Your Baby's Ugly

--> Your Baby's Ugly Your Baby's Ugly...
and you've got bad breath

By Steve Baker

I've got good news and bad news. The good news is that 98% of businesses are small businesses. That bodes well for the entrepreneurial spirit that has made our nation great. The bad news is that 80%, that's right, four out of five new businesses will fail in their first five years.

After years of building my own companies and consulting growing businesses, I've come to the realization that too many business owners can't see their business through an objective eye, which often leads to their demise. It takes an incredible amount of intense drive, determination and a strong ego to breathe life into a business and create products from scratch, but it's also that same ego that won't let a business owner be objective about what their business needs to succeed. The business is up and running at light-speed and management doesn't have the time or willingness to stand back and take a real look at what they have created. They are too close to the problems to see them. Just like a proud parent, they have spent sweat and time creating this "baby," and they refuse to believe that it might be less than perfect.

I call this the "business parent trap." It is in this trap that business owners often create and introduce products that would not test out in the marketplace. There's an attitude of "Hey, it's gotta be great because I thought of it."

I've found that there are usually two basic things wrong with a business: the product (the Baby) and the management (the Breath).

So how do you assess your business? Are your employees going to tell you that you're headed in the wrong direction? Not likely. Occasionally a consultant will
be brought in to review the company's performance in a given area. Unfortunately, when management does bring in a consultant, they often are really looking for affirmation - not straight-forward constructive criticism.
Sadly, some consultants are more than willing to "affirm for a fee."

If you're going to succeed, then someone needs to tell you if your baby's ugly or you've got bad (corporate) breath. So here are some blunt yet truthful thoughts for your business, and perhaps you:

-GET OVER YOURSELF: Know yourself, trust yourself, believe in yourself...then Get Over Yourself. You're really not the smartest person in the world. You built the business and know it better than anyone else, but no one else really cares how much you know.

-SPECTATOR SPORT: Conversation with you should not be a spectator sport for others. Remember that there's a huge difference between listening and merely waiting for your turn to talk. You hired your employees and perhaps a consultant because you assumed they had brains, so let them use them. Ask questions and listen to answers.

-JUST ANOTHER PRODUCT Realize that even though you think that your new product or service is the greatest thing since the flip-top beer can, the world just sees one more product and must be convinced. You created this product and you know every function of it, but customers do not buy functions, they buy only benefits. Whether your product is a high tech internet service or office furniture, you must show how it is uniquely beneficial to your customer. Functionality makes your products work, Benefits make them sell.

-PAPER WEIGHT: If you have the high tech inventive skills to create a product, chances are that you don't have the skills to market and sell it. Many small business owners think that marketing and sales are the simplest part of their business, so it is almost an afterthought. There is only one reason that inferior products outsell better ones; and that is successful marketing. Think of your marketing plan as the complete story book that sells your product. If your story book is a best seller, then your product will be a best seller. Without the right story that will build sales and distribution, your wonderful product is just another paper weight head for a land fill.

-STAND BACK: Your competitors are not all stupid. Guess what? They think their babies are cute too, and they may tell better stories that make them look even better than yours. So stand back and look at yourself and your baby and try to look through the eyes of a disinterested party, because believe it or not, the world is a disinterested party.

Remember, there's an 80% chance that you will not be in business in 5 years. As busy as you are, and successful as you think you are, you must set your ego aside and realize that there are things beyond your control. Successful companies know that the secret to success doesn't lie in knowing everything; it lies in knowing what you don't know, and finding those who do.

I wish you good luck and great success.

Steve Baker is a business advisor who specializes in market development. He founded a company that did $500 million the first year and he was sued for $1.4 Billion. He speak on How to be a Successful Failure, and he is the author of the award winning book, PUSHING WATER UPHILL With A Rake; Memoirs of a Successful Failure. He lives in Colorado where he is an avid poor golfer. He can be reached through his website www.PushingWaterUphill.com

Your Baby's Ugly...and You've Got Bad Breath

--> Your Baby&#39s Ugly...and You&#39ve Got Bad Breath

I&#39ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that 98% of businesses are small businesses. That bodes well for the entrepreneurial spirit that has made our nation great. The bad news is that 80%, that&#39s right, four out of five new businesses will fail in their first five years.

