critical area of operation that could impact them in more ways than one.

While human resource management initially started as a set of guidelines, the field had developed sufficiently to become a recognized science. There are institutes and universities offering basic degrees in human resource management. What’s more, unlike other nascent sciences, there are even Masters Degree programs in human resource management. Gone are the days when the field had to contend itself with basic certificates and diplomas. Some of the finest universities in the world today specialize in human resource management programs, even going up to the level of a PhD. And these professionals easily get lapped up by several companies. Which in itself is an indication of how important human resource management really is!

In our home we have two video game systems—an x box and a Playstation. At first we used the Playstation almost exclusively because it had all the best games that we love to play. Over the last year or so, though, I’ve started to notice that we now have a very large collection of x box games and we’ve hardly been using our Playstation.

It started last year when my neighbor decided to sell his x box in the multi-family yard sale we had. His son was playing it too much and he just wanted to get rid of it, so I was able to pick it up pretty cheap. He also had lots of x box games to go with it, and I got him to throw them in for very little money since we were taking the system off his hands. Some of the x box games were things I would never play like Football and Soccer, but he also had several fighting video games, which I love to play.

One of my favorite x box games is Dance Dance Revolution because it is a challenging game and also a workout. When I first bought the game I didn’t think it would be very difficult, and I also wondered how much I would like it since I couldn’t imagine a video game that could accurately simulate dancing. I was surprised when I got it home and found out how difficult the game was and also how much it felt like I was really dancing once I got the hang of it. It is the only one of all of our x box games that requires you to stand up and exercise which is also a bonus.

X box games can be unbelievably expensive, so whenever I want to play one, I rent it at the video store first to see if it is worth buying. The only exception is Dance Dance Revolution which I just went out and bought because it seemed like less of a hassle than trying to rent the video game and mat. Also I wasn’t very excited about using a mat that potentially hundreds of other people could’ve stomped around on with their smelly feet. I’ve also seen x box games for sale on ebay for less money than in the store, so sometimes I go there too. But the best way to get new games is to find someone else who has a good collection of x box games and trade with them, though you have to be pretty careful about making sure you get your games back. These days the only games I buy at the store are the ones I know I will get addicted to like Snowboarding and, of course, Dance Dance Revolution.

If there was a magical formula to writing success, I guess we'd all be doing it and be living in mansions. It's difficult to know sometimes, what the public will like and reject. That's why there is usually a string of publishers who have overlooked best seller books, and who are kicking themselves. J.K.Rowling, for example, was rejected nine times until the daughter of the publisher who had been given the first Harry Potter book to read, insisted he read it because it was so good. Similarly, it was a child who pushed for Tolkien's The Hobbit to be published. Perhaps children have a less jaundiced eye.

Some books burst onto the market and others are slow burners.  Fast selling books don't necessarily end up as best seller books. The best seller list is mainly made up of fiction, and genre novels such as crime, spy stories and general thrillers. Mickey Spillane and John Grisham are two examples of authors of best seller books that have also led to box office movie hits. The movies spurn more book sales and so on. Nostalgic, old fashioned yarns are still popular as in the murder mysteries of Agathie Christie and the working class tales of Catherine Cookson. Classic spy novelists aspire to be the next John Le Carre or Len Deighton.

New trends are always coming along, which reflect the changes in society. Chick Lit started seriously with Bridget Jones Diary. Women related to the problems of Bridget, the young single woman struggling to find a man and have a career. There have been many imitations since but none succeeding as best seller books in such a huge way. Aga sagas too have entered the best sellers list, so named because they are set in middle class families with affluent lifestyles symbolized by the Aga stove sat in the corner.

Jackie Collins and Danielle Steele exemplify what came to be known as bonk busters, racy tales of jet setters engaged in their twin hobbies of sex and shopping. Of course, sex doesn't guarantee best seller books but it certainly helps. Maybe that's why Lord Byron was an overnight success!

Non fiction too is popular, and is often tied into the obsessions of the day. At the moment, best seller books in the non fiction department will contain cookery books, home makeovers and how to diet books. Apparently, we all cook less but read about food more, and we jump on the latest diet fad such as Atkins. Celebrity chefs constantly produce best seller books. We are also keen on show business autobiographies and exposés. History subjects and reference books are other best sellers.

The image that comes to mind when most people think about the traditional Christmas flower is a pot of red poinsettias. During the holiday season, you are likely to see this Christmas flower everywhere you go, from the fake displays in department store windows, to the real ones scattered throughout people’s homes. This plant with its brilliant red flowers is the ultimate Christmas foliage.

The problem with poinsettias is that they can be toxic if ingested by people and animals.  And while most adults don’t go around eating plants, cats and children are especially susceptible to this hazard because they are naturally curious about the world. I’ve seen children eat anything from money to dust balls on the floor, so thinking that they won’t eat a plant is a little unlikely. As for cats, it is sometimes impossible for a curious feline to pass up a brightly colored flower, seeing as how their palates are so undiscerning that they will often eat their own vomit.

But because the poinsettia is a Christmas flower, putting it outside, away from the people and animals in your home who might be tempted to ingest it is not an option. If you have small children and pets, it is probably best to go with an artificial poinsettia plant or just not have them in your home at all.

Though poinsettias are traditionally red in color, there are now hybrids that come in white also. This color is not traditionally thought of as a Christmas flower, but looks nice when you have a large display of poinsettias and want to mix some different colored blooms in with the usual red. I’ve seen beautiful displays of poinsettias in the mall at Christmastime that incorporate both the red and white variety of flowering plant to create a gorgeous display of Christmas blooms.

When you think of winter flowers, not many variations come to mind. After all, flowers are more of a spring thing. This is probably why the traditional Christmas flower is not pastel, but instead a rich red color that is deep and muted, like winter itself. When the heavy snow falls, and the air is cold and dark, the plants that come to mind in this kind of environment are not delicate like lilies and roses. Instead, like the mums of fall, the poinsettia, with its hearty composition and heavy leaves, live on in our minds as the perfect Christmas flower.

Almost any home in the United States will need heat at some point. Even those who live in the southern most states have a need for heat on occasion, usually in the evening or overnight. When it comes to heating you have many options, but if you are looking to save some money, you might want to consider wood burning stoves. These are often the cheapest form of heat for a home, but they do require some work and maintenance.

There are two kinds of wood burning stoves you can buy. The most common kind is in the home, and the other kind is outside. My parents opted for an outdoor stove to save money, but it is more complicated than an indoor stove. The stove itself is outside, but you need to have heating ducts and vents installed in the house. The wood is put into the fire outside, and an electrical motor blows the heat through the ducts. Because my parents have an unlimited supply of free wood, this was a great choice for them. Even if you don’t have free wood, you may find buying wood for wood burning stoves to be inexpensive, and it can be delivered to your home.

Wood burning stoves aren’t just for homes. Many won’t use the indoor version because it can be messy, and they don’t like the smoke that can come with using one. Some people use both the indoor and outdoor version to heat garages and other detached buildings. This saves them from the expense of installing an electric or oil burning heating system, and is very easy to maintain. They do require some cleaning, but cleaning is often quick and easy, if not a little messy.

If you are considering wood burning stoves, you can find them in most home stores, and online. If you shop at a home store, you can have a salesperson help you when you choose a model. There are different sizes, and they can help you choose one for your house size and your particular needs. If you don’t want to mess with wood, there are wood burning stoves that use pellets instead of wood. These are small, and quite often very effective at heating a small home. For a larger home, you may have to get two units. With the rise cost of gas, many families are looking into these because they are small, safe, cheap, and easy to use.

When it comes to travel, there may be nothing more exciting than visiting far away places that evokes a sense of mystery and adventure. World wide travel has become a popular and exciting part of life for many people. It’s not just the rich who can afford to travel all over the world; it has become easier for average people to partake in world wide travel as well.

These days, there are a multitude of different places to buy world wide travel packages. You can look online, call a travel agent, or call an airline or cruise ship company to find great deals. Many times, there are travel packages available at great prices because they need to fill the ship, or sell the rest of the tickets to fill a flight. When looking online for world wide travel bargains, you should search every site you can recall. Cheap tickets and Expedia are two popular choices. There is also Sidestep. Sidestep will search all of the online bargain travel sites all at once to save you time, and show you the best deal for your particular destination.

If you want the best deal on airfare, it always helps to decide on your destination early, and begin looking for deals as soon as you can. You can book airline tickets for world wide travel as early as eleven months in advance. Besides looking online, you can call the airline directly. The reservations agent will be glad to assist you in looking for the best deal. Because world wide travel can be so expensive, a travel agent or airline agent may be your best bet. They may offer you flights with many layovers. This may give you a chance to see more places en route to your destination, as well as saving you some money.

If you have traveled before, you know that there are certain places that have what you may consider strange requirements to enter or leave the country. When you plan to partake in world wide travel, it is always a good idea to call the consulate of that country to find out what is required of you when you enter or leave that particular country. You may think searching for the best deal for your world wide travel is tedious work, but remember that planning and anticipation is half the fun of any trip. Have fun finding the best deal and remember that the chance to travel the world doesn’t come about all the time. Enjoy every step in planning your world wide travel excursion.

Breast cancer awareness jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes. You can find just about every style and design that carries the well-known and easily recognized pink ribbon found on all breast cancer awareness jewelry. Pink ribbon products are not limited to items you wear, either.

Pink ribbons associated with the good cause include car magnets. You can use this type of breast cancer awareness jewelry to dress up your automobile while showing your support. These inexpensive additions to your car serve a great purpose and they spread awareness to others as well.

Band bracelets are some of the most popular breast cancer awareness jewelry found today. These flexible bracelets are comfortable to wear and they are the perfect color for current fashions. They make the ideal present for a socially aware teen who appreciates knowing that her gift helps others. She can wear her band bracelet with pride.

The traditional t-shirt is another very well-worn item among the pink ribbon products. You can opt to buy a sweatshirt as well. These thoughtful outfits can be adorned with breast cancer awareness jewelry that makes a well put together, casual outfit that serves a really good purpose.

My favorite new line of breast cancer awareness jewelry is designed to dress up your cell phone. The pink ribbon products include a sparkling light pink vinyl case to carry your cell phone in style. There is a pink ribbon on the face of the cell phone holder that sparkles with pink sequins.

The cell phone carrier is of excellent quality. The sequins are sewn into the carrier not glued into place. This durable item is also handy in helping you locate your phone. It attaches easily with a belt clip located on the back of the item. The pink ribbon cell phone case makes perfect breast cancer awareness jewelry for your mobile phone.

What I love about this breast cancer awareness jewelry is that it is coordinated with similar items. It is wonderful to know that you can make a put-together look with fundraising items. The coordinating luggage tag makes a great addition to the well traveled woman who wants to add sparkle and style while serving a good cause.

So remember that when it comes to raising money for a good cause the pink ribbon collection of breast cancer awareness jewelry is the first place to start. Find your favorite items and coordinate around them. You will look sharp and you will be doing a great thing for other women.

You would think that meditating is a relatively simple activity that wouldn’t require instruction but it is a little more complex than you may think. I found that I needed instruction to learn meditation for beginners before I could practice the relaxation ritual correctly. Here are some of the things that I learned through the process.

First of all, try not to think too much. Meditation for beginners is often misunderstood. I thought that the process was one of running thoughts through your mind but it is actually quite the opposite. You need to empty your mind. This is not as easy as it seems.

When I was practicing meditation for beginners I heard the instruction to empty my mind of all thoughts. I wound up thinking that this is impossible. The very thought of emptying my mind is a thought in itself. Can the mind every really be empty? So my first experience with mediation for beginners was actually a stressful thinking session about how I can’t stop thinking.

The next problem I had was keeping my eyes closed. Some people practice the relaxation ritual with open eyes but this has not really proved to be effective in meditation for beginners. I found myself peeking around the room in between my thoughts about not thinking.

Keeping your eyes closed is essential to the process because you have to direct your energy inwards. This can be very difficult even when your eyes are closed. You really want to look inward. Meditation for beginners is about finding a place within the self to relax.

Another thing to consider when you are practicing meditation for beginners is where you conduct the activity. Make sure that you find a very comfortable place and make sure that you choose a position that you can commit to for at least twenty minutes. I sat on a hard floor in an awkward position that I needed to rearrange several times during the session. This was distracting.

Distractions can wreck havoc on the entire process. In order to keep distractions at bay some suggest that you choose a mantra to help you keep your focus. This was also difficult for me. I felt like an idiot repeating the phrase even though I chose it for my self. Meditation for beginners is often uncomfortable but once you get the hang of it the practice is very rewarding.

Once I was able to lose my self-conscious nature and truly embrace the process I found meditation to be an everyday oasis from reality. I have more energy and I sleep better at night when I’m not up late thinking.