After years of building my own companies and consulting growing businesses, I&#39ve come to the realization that too many business owners can&#39t see their business through an objective eye, which often leads to their demise. It takes an incredible amount of intense drive, determination and a strong ego to breathe life into a business and create products from scratch, but it&#39s also that same ego that won&#39t let a business owner be objective about what their business needs to succeed. The business is up and running at light-speed and management doesn&#39t have the time or willingness to stand back and take a real look at what they have created. They are too close to the problems to see them. Just like a proud parent, they have spent sweat and time creating this "baby," and they refuse to believe that it might be less than perfect.

I call this the "business parent trap." It is in this trap that business owners often create and introduce products that would not test out in the marketplace. There&#39s an attitude of "Hey, it&#39s gotta be great because I thought of it."

I&#39ve found that there are usually two basic things wrong with a business: the product (the Baby) and the management (the Breath).

So how do you assess your business? Are your employees going to tell you that you&#39re headed in the wrong direction? Not likely. Occasionally a consultant will be brought in to review the company&#39s performance in a given area. Unfortunately, when management does bring in a consultant, they often are really looking for affirmation - not straight-forward constructive criticism. Sadly, some consultants are more than willing to "affirm for a fee."

If you&#39re going to succeed, then someone needs to tell you if your baby&#39s ugly or you&#39ve got bad (corporate) breath. So here are some blunt yet truthful thoughts for your business, and perhaps you:

- GET OVER YOURSELF: Know yourself, trust yourself, believe in yourself...then Get Over Yourself. You&#39re really not the smartest person in the world. You built the business and know it better than anyone else, but no one else really cares how much you know.

- SPECTATOR SPORT: Conversation with you should not be a spectator sport for others. Remember that there&#39s a huge difference between listening and merely waiting for your turn to talk. You hired your employees and perhaps a consultant because you assumed they had brains, so let them use them. Ask questions and listen to answers.

- JUST ANOTHER PRODUCT Realize that even though you think that your new product or service is the greatest thing since the flip-top beer can, the world just sees one more product and must be convinced. You created this product and you know every function of it, but customers do not buy functions, they buy only benefits. Whether your product is a high tech internet service or office furniture, you must show how it is uniquely beneficial to your customer. Functionality makes your products work, Benefits make them sell.

- PAPER WEIGHT: If you have the high tech inventive skills to create a product, chances are that you don&#39t have the skills to market and sell it. Many small business owners think that marketing and sales are the simplest part of their business, so it is almost an afterthought. There is only one reason that inferior products outsell better ones; and that is successful marketing. Think of your marketing plan as the complete story book that sells your product. If your story book is a best seller, then your product will be a best seller. Without the right story that will build sales and distribution, your wonderful product is just another paper weight head for a land fill.

- STAND BACK: Your competitors are not all stupid. Guess what? They think their babies are cute too, and they may tell better stories that make them look even better than yours. So stand back and look at yourself and your baby and try to look through the eyes of a disinterested party, because believe it or not, the world is a disinterested party.

Remember, there&#39s an 80% chance that you will not be in business in 5 years. As busy as you are, and successful as you think you are, you must set your ego aside and realize that there are things beyond your control. Successful companies know that the secret to success doesn&#39t lie in knowing everything; it lies in knowing what you don&#39t know, and finding those who do.

I wish you good luck and great success.

Copyright 2005 Steve Baker

About Steve: Steve Baker is a business advisor who has founded successful start-up companies and specializes in market development. He founded a company that did $500 million the first year and he was sued for $1.4 Billion. He speak on How to be a Successful Failure, and he is the author of the award winning book, PUSHING WATER UPHILL With A Rake; Memoirs of a Successful Failure. He lives in Colorado where he is an avid poor golfer. He can be reached through his website www.PushingWaterUphill.com

White Noise for Baby Stops Colic Crying Fast

--> White Noise for Baby Stops Colic Crying Fast

It's true. Colic is MUCH harder on the parent than the infant. My daughter survived six months of colic unscathed. My husband and I are a different story. We have deep psychological scars that send us scurrying for the nearest exist every time we hear a baby cry.

As parents, we were newbies. We had never even changed a diaper when we brought our bundle of joy home from the hospital. I had heard a few horror stories about babies with colic, but never thought in a million years I would be the proud owner of a colic baby. So, imagine our horror, when on about our third week of parenting, our daughter started screaming every day around dinnertime. And, I'm talking blood-curdling, "I'm-in-severe-pain" sort of screaming. Screaming that lasted four hours and drove everyone in the household to tears.