Where are all of these nose rings coming from? It seems as though the last ten years or so has seen a dramatic increase of nose rings. Once upon a time only punks had nose rings. Nowadays, otherwise conservative-looking men and women are sporting nose rings. Many opt out of wearing the actual ring that they are pierced with and wear small, discreet studs. These little dots of silver or gold are quite attractive unlike the metal rings that people are required to wear for several weeks as the piercing is healing. Does this rise in nose rings signal something about our culture?  Perhaps a change? Are we becoming more tolerant of things that we once viewed as being trashy or punky? It may be that our youth are changing.

Nose rings have a respectable history. They are mentioned in the Bible and have been used in India to denote beauty or class. In America, nose rings in the second half of the twentieth century were usually only worn by hippies or punks and mainstream culture looked down on them for some time. Recently it appears that our attitude toward nose rings has changed dramatically. I believe this is due to the people who are wearing them today.

Young adults are becoming increasingly modern and are able to blend the palatable with the questionable. Young adults are beginning to balance the need for social acceptability and the expression of self. Not so long ago, a hole in one's face sounded like an immediate turnoff. Today I see beautiful women of all ages sporting this jewelry. Nose rings have become more of an adornment than a harsh political statement. Nose rings have become more respectable. I think that this change in perception has come from the respectable nature of the people who have been getting nose rings. Nose rings are not just for punk rockers anymore. Though most of the nose rings I see are not as ornate as the ones worn by Indian women, head shops are beginning to see a large market for nose rings and are trying to put out interesting and fresh pieces of jewelry.

I got my nose pierced when I was about nineteen years old. I thought about it for a long time because piercing your face is a big decision. Many people will ask you when you are considering getting a piercing whether you will want it when you are eighty years old. I for one plan on being a pretty cool eighty-year-old. One thing to think about is whether your current or future employer will let you wear one around the office. I have had mixed experiences in this regard. You may luck out though because nose rings are not what they used to be and they do not mean what they used to mean in our culture. They have somehow found a respectable place in our modern world.

What do you know about buying a home? Are you aware of property value in different areas, school districts, crime rates, and weather issues? These are all things to consider when it comes to real estate. You especially want to know all there is to know if you're about to purchase a home, yourself. This is where a decent real estate course can come in handy. You don't just have to be in the business to take a real estate course. It can also be plenty beneficial if you're buying a home of your own. Especially if it's the first one.

Have you ever consider taking a real estate course? I did a few years back. It wasn't because I personally wanted to get into the real estate market. It had more to do with knowing how to buy a home in a prudent fashion. I mean let's think about this for a second. Do you actually have any idea what to look for regarding the real estate market? Hey, maybe you do and maybe you don't. It's a competitive and tough business out there. Most of us are just looking for the knowledge that goes along with purchasing a decent home. Does this sound like you? It certainly sounds like me and my wife. This is why a real estate course was a wise decision for us. Now when we take a gander at the real estate market, we have a good idea of what to look for and what to avoid. So much depends on who your house will appeal to, or what sort of home you're in the market for. As I'm sure you're already aware of, different groups of people search for various types of homes. It's unlikely that a single man is going to be in the market for a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. Why in the world would he need that kind of space? Furthermore, it's not realistic to sell a two-bedroom home to a family of six. Everyone is in the market for something different. In a real estate course you will also learn how important neighborhoods, schools, and crime rates are. Do you actually thing a nice family wants to move into a trashy environment with poor curb-appeal galore? Or one with horrible school systems? There are many crucial factors when it comes to buying and selling homes. All of which can be acquired in a decent real estate course. No matter if you're trying to become a real estate agent, or merely attain some valid knowledge for yourself, a real estate course is right for you.

It\'s often hard to tell if your home is truly safe or not. Now, I\'m not talking about your shingles or the quality of your smoke alarms, although those things are important; I\'m referring to security. Do you know how secure your home is? The funny thing is that many individuals and families think their home is super-safe from all evil. They can simply step in and lock the door behind them and all is well and good. This is not reasonable. You have to remember what a human being is capable of. You\'re not trying to keep out a raccoon. You\'re trying to lock down your home and secure it from potential predators and criminals. They\'re everywhere you know. This is why so many people are getting more familiar with security systems and home defense. It\'s about keeping the bad element out.

What do you know about security systems and alarms for residential homes? Do you have a high-tech alarm or security system installed in your home? This is great if you do. You are one step ahead of a lot of folks. So many homes even lack proper locks. This is truly sad. Well, regardless of what you currently have in place, you may want to take a look and see what all is at your disposal here in 2006. There is more than you can possibly shake a stick at. Anything from advanced security systems and panic rooms, to inexpensive window alarms and door bolts. The best way to assess this situation is by taking a step back. So go ahead and do that. I want you to pretend that you\'re a predator for a second. Stand before your home and scan it like you\'re doing it for the first time. Not that a criminal would not have checked out your house prior to breaking in, but just for argument\'s sake. So you\'re staring up at the home; now how will you break in? Check out the front door, the rear entrance and the garage door. How many windows are present? Are there sliding doors as well? How many different places do you think you could penetrate the home? I\'ll bet there is more than one. Now imagine how fast you could get in there if you really wanted to. Do you see my point? This is why security systems and cameras are essential. You don\'t have to spend a fortune. Hop online and you\'ll soon see what I mean. Check out the vast array of security systems and locking devices. It\'s time to make your home a safe place.

When it comes time to clean out the attic, or your overstuffed closets, you have a few options when it comes to getting rid of what you no longer want to have in your home. Some people choose to have yard or garage sales, and make a little money while doing so. Others ask friends or family if they need anything, while others opt to take their extra stuff to donation centers to help those who are less fortunate.

Donation centers can be found in almost any city or town in the Unites States. There are people in need in your hometown, and your donation may be just what they need to help them get on their feet. Dress clothes are popular items needed to help others get on their feet. These are often given to women who need nice clothes to get a good job, but don’t have the funds to do so. Many donation centers also take household goods and other clothing. Almost anything can be used by someone else will be accepted. Furniture, table service, books, toys, shoes, and linens are all accepted. Make sure all of the items you take to donation centers are in good shape. They generally do not take items that are broken, torn, or stained. You don’t want those items, and chances are no one else will either.

Other than household goods and clothing, there are also numerous donation centers for giving blood. There is always a high demand for blood, especially if you have an uncommon blood type. These blood donation centers show up in every community, and are more numerous when there is a natural disaster or health epidemic. Blood given in your community tends to stay in your community, so your blood donation will be helping a neighbor in need.