We thought for sure something was horribly wrong.

A doctor appointment later, I was assured that my daughter was fine, and she probably just had "a little colic." Not to worry, that the colic would pass within a "couple of months".

Yeah, right. Define a "couple of months".

Those of you who have a baby with "a little colic" know there is no such thing. Experiencing a colic episode is extremely traumatic. You feel helpless, angry and frustrated when everything you try to stop the crying fails miserably. You feel like you're a bad parent or that your baby hates you. But, don't despair. Empower yourself! There are tons of strategies, tricks and products out there to help you deal with a colicky baby.

A guaranteed colic-buster we used time and time again was white noise. "What is white noise?" you might ask. Good question. Here goes.

White noise is the full spectrum of sound frequencies a human ear can hear combined together all at once. Huh?

Okay, again in layman's terms. Have you ever been in a crowd full of people, for example, at a sporting event? Everyone is talking at the same time. You can't decipher every single conversation, but you do hear the roar of the crowd (it happens to make me sleepy). That is white noise. Oh, yeah, I get it now!

Now, do me a favor. Put your hands over your ears and listen. Do you hear a roaring? What you are hearing is the white noise your own body produces within. The same noise your baby heard for 40 weeks or so while in the womb.

So, for a second, imagine you are a baby in the womb. You've spent most of your existence in a place warm and dark, where you were well fed and had no distracting noises, lights or outside stimuli. Then suddenly, you burst on the scene and have a whole big world to absorb. The stimuli eventually stresses you out, and since you can't communicate very well, the only way you know how to blow off steam is to cry and cry and cry some more. This is the latest scientific explanation of the cause of colic. Your baby is over-stimulated throughout the course of the day. To relieve stress, they cry uncontrollably for several hours. Oh, man.

So what can you do as a parent?

Recreate for your baby the feeling of being in the womb. Lower lights, reduce visual stimuli, swaddle the baby and turn on some white noise. Babies seem to be positively effected by the noise frequency of a hair dryer, clothes dryer and vacuum cleaner.

Unbelievably enough, this works! When I first heard about this theory, I was extremely skeptical. But out of desperation one day, I pulled out the vacuum cleaner and plugged it in. It was like turning off a water faucet. Immediately, our baby quit screaming. If you unplugged the vacuum, she started screaming again. It was weird. But, it worked.

Wait, though! Don't just plug in your vacuum cleaner and run it for several hours. The noise decibels will damage your baby's hearing. You need to be able to control the volume of the white noise your baby is hearing.

White noise downloads and white noise CD's are available for purchase almost everywhere. Just go on Yahoo! or MSN and do a search for "white noise baby". For just a few dollars, your baby can have the comfort of white noise, and you can have your sanity back.

When Your Baby Arrives

--> When Your Baby Arrives

Welcoming a newborn baby into the family is always a joyful occasion especially for first-time parents. The nine months of waiting has finally come to an end. How heart-warming it is to hear that first cry. Your baby has arrived!

When it's time to bring your newborn baby home, the excitement continues from the hospital to your home. Relatives and friends come over to adore your newborn. What an exciting time!

Soon the initial excitement subsides and reality strikes! It's time to think about providing the best baby care you can for your newborn. There are so many things that need to be done. And, especially if you're a first-time parent, there are so many things you wish you knew on how to provide the best baby care possible for your infant.

You and your family will have a lot of adjusting to do especially during the first few days after your baby have come home. All of a sudden, there is a new member in the family. Daily routines will be affected. Life will not be the same again.

If you have other children at home, you may have to deal with sibling jealousy as your newborn seems to have robbed them of all the attention they used to get. The best way to handle that is to get your children involved with baby care. Depending on their ages and abilities, you may want to get them to help out with diaper changing, feeding, holding the baby, and other appropriate activities. Once they realized that their contributions are valued, their feelings of jealousy will disappear.

As a new mother, you may have to deal with 'baby blues'. Your body is undergoing major physical changes after the birth of your baby. This may cause you to feel sad and depressed. These feelings are perfectly normal and should go away after several weeks. However, if you find that these feelings are getting more and more intense and are affecting your ability to care for yourself and your family, you should consult your doctor. You may be suffering from a condition of postpartum depression.