Many donation centers also accept money and your time. You can volunteer to work at any place that helps the poor and the homeless. This might include soup kitchens, thrift stores, or homeless shelters. Your time can be just as valuable as your money. Donation centers may also need people to help take in donations, and to help distribute food at food drives or charity events. Don’t forget about your local animal shelter. They quite often have donation centers to accept food, treats, bones, and other pet needs for the homeless pets in your area. They may also need people to donate their time to help care for the pets. These animals need fed each day. They also need to be watered, have a walk or a bath, and are in need of some affection and play time.

If you aren’t sure where the nearest donation centers are in your community, look in your local phone book, or do a search online. You may be surprised to find there are many places nearby that need your support. No matter where your personal passion may lie, you will find someone in need that you can help with your donations.

On almost any given day, you can find a store that is having a laptop computer sale. These are hot items, and many people are beginning to prefer laptops over personal computers because of their portability. This means that stores are fighting for that share of the computer sales pie. To find a laptop computer sale in your area, all you have to do is look through your local paper, or keep an eye on local television ads. Laptops are often hot items, and discounts are used to draw customers into the store.

Not all sales are created equal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save a lot of money. One type of laptop computer sale is not a deduction in price. Instead they offer a huge rebate. There are two different kinds of rebates, in store and mail in rebates. In store rebates are often taken off the final price, while mail in rebates come after the sale. Many stores like to use the rebate laptop computer sale. As wonderful as these rebates are, there are many people who will not actually follow up on the rebate, and the company gets to keep the money.

If you find a laptop computer sale price that seems too good to be true, find out why. They may be offering a low quality model to get you in the store so they can talk you up to a pricier model. If you want to take advantage of the laptop computer sale, do your best to ignore the sales pitches, or you may end up spending more money than you wanted to. Sometimes, a laptop computer sale is not really a price break on the computer itself, but is instead an offer for extras.  These extras can include free upgrades or even a digital camera. Read the fine print. The upgrade may not be something you need, and the digital camera may be low quality, and not worth the price.

There is one place where there is always a laptop computer sale, and that place is eBay. Many, many sellers have laptops they are trying to sell, and if you are patient enough, you can find a great deal on a top of the line, quality laptop.  The most important part of finding a bargain at a laptop computer sale is to read all the fine print, and make sure there are no hidden charges, fees, or costs that will jack up the price of the model. Also remember, a deal is not a deal if you don’t get what you need.

The Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada is the ideal retreat for many reasons. The residents of this world-famous city often stay at this very site which says a lot about the establishment. Who knows more about vacationing in Las Vegas than the locals? If the residents choose the Palace Station Hotel and Casino there is a good chance that you should, too.

The magnificent hotel has been refurbished and the accommodations are absolutely stunning. The Palace Station Hotel and Casino offers great opportunities to play your favorite games right on the site. There are also excellent dining options, entertainment and much more.

One of the most important things to consider when booking a reservation at a big city is the location of the hotel. The Palace Station Hotel and Casino is conveniently located near the strip. The location is perfect because you are far away enough from the strip to avoid the crowds but near enough to enjoy all of the attractions available on the popular strip in Las Vegas.

The Palace Station Hotel and Casino has over 1,000 guestrooms that are truly breath-taking. Each of the 1,000 rooms has been renovated with the most current, attractive décor making the rooms comfortable and appealing at every angle. The feeling you get when entering the guestroom is one of elegant relaxation.

There are many amenities offered in the guestrooms as well. These tastefully decorated rooms have high speed Internet, television, Pay-Per-View options as well as climate control. You may find it difficult to leave your room at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino.

People who have special needs are easily accommodated at this popular Las Vegas hotel and casino. Simply call ahead with your needs and instructions and the employees of the Palace Station Hotel and Casino will do the rest. The Americans with Disabilities Act outlines compliance specifications that are taken very seriously by this establishment.

The guest rooms are not the only spots at the location that offer wonderful amenities. The Palace Station Hotel and Casino provides all of the amenities that each of its guests needs to feel comfortable. Not only that, the guest feels like royalty in this beautiful location as well.

Hotel amenities include daily maid service that leaves the room as fresh and clean as the very first day you entered the guestroom. Small children are welcome in this establishment. You can call ahead to request a crib for your room if you have an infant coming along for the trip. There is laundry service on site and more amenities than I could possibly name in one little article.

The locals know best. Choosing the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is a sure bet.

We have all been in the uncomfortable position of waiting and waiting for our water to heat in our homes. Whether taking a shower or preparing to wash dishes this wait can seem like an eternity. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have hot water the instant that you turned your faucet on? There is a viable option for this dilemma. Products like the Paloma tankless water heaters may be the answer homeowners are seeking.

The Paloma tankless water heaters are commercial quality. These units are used in businesses and industrial organizations and now they are finding their way into residential homes as well. You may never have to wait for hot water again but this is just one of the many benefits that Paloma tankless water heaters have to offer.

One unit provides all of the hot water you will ever use in your home. The Paloma tankless water heaters supply ample amounts of hot water instantly. This can be appreciated by just about any homeowner.

Consider how much you use in just one day. We consume water for baths and showers but we also have appliances that use quite a bit as well. Each load of laundry we wash uses gallons and gallons. In addition many homes utilize appliances like dishwashers that guzzle up quite a bit as well.

If you use a traditional heating unit, you may find that you have drained the supply of hot water in the tank after doing one simple household chore. You have to wait for the new water that flows into the tank to heat up before you can even dream of taking a shower. Otherwise, you will be literally out in the cold.

The Paloma tankless water heaters offer immediate temperature control and they do this by using less energy than the traditional units. Instead of heating water that you are not currently using, the Paloma tankless water heaters only heat the supply that you use as you use it. The old-fashioned units are running all the time.

These units are a dream-come-true for many families. Lager families usually have difficulty organizing their time in the morning. If you have five people all using the shower and sink to get ready there is a good chance that the first two will be comfortable while the last three will be waiting or very uncomfortable.

Paloma tankless water heaters save energy, they save time and they offer a convenient alternative to waiting for your shower.

My husband is a veteran of the Viet Nam war. He has had many struggles throughout his life because the effect the experience had on him, especially the attitude of people towards the Viet Nam soldiers. Even though his service to his country was not valued at the time he has always remained very loyal to the country and the armed forces. As a result we often send care packages to where ever troops are located.

Our first experience with sending care packages was during desert storm. My husband came home from work with information on what to send and where. He also had a list of local soldiers that were serving. We casually knew one of the young men on the list through attending the same church. We put together care packages to send to him. We also wrote a letter letting him know about local events. We also included a thank you for his service to the country. We had included food and magazines in the care packages and shipped them off in ten day intervals. About two weeks after the first package was sent we received a thank you letter from the young soldier. He said the package was much appreciated and so was the news from home. When he came home on furlough he surprised us by stopping over at our home. The simple act of sending care packages to him started a friendship that continues to this day.

Unfortunately the need for care packages to our troops continues today. With the age of technology the care packages we send have changed. We still include different foods and treats but now we include telephone cards and internet minutes. We have always included stamps and paper.

Through the years we have received acknowledgement from some of the recipients of the care packages. For other packages we do not. We know that due to security it is not always possible for the troops to send word back to the country. We have found that we like to address the care packages to a specific soldier. We can do this by getting the names and addresses from local veterans service officers. They have the lists of men and women serving in the armed services across the United States and world wide. My husband feels this is important because he remembers how great it felt to have mail during roll call, especially if you were not expecting anything. Any delivery from home held reassure that you were not forgotten. It is so important for us to support our troops. It is their willingness to serve that allows us to enjoy our freedoms.

Caricature drawing is often thought to be much easier than exact replications of the subject. However, caricatures are very difficult to develop and create for many artists. Creating an image that portrays an individual as a character is challenging and sometimes it can be aggravating as well.

A caricature is basically a portrait drawing of a person. This portrait distorts and exaggerates the person’s essential features. The essence of the individual is captured in the drawing so that the subject is easily recognized even though he has been distorted by the artist in some way.

Capturing the essence of the subject is the main challenge a character artist has to face. Figuring out which features to exaggerate and which to downplay is a time-consuming task that many talented artists have achieved with such success that they make the entire process seem easy. The process is definitely not easy.

Losing the subject through the exaggerations and distortions is easy. You can over-exaggerate a particular feature, making the subject unrecognizable and you can under-exaggerate the feature, making the drawing look like a bad portrait. It is important to recognize that a caricature is not an identical replication of the subject.

Creating an exact replication of an individual is far easier for some artists. We like drawing what we see as we see it. Mistakes are easy to recognize when you are making an exact replica portrait or one that is closely modeled after the subject. Caricature artists would argue that they are drawing the subjects as they see them. I guess it is literally how you look at it.

The purpose of the caricature drawing is quite important as well. The artist will commonly have an agenda when creating the image of the individual and his agenda may be to compliment or to criticize. This is why so many caricature drawings are found in political satire.

Perhaps the best way to learn about caricature drawing would be to take a class from an artist who specializes in this form of portraiture. Many professional artists conduct classes in communities around the country. Some rely on teaching as their major source of income.

Proceed with caution when signing up for a class. Not every artist is skilled in caricature drawing. It takes specific skills and a certain eye. You can learn much about the process but you may never learn how to see like a caricature artist.

In Northern California, particularly for those of us living in the bay area, there is no more popular destination than cabins in Lake Tahoe. Every Friday, traffic up highway 101 slows almost to a stop. Every Sunday evening, traffic is blocked up for miles on the way back into San Francisco. And you can bet that at least one in every five of those cars, at least one in every five of those drowsy and impatient souls, is coming back from cabins in Lake Tahoe.

One of the reasons for the popularity of cabins in Lake Tahoe among vacationers is the combination of proximity and convenience. It is easy to get to Lake Tahoe, and the roads are good all the way, yet it is far enough outside any major population centers to feel like a full fledged outing. Families taking trips out to cabins rentals in Lake Tahoe feel like their going somewhere outside of their daily routine, and off the beaten path, and yet The whole Lake Tahoe area, particularly South Lake Tahoe, is on the beaten path enough to be accessible during an ordinary weekend.

Another thing that I have always liked about going to visit cabins in Lake Tahoe is the unparalleled beauty of the area. It is hard to believe that I am the only one! There really is no where that is more scenic than Lake Tahoe, with its waters and mountains, and yet the scenery isn't the only draw. There are more recreational activities available in the Lake Tahoe area than in almost any wilderness area, from skiing to swimming, to fishing, to hiking. And they are all located a convenient distance from each other so that, no matter what time of year it is, cabins in Lake Tahoe will always furnish an attractive destination for seasonal recreation.

Personally, although I've enjoyed cabin rentals in Lake Tahoe on more than one occasion, I mostly prefer other locations. My favorite one, at least during the summer and early fall, is Point Reyes. It is a national seashore, and one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Best of all, except for a few spots, it is rarely even the slightest bit crowded. Best of all, there is always camping there, while cabins in Lake Tahoe tend to fill up. Although it doesn't have the same glamor, I'll take Point Reyes over Lake Tahoe any day.

Are you keeping all those photo albums in order? You know that you'll want to drag them all out down the road when your little one is all grown up. What am I talking about? I drag them out now and my daughter is only seven. There's just something about those wonderful moments that we can't have back. Once we've experienced them, they're gone. But at least we can glance back at those nostalgic pictures and remember what it was like. Now days this is even easier to do. Whether you wish to keep loads of photo albums on that book shelf in the spare room is completely up to you. The fact is you can simply store them on a hard drive. Do you have a digital camera? Although buying a digital camera can be rather confusing if you don't know what to look for, it is well worth the hopping online and finding out.

Are you buying a digital camera this very moment? Of course I'm referring to the World-Wide-Web. Cyberspace is ideal when it comes to shopping now days. It's no hassle at all to pop open a search engine and sort through a few websites in order to find the best deals on any and all kinds of products. A few months back I was online buying a digital camera for my family. We all need these and there's really no two ways about it. Well, I guess unless you're more of the artsy photographer type, who has to take the retro route with a film camera. For all of you out there who still use these, I have to say I have no problem with it. However, if you've not yet given the new-age digital camera a shot, then you're sadly missing out on some serious convenience. It's not just about downloading all of your pictures and having them stuck on a hard drive. You can easily purchase a printer and print out all of your own photographs at home. This way you can make as many copies as you want and you can avoid the local photo lab all together. The aspect I love so much about buying a digital camera is the instant gratification. You don't have to wait for any film to develop. You quickly plug your digital camera into your laptop and wa-la, you have instant pictures. This way you can send your family and friends pictures the same day you shot them. How cool is that to receive a photo 10 minutes after it was taken? Well, if you are interested in conforming and buying a digital camera today, then get on the web and take a gander at your options.