Parenting has its ups and downs, challenges and rewards. It's a long road ahead raising a new baby up to its adulthood. It'll be wise to learn as much as possible on how to raise healthy and happy kids. The more knowledge and skills you have, the better parent you'll become. It is an investment in their lives and yours.

What Baby Chicks Can Teach You About Handling Your Prospects

--> What Baby Chicks Can Teach You About Handling Your Prospects The best way to chase your prospects away is to show
them that you really need them! This may appear
strange at first but truth is sometimes stranger than
fiction.

I've seen this repeatedly in cases where my website
visitors would sometimes ask for some clarification on
my offers. I noticed after a while that 99% of those
who inquired by email or phone never made the purchase.
Frankly, this was quite puzzling to me.

First I thought that maybe my heavy Caribbean accent
drove them away. But then again what of my emails? I
doubt that you can hear an accent through the written
word.

Then I recalled the saying:

"Follow love and it will flee,
Flee from love and it will follow thee."

You see, sometimes you can appear so desperate to make
the sale that you drive the customer away. The
prospect senses this in your voice and `persuasive'
emails and they shy away. It's a strange human
phenomenon that people like to buy but they don't like
to be `sold'. The customer frequently wants to feel as
though he is in control of the buying process.

Nobody wants to know that they were pressured into
making any decision and this includes buying. This is
where the whole psychology of offering your products in
different colors and versions comes in - you are giving
the customer a choice.

So here is a typical email that I would get from a
prospect:

Hi Ray,

I was just at your website and think that I like your
ebook. I've been burnt before by some useless junk
that I've bought on the web. So I have some questions
that I hope you don't mind answering. (Questions about
the product follow ...)

You seem to be an honest person but I just want to know
if you'll really refund my money if I didn't like your
ebook. If I don't hear from you then I would just go
and purchase another product. No hard feelings.

Signed,

Prospect.

Now, originally an email like this would get me into
high gear in `defending' my product and listing all the
virtues that were already stated on the sales site. As
I mentioned before I often never heard from these
customers anymore and so I had wasted my time trying to
close the sale.

Sometimes I would just ignore these letters as I had
labeled these people as just `doubters' or `freebie
seekers' who would not have made a purchase anyway.
This was until I got a really harsh anonymous email
that blatantly accused me of just trying to trick
people out of their money. Me? I take the time to
return shopping carts to their storage area in the
parking lot - you can't get any more honest than that!

Anyway, after recovering from this `e-blow' I replied
to the email suggesting that the sender did NOT make
the purchase. In fact I insisted that he saved his
money so he'll not be ripped off. I was not fully
prepared for the reaction. He wrote back this time
giving his name and said that he was only `joking'.
Needless to say he bought the ebook.

Some Copywriters refer to this technique as
"Intimidation". If you act as though you do not really
care about the sale you're more likely to make the
sale! This is because you immediately place the
prospect on the defensive.

So what do baby chickens have to do with all this? You
see I've learned from handling baby chickens that if
you squeeze too tightly you can suffocate the little
feather bundles. Yet at the same time, if you open
your hands fully they will jump out. You have to
master the art of `not too tight but not too loose
either'.

If you parade the fact that you don't need your
prospects you're holding them too loosely. But if you
chase them down and keep pounding at them with emails
or phone calls then you can suffocate the purchasing
life out of them. A balance must be struck and only
experience will teach you that balance.

At first I was too aggressive and they ran away. Then
I simply ignored these prospects as just plain losers.
Finally I found the middle ground and it simply said;
"I want you but I don't need you."

When you think about it, gaining a new customer isn't
too different from winning the heart of your one true
love. If you're too aggressive and send very expensive
gifts for every occasion your lovebird will likely be
scared away. Just skip some phone calls from your
usual schedule and you'll have her wondering (that's
another word for `thinking') about you.

And trust me, it works just as well with your prospects
as it does with your potential life partner. I know ...
I've been happily married now for 8 years and counting!

Ray Edwards can provide you with a FREE professional
critique of your website and so increase your
conversion rate. Your website is your 'salesman in
print' and you'll be shocked to discover how small
changes can make a big difference in your bottom line.
Check it out now:
http://yourwebsiteconversion.com?site=ez

Welcome an Adopted Baby into the Family with an Adoption Bab

--> Welcome an Adopted Baby into the Family with an Adoption Bab

The addition of a new child to a family is a wonderous occasion! An adopted baby is just as much a miracle as any other and should be celebrated as such.