If you are an artist who needs a little inspiration, you may want to look at an art history book instead of waiting for your fickle muse to visit. There are few things more inspiring than the classic masters of art. We are fortunate to have a long, rich past when it comes to paintings, sculpture and drawings as well as innovative modern inspirations.

A good art history book is not difficult to find because there are so many out there with so much to offer. After studying just a few pages from one of these great books you will find yourself ready to create.

Any artist will tell you that creativity comes and goes. While many of us work as commissioned artists, we often struggle to get ourselves into the creative mode. Looking at an art history book is a good start to getting the creative juices flowing.

Art has evolved greatly over time. Perceptions change and styles change with the generations. Some may consider looking at an art history book as “cheating” because the artist is influenced by others who have gone before him. However, the art history book is a source of inspiration. The artist celebrates creativity in general. The process is not one of taking a style and using it. The process is one of moving the mind to an inspired mood.

Some creative types talk about the muse. I don’t really believe in muses (I say really because I can’t be sure and I don’t want to be skipped). The creative process is tricky and sometime elusive to many of us. We often have to work at becoming motivated and we also have to work on becoming inspired. Using an art history book can help an artist find his motivation and his inspiration in one fell swoop.

There are many art history books out there and choosing may be a little difficult. I have several of the texts lying around the house for quick inspirational access. My favorite art history book covers artists from ancient civilizations to the modern era. By “modern” I mean the 1930’s. I am amazed by how much art has changed over the centuries while maintaining core elements.

Another art history book that has me coming back for regular visits is “The Optical Illusions of Salvador Dali”.  He is one of my favorite artists of all time. His surreal perspective is dream-like and his ability to make several images emerge and disappear in his paintings is amazing to me. You will never find a trace of his work in any of my drawings but he is a great source of inspiration as any art history book is.

How do you feel about college? Are you anxious to head off to a four-year University and work hard for that bachelor's degree? Maybe you're still toying with the idea in your mind. Or maybe you've passed that point where you feel comfortable venturing off to a big university and dwelling on campus with a bunch of people in their late teens and early twenties. Regardless of your current impression of a classic college education, you'll certainly want to keep an open mind when it comes to today's bachelor's degree. You see, things have changed quite a bit in just the last five years. Attending a university can now be done in different ways. Take the American Intercontinental University online for example. This is one school that offers a virtual education. I'm talking about telecommunications and cyberspace. These days it is feasible to acquire that much-needed degree, and do so from the privacy of your own home.

Ever heard of the American Intercontinental University online? This is not the only school that offers this new-age way of learning. The fact of the matter is that many universities across the country are now offering online course, which can be done from home. Maybe you're one of those individuals who have always considered college, but didn't get around to it immediately after high school. Well, don't give up on your potential education and simply move on. It's time for the American intercontinental university online. With online schooling you can basically keep your current routine of life the same. Do you already have a full time job? No problem! The American Intercontinental University online allows you to take courses on your own time. This way you can earn a living and your bachelor's degree at the same time. Or maybe you have little ones running around the house. Again, no worries; you can take care of your school work on your home computer and still be able to watch the children. With American Intercontinental University online it's all made easy. Furthermore, maybe you're looking to get that master's degree, but didn't know what university to attend. Hey, why not give the American Intercontinental University online a shot. They offer a master's degree program as well. With this contemporary form of education, you can achieve your goals without all the hassle.

I am known in my circle, as someone who likes a wide range of music. I enjoy rock, jazz, classical, and people like Rufus Wainwright and Jeff Buckley. I even like some punk, and I appreciate the song writing of Kurt Cobain. I have Metallica in my CD collection. Isn't your Mum cool! my son's friends would say. I do not have System Of A Down.

There is one genre that I have never warmed to, and that is the heavy metal of the 1990's. My son is also into lots of different music now, but he only listened to a certain type of metal band back in those days. His bedroom door would be ajar and the high decibel riffs of System Of A Down, Korn, the Deftones, and Cradle Of Filth would spill out.

There was the usual parent and teenager conflict about the level of noise, my son informing me that System Of A Down had to be loud to enjoy them properly. Posters of soccer players on the wall had been replaced by tattooed men with goatees giving the finger.

Optimistically, he tried to convert me to System Of A Down. I think he picked on that band because he knew my left wing political leanings would make me appreciate the lyrics at least. System Of A Down is known for its themes of social justice and defending the downtrodden. I knew this because he told me, not because I could actually make out a single word. So, he showed me the lyrics written down and it was a bit of an eye opener. Yes, they did live up to the explicit lyrics warning sticker, but they are actually good. They are imaginative, even poetic at times and do address social ills. When I told him I liked them, he grinned, thinking I'd been converted. I had to remind him, I still didn't like the music.

System Of A Down did teach me a lesson however, and that's not to dismiss something totally. Of course, I laughed like a drain at Spinal Tap, but I've learned there's often something good if you take the trouble to find it.

My son did his best to educate me about the different musical genres and where System Of A Down fitted in to it all. It was very confusing. There is nu metal, death metal, thrash metal and alternative metal. I still haven't grasped all the subtleties of the sub-genres.

Gradually, my son's musical tastes extended to reggae and ska punk. He started to borrow my Pink Floyd and Simon and Garfunkel. Although he doesn't play them much these days, I know there is still a place in his heart for System Of A Down and their ilk. Funnily enough, I feel a strange nostalgia for those bands that tried to shake us up out of our lethargy.  Some of them had something to say. My favorite System Of A Down lyric is why don't Presidents fight the war? Why do they always send the poor? I guess that says it all.

Gastroesophogeal reflux disorder (GERD) or more commonly referred to as ‘acid reflux’ disease is a painful and common disorder in adults of all ages, particularly in people 40 and over.  The disorder is caused by the juices of the stomach backing up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and sometimes damaging the lining of the esophagus itself.  The burning sensation is also referred to as ‘heart burn’, since it is often felt in about the same place the heart rests in the chest cavity.

Many of the digestive enzymes of the stomach, such as pepsin, work best at an extremely low pH, or in other words a very acidic environment.  It is for this reason that ‘parietal’ cells of the stomach lining produce and pump large quantities of the chemical hydrochloric acid into the stomach.  Stomach fluids are therefore highly acidic, reaching pH’s as low as 1, which is about ten times more acidic than common battery acid, and a million times more acidic than water.  It is this acid that causes the discomfort and damage associated with acid reflux disease.