And all babies need "stuff", even an adopted child, so having an adoption baby shower for this child is not only acceptable, but necessary.

There are some differences you should consider when attempting to plan this a baby shower for adoption. You will need to know the age of the adopted child first of all. Some couples may have adopted a baby, but others may have adopted a toddler or older child.

You will also want to find out if the family wants to celebrate the baby shower for adoption before or after the baby/child is adopted.

For infants, the
basic necessities, such as diapers, clothing, feeding items, and nursery d

Weaning A Baby

--> Weaning A Baby

The best time to wean your baby onto solid food is at about age 6 months. This is because your baby's mouth will start to change around that time to help her cope with the transition. Another guide is to start when baby doubles in weight.

Before then your baby's digestive system and kidneys are able to cope only with breastmilk and formula. But don't leave it too late as baby may find it difficult to adapt to swallowing food, and she will need a balanced varied diet.

What You Will Need

• Bibs - and plenty of them! At first she will spit out more than she swallows and feeding will be very messy.


• Unbreakable bowls and spoons.


• Lidded containers for storing the food.


• A food processor. You could manage with a fork and a sieve, but the one thing you won't have plenty of is time, so a blender will make life easier.
You don't need a high chair, not at this stage anyway. Baby won't be able to hold her head up until about age 12 months, so feed her while she is in your lap or in a seat that supports her head. Foods To Try And Some To Avoid
• Baby rice is usually the first solid for babies, it has a low protein content and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Mix with milk (expressed breast milk or formula) to make the rice easier to swallow. Rice also has the advantage that it can be mixed with both vegetables and fruit, so after a few days, mix in a little pur

We Are Right In The Middle Of A Pay Per Click Baby Boom

--> We Are Right In The Middle Of A Pay Per Click Baby Boom

No, this baby boom will certainly not swamp the Social Security system (sort of a bad joke for those that live in the United States, but many other countries...most notably Japan...have an even more acute problem), but this baby boom is revolutionizing the way that pay per click advertising is being spread across the Internet.

One of the early participants in this pay per click baby boom was Google, with its AdSense program. With this program, Google shares pay per click revenue with a huge number of individual partner websites that carry a few pay per click ads that are distributed by Google. In essence, this creates a whole bunch of little pay per click locations (websites) throughout the Internet and hence the term "pay per click baby boom".

Conceptually, programs like AdSense are similar to what the computer hardware folks refer to a distributed processing. Instead of trying to draw everyone to a large pay per click search engine site, little groups of pay per click ads are spread widely across thousands of locations (websites) all over the Internet.

Actually, this distributed processing or propagation technique is not limited to pay per click advertising. For example, Amazon uses a similar arrangement (called Amazon Associates) to sell the products it carries on amazon.com and ClickBank has a sales program called CBAdwords which operates in a similar fashion.

According my trusty Ouija board, it seems likely that most commercial hubs on the Internet will be shifting to this propagation concept as time progresses...all of those individual partner websites that carry the message/proposition will constitute the vast army of worker ants that keep the queen ant alive and healthy.

From a pay per click marketing perspective, these programs make brilliant use of leverage while providing highly targeted prospects for the paying advertiser.

There are, of course, some interesting things that occur as a result of all of this stuff. For example, consider what I call the "cross fertilization effect": Suppose a person goes to yahoo.com and performs a search that leads them to one of my websites that happens carry Google AdSense ads and that visitor then clicks on one of those ads...the net result is that Yahoo natural search provided Google pay per click with some revenue! Aren't these fun times that we're living in?

As these programs continue to proliferate, the individual webmaster needs to exercise a little restraint and avoid the temptation to go overboard by plastering these ads all over your website and thereby diluting your own primary message/proposition and confusing your hard earned visitor. When properly used, these ads are just ancillary or complementary content that you are providing to enhance the information and opportunities that you are providing to your visitor...if something happens to strike a responsive chord with your visitor, you might make a little pay per click money.

If properly used, these propagation programs can result in the classical "win-win" situation. However, if you over do it, this can quickly turn into a loss for you (the individual webmaster) and a win for your pay per click partners that are distributing the ads. As in many things, moderation is important.