The disorder can develop for a number of reasons.  There is a lot of evidence suggesting that a likelihood to develop the disease can be genetic.  Also, any trauma or injury to the esophageal sphincter, the circular muscle responsible for keeping stomach fluids out of the esophagus, can lead to the disorder.  Such injury can be caused by frequent vomiting, or by a hiatal hernia.

The bad news is that once you develop acid reflux disease, you are going to have it for life.  The good news is there are a wide variety of excellent treatments for the disorder that are now available, some by prescription and some over the counter.  There are also a number of measures people can take to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux in addition to the use of medication.

There are three basic medication types popularly used for acid reflux.  The first and most famous being the ‘antacids’, which all use some kind of strong base such as calcium carbonate, or magnesium carbonate to neutralize the acid of the stomach.  Though fast acting, these treatments only last a short period and are not recommended for use in treating reoccurring heart burn.  Some examples of antacids include Tums, Rolaids, and Alka-Seltzer.

Like antacids, ‘acid reducers’ are available over the counter but they work by actually lowering the amount of acid produced by the stomach and are usually effective for a longer period of time.  The more popular acid reducers include Zantac, and Pepcid AC.

Acid reducers are often enough to counter milder forms of acid reflux disorder, but more moderate forms of the disease may require a doctor prescribed ‘proton pump inhibitor’ (PPI).  PPI’s also function by lowering the amount of acid produced by the stomach, though by a different mechanism than acid reducers.  For this reason they can be safely be used in conjunction with acid reducers.  Some PPI’s include Prilosec, Prevacid, and Aciphex.  Prilosec has recently been made available over the counter, though its continued use should be only be done under the advice of a medical professional.

Birkenstock sandals are synonymous with comfort. The sandals have a long history, dating back two centuries. The quality of the shoes is outstanding, providing excellent quality and time-tested endurance. The sandals have evolved over time, but the product has maintained a strong following for many, many years.

The Birkenstocks as we know them today were designed in the early 1970’s. This design is known as the Birkenstock Arizona introduced to the public in 1973. You can still purchase the original 1973 designs three decades later. This attests to the sandals’ quality. A pair of Birkenstock sandals has the reputation for elevating a lot of the stress caused by the weight and pressure we put on our feet every day. This is because of the sandal’s unique design.

The Birkenstock Arizona designs have many appealing features that may be the reasons behind the shoes’ triumph over time. The sandals insure equal weight distribution by using the well-known arch support. In addition, the sole of the sandals are lightweight and they absorb a lot of the shock when the wearer takes a step. The raised toe bar helps the wearer grip onto the shoe effortlessly and it improves circulation. In contrast, the designers created a deep heel bed to mimic the natural shape of the foot.

For those who like a heel strap, the designers of the Birkenstocks created the Milano line. The Birkenstock Milano is designed with the same exact features found in the Arizona but they have a strap added to the back of the sandals for those who prefer them.  The heel strap provides extra support for those who wear the shoes very often.

The makers of the Birkenstock sandal have developed shoes designed especially for women. It is rare to find an attractive, comfortable shoe in women’s styles. The Birkenstock Women’s ‘Gizch Batik’ Sandals aspire to meet this need for attractive comfort. The Gizch Batik is a relatively new sandal. It provides all of the quality and comfort along with the appealing features found in the Arizona and the Milano but the Gizch Batik have a very feminine design that can be worn in most places.

The sandals are usually made of leather, but the makers have introduced a new line of Birkenstocks that use no animal products. The Birko-flor appeals to people who do not want to use animal products. The company developed a sandal that has the same features of the original Birkenstocks out of other materials. These sandals are lighter and smoother that their leather counterparts. Some find this to be preferable to the heavier original.

Today, Birkenstock sandals have trademark arch supports and footbeds that contour to the wearer’s feet. Konrad Birkenstock, who originated the sandals, invented the first flexible arch support. He invented the cork and latex footbed used in many shoes today. Many companies have followed the Birkenstock tradition, but few have been able to match the quality and performance found in the original.

2003 Microsoft Office, like earlier versions of Microsoft Office, is a package of software programs designed for various office work activities.  2003 Microsoft Office comprises the programs Excel, Word, Access, Outlook, OneNote, Visio, PowerPoint, InfoPath, FrontPage, Project, Publisher, and Live Meeting.  Each of these programs is sold as a separate software product, but the 2003 Microsoft Office combines them all together under a sort of bulk rate price tag.

The 2003 Microsoft Office package boasts a more complete package than any of the previous versions, offering more programs, and the most up to date versions of the software available.  Of course, the older versions of the Office package are still perfectly good.  I’m still using the 2000 addition, and am perfectly happy with it.  It’s easy to get sucked into the hype over the 2003 Office deal only to discover that you didn’t really need the ‘improvements’.  Microsoft, like all software companies, is update crazy.  Newer versions of their programs represent an entire new product line for a minimal cost to them, and are often basically the same thing as the older version.

The Microsoft Office concept is a huge success for the software giant.  Just about every major business has a copy of 2003 Microsoft Office or some earlier version installed on all their employee’s computers.  Using the 2003 Microsoft Office programs you can do just about anything including writing form letters, tracking data, creating visual presentations, sending emails, creating graphical designs, combining text and graphical images, and arranging online meetings.

Personally, the only programs I ever use are Excel, Word, and occasionally PowerPoint.  These three programs are a must have for anyone that does any kind of work involving presentations, writing, and organizing data.  For these three programs alone, I think the 2003 Microsoft Office package is a good deal.  Even if you don’t work with computers, Excel and Word are vital programs for personal use, making letter writing and tracking your finances much easier.

If you don’t have any Microsoft Office versions, and don’t even have Word, or Excel, I highly recommend picking up 2003 Microsoft Office.  You can buy it online from just about anyone, and any stores that carry computer software will have it as well.  If you already have an older Office version, you probably don’t really need to get 2003 Microsoft Office unless you do a lot of office work and are interested in the new programs that come with the package.

Some of us have the good fortune of taking a research paper class in high school—preparing us for the inevitable assignment in college.  But if you are not so fortunate, here are a few suggestions and guidelines to use for writing your first research paper:

UNDERSTAND THE ASSIGNMENT

Read it through a couple of times.  Highlight key words—any main prompting words and any action words.

CHOOSE a WORKABLE PROMPT/TOPIC

Most instructors offer more than one option for a research paper.  If you have a choice, decide which prompt you will do according to which you want to do, that which you have interest in.  You must do what interests you–otherwise you will be miserable through the researching and writing phases and your reader(s) will be miserable reading it.

What if you don’t care for any of the options?  Force one choice to work for you:  one man I worked with years ago could not see writing a 30-paged paper on women in California history, but he kept at it until he came up with a most original approach: writing on women as whores/prostitutes during the Gold Rush.  He loved the work and his readers were riveted.

As often happens in college courses (especially the larger lecture courses), you get no prompt or only a vague one (to write forty pages on any relevant topic, say).

Ask yourself questions—pursue the answers.
Follow your curiosity—one concern you have will lead to many areas, and subsequently to many focused ideas.
Ask friends/other teachers their opinions.
Look into the Library of Congress Subject Headings, a huge book with a zillion subjects and their related subcategories, or go online to a subject index such as www.interconnected.com, a site that gives you 100’s of possibly related topics when you type in one word.

DECIDE ON A MODE—Many instructors will tell you to “compare and contrast” or to “prepare a statistical analysis,” for example, but for those assignments that are more general, you must decide yourself how to set up the paper, how to format it.  Depending on the class and your angle of approach, you may use an argumentative, problem/ solution, compare/contrast, analysis, narrative summary and interpretation, or combination of two or more of the above, for instance.

If you are not given a mode, you need to decide upon/establish a format.  Break your paper into organized segments, setting up a format for your paper with, for example, the assets and liabilities…, or the spiritual/emotional/physical/intellectual changes…, or x number of decades…, etc..

NARROW YOUR FOCUS/TOPIC–Make sure your topic is manageable.  Writing about Nazism in ten pages will not be sufficient space to cover everything needing coverage; the five most heinous medical atrocities practiced on men at Auschwitz will.

DEVELOP A WORKING THESIS–While you search for topics/themes that interest you, and later, as you narrow the topic, you will have to come up with a point, a main point, so the paper doesn’t just hang there with a bunch of facts/ideas stacked on it.

Ask yourself those curious questions—then answer them.  The answer(s)—written down in complete sentence(s)—will be your thesis statement(s).

Consider what if scenarios.  Your guesses—a.k.a. your hypothesis/es—will become your thesis statement(s).

Consider what your colleagues/peers/friends/family members experts think about the topic at hand.  Do you agree?  Go with their opinion as your thesis statement.  Do you disagree?  Go with your position, then, turning it into a thesis statement.

Consider the assignment.  Does it ask you, specifically, to answer a question?  Your answer, once you add up all of your research/ideas/ observations, should equal a complete statement.

WRITE and/or SUBMIT AN OUTLINE

I promise it helps to have a set of sub-topics you can write down and post next to your desk or pc, referring to the outline as you go so you stay focused…anchored.

COLLECT RESOURCES

Use a combination of books, periodicals, professional/academic journals,  surveys or polls, the Net, interviews; the World Wide Web (being careful to use reliable sources), media materials—audio/video/ newspapers/microfiche/microfilm.  (Ask for help using and citing all of these.)

DO A BIBLIOGRAPHY-immediately!  Before you read any thing or person thoroughly, write down the source’s information.  This is vital, as if you forget and write the paper and do the bibliography last—after your human sources have gone or you have returned written materials or left Internet links long ago—you will be missing dates, names, titles, and page numbers you need for accuracy.

READING and TAKING NOTES for a RESEARCH PAPER

When reading a piece for a paper, you are reading “to take” away something you need.  Do not read whole books.  No time for that.

1. Read the table of contents (in front)-find key words, ideas, people, related to your paper, and read just that /those chapter/s.

2. Use the index (in back), seeking out only key themes/phrases/words that apply to your research.

3. Look at each book’s bibliography/works cited page/s [at very end of book/article] for suggested sources.

Cite your source every time you use direct (word-for-word) quotes.  Cite your source every time you do not use direct wording but do use any fact/theory/date you did not come up with yourself (indirect quotes).

DRAFT THE PAPER

Use the same components in a research paper that you would in an English assignment (using headers in the scientific/psych. experiment papers):

Use clear appropriate diction, and a scholarly/mature tone
Use an engaging opener/ introduction.
Use a complete, thoughtful, fresh and original thesis.

PROOFREAD/REVISE THE PAPER-

Follow a revising/editing checklist, or craft one of your own to follow: make sure you have an introduction, ample support, and a satisfying conclusion.

Make sure your paragraphs are well-ordered, your syntax (sentences) are orderly, varied, and well-punctuated.

And make sure your spelling and punctuation is clean!

You are on your way to your first research paper.  Make it a great one!

In Charlotte Perkins-Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” which is written and set in the late 1800s (1892), the central figure is sequestered to a top floor bedroom where she is forced to “rest” for days on end.  By being suppressed, oppressed, and depressed, the woman goes mad.  One contemporary theory is that the woman, who it is implied has recently given birth, is not mad but suffering from the very real malaise of postpartum depression, or what we today call postpartum blues.

While women’s feelings or emotions have been discounted for centuries—From Hippocrates to Traturo of Salerno to with Freud, and his term, “hysteria”, for example, denoting only those emotions of a woman with a hyster, a womb, modern science has finally acknowledged (though still poo-pooed or dismissed too often) that postpartum blues are real and in some cases quite devastating.

Evidently, there are three stages of post-birthing depression, with postpartum blues—also called the “baby blues” or “maternity blues”—at the milder end.  At the furthest extreme is what specialists at obgyn.net define as puerperal psychosis.  At this level the malady manifests itself in hallucinations, delusions that the baby is a demon a saint or dying, and tendencies toward suicide or infanticide.

Was this what Medea was experiencing when she slaughtered her three children?  Was this (to use a real-life example) what Susan Smith was experiencing when she drowned her two boys in the back of a car she sunk in John D. Long Lake?  Can fathers get a form of postpartum blues?  If so, can we account for postpartum blues of one Garrett Wilson, who murdered his five-month old whom he had with one wife, after, evidently, murdering his two-month old years earlier, a baby whom he had had with a different wife.

Than again, the motives in this man go beyond any kind of temporary insanity—to greed.  But I ask the question to have us consider that postpartum blues are real, and are possibly the cause of many problems as well as the results of many non-birth related events.  I know teachers, for example, who, though they adore their classes and work intensely to give them the best all semester (or year), and who though they are relieved to get a break at semester’s end, get a strange form of depression…as if they have just given birth (to multiple children!) and are now feeling the gaping void.  In any case or any extreme, the important thing is to make appointments for consultation with one who believe, believes in, and honors, as well as has solutions for postpartum blues.