It's a constant sea of change, but the good things just keep on getting better! Stay alert, and light on your feet, and the opportunities will just keep on coming your way.

The above are just some observations from "the peanut gallery", but I don't think I'm far off the mark about where things are heading. With that, I'm off the soapbox and wishing you success in whatever you do online!

Kirk Bannerman operates a successful home based business and coaches others seeking to start their own home based business. Visit his website at http://www.business-at-home.us for more details.

Wake Up Baby Boomers - There's Still Time

--> Wake Up Baby Boomers - There's Still Time Wake Up Baby Boomers - There's Still Time

Dave Kendrick - All Rights reserved
http://www.cruise2success.com

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

Over 90% of all retired Americans will be forced to live on less than $12,000 a year!

Yes, I have to admit it. I am an aging Baby Boomer! Our first grandchild was born last year. Does it make me feel older? Not necessarily. It's all a matter of outlook and attitude to life.

O.K. Physically I'm starting to get some of the aches and pains that come with the aging process. But mentally I'm still in my mid-twenties. (Sometimes a heck of a lot younger, so my Wife often tells me!)

The 1960's covered my mid-teens and mid-twenties. What a great era that was in England (where I was born and raised - we have been living in Canada since 1981.) Would you believe I saw the Rolling Stones in concert before they hit the big time! They had just released their first record.

Ah yes. Life was simpler then. Life was sweet. No home computers, no cell phones, no Internet. But now, of course we have all of these things and take them for granted. Especially computers and the Internet.

Never before in history has it been possible for so many people to have their own home business using these powerful tools.

This truly is the age of mass communication and information sharing.

The question is, have us Baby Boomers been left behind in this huge technological wake? Have we missed the boat?

I believe the answer to this is an emphatic "NO!"

Like I said, growing up in the sixties was great. Retirement was a lifetime away. But, my friend, lifetime has a nasty habit of passing by all too quickly. Believe me, I know!

So we live our lives, enjoying each day that comes (or at least trying to), still thinking that retirement is a long way off. After all, there's the mortgage to pay; a new car would be nice; we could really do with a vacation this year; the kitchen could do with a makeover. And then it hits you like a ton of bricks. The milestone of your 60'th birthday is creeping up REALLY fast ... TOO fast.

Studies show that over 90% of North Americans will be living at or below the poverty line by the time they reach retirement age.

Are you faced with the prospect of becoming one of these statistics?

So, you're probably wondering what I'm trying to get at here.

Remember what I said about having powerful tools like computers and the Internet at our disposal? And yes, it's true, never before has it been more possible to start your own home business. Make a resolution today to look into starting your own home business. If you have already started, then congratulations! But you too should resolve to stick at it and follow it through to success.

If you don't know much about computers - learn. If you don't know the first thing about marketing - learn. Building a successful home business all begins with education. Learn the skills you need to gradually build your business. The Internet is FULL of information that will help you. And most of it is free!

Yes, it's hard work to get things going and you will get frustrated at times. But it's also a lot of fun. Compare this to the job you are doing now. If you are like me, then I'm willing to bet there is no comparison!

I just realized as I was writing this article that I aimed it at Baby Boomers as I am one myself. However, the same holds true for any age group. It's never too late or too early to change direction in life. You just have to make the decision to improve your lot and then commit to it.

So the choice is yours. And it should be clear. Do you know which path you will follow? Do you know what my next move is?

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

Dave Kendrick publishes a monthly newsletter "The Cruise Marketing Digest" His newsletter, like his articles aim to give advice and encouragement to people new (and not so new) to Internet Marketing.

Check out his website at http://www.cruise2success.com and sign up for his newsletter. Better yet, subscribe to "The Cruise" first and THEN check out his site!

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

--> Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby, especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say that there was nothing that they could do with their crying, fussing baby until they tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the savage beast, or in this case, the baby.

There are certain distinct sounds that have been proven to calm even fussy babies: the sounds of nature, white noise, and music. Even if your baby isn't fussing or crying you may want to use music as often as you can to encourage that feeling of calm and peacefulness. All it takes is a few minutes every day and before you know it your baby will be looking forward to hearing that certain song emanating from the CD player.

There is nothing complicated or mysterious about introducing your baby to music from day one. You don't need to search for the perfect song or a certain type of music. All you have to do is start by having your baby listen to your favorite songs and music. If jazz is on the top of your list, let your baby listen to the sounds of John Coltrane as he sits in his baby seat watching you in the kitchen. It doesn't matter if you play the schmaltzy songs of the eighties or some wicked African beat, your baby is going to listen and his mood is going to be altered by any musical sound that he hears.

Besides the music that you yourself can introduce your baby to, there are hundreds of CDs on the market today that are filled with baby songs and lullabies. At the end of the day you may want to play a CD of quiet baby songs that have a slower beat. There are so many CDs for you to choose from that you will have a hard time making up your mind. Choose something that interests you. Many baby CDs will have lullabies and faster beat songs on the same CD.

Playing music has other benefits besides soothing your fussy, crying baby. These benefits include:

• Babies are introduced to musical sounds.
• Music enhances your baby's behavior and cognitive skills.
• Relieves stress for the entire family.
• Will stimulate curiosity and an interest in music.

Take time to find a variety of music CDs for your baby to listen to. You'll soon notice which music your baby is most drawn to and can use that music when he is particularly fussy or is crying.

Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic And Unique Baby Name

--> Unusual Baby Boy Names - Finding Exotic And Unique Baby Name Unusual baby boy names and finding exotic and unique baby names can be loads of fun! Rather than giving your baby boy a name like Jacob, John or Harry, you would prefer him have one of the more exotic and unique baby names.

There are several ways to find unusual baby boy names. Here are some suggestions:

1. Start with the most popular names being given to baby boys. For parents living in the USA, you can easily find this kind of information by visiting the Social Security Administration's website (click on the link at the bottom of this page to go to the direct link to the SSA baby names search). See which names that are popular are also unusual baby boy names. You can view the most popular names for the past year, boy names given since the year 2000 or by decade in the previous century. It may surprise you how many exotic and unique baby names you can find this way.

2. Look at your own family names and see if using any name combinations create unusual baby names you like. Ask other family members for their suggestions, even invite your friends to give you their opinions. Does a relative have names you like? Do be careful if the names are already used. Ask other family members to be sure your favorite unusual baby names are not given to relatives. It can become confusing in families when two people have the same names.

3. Consider the unusual baby boy names used in the classics. Literary classics are a great source of exotic and unique baby names. Be careful when considering modern names used by this years top male movie stars. Will that popular actor still be in the headlines 3, 5, 10 or more years from now? By using the classics for possible names, you know that these names have withstood the test of time.

4. Visit your local library or bookstore and browse the pregnancy and parenting sections. You will likely find several books in various price ranges that provide you with many unusual baby boy names to consider.

5. Search for exotic and unique baby names online. There are many baby websites with listings and resources for baby names.

Remember, your childs names will be used their entire life, so think how their names will sound and feel once they are grown. Do not let the joy of their infancy cause you to give them a name that they won't be proud of once they are older. Stay away from funny names. Choose his name carefully, a name that will have meaning and significance to you and your child.

Have fun and enjoy viewing and choosing your childs names. Provide them with unusual baby boy names that will add to their success and happiness in life. Take your time and find names you truly love. You will find at some point, there is no doubt about what your new baby boy names will be. When it happens - congratulations! Enjoy and celebrate the moment. You will know it was worth every minute spent looking for unusual baby boy names for that unique and very special person.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

:
See http://www.yourdreamloghome.com/top-100-baby-name-lists.html and access the Social Security baby names listings. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and the webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - visit the website for nursery ideas, decorating ideas in kids bedrooms, playroom design ideas, playroom storage ideas and more.

Copyright David Buster - http://www.yourdreamloghome.com

Top Cookie Flavors for Baby Showers and Other Parties

--> Top Cookie Flavors for Baby Showers and Other Parties

Cookies are a very popular treat at any party event and as a snack in general.
There are now hundreds of different types of cookies that can be served to your
guests and at parties. In case you are having difficulty choosing which flavors
to serve, here are the five most popular cookie flavors based on our research
study:
1. Chocolate Chip - This should be no surprise but chocolate chip tops the
list by a landslide. Every cookie maker offers chocolate chip cookies, a delicious
combination of batter and chocolate. Chocolate chip cookies were actually invented
in the 1900's by Ruth Wakefield and have remain strong in popularity since then.
2. Fortune Cookies - Fortune cookies have also become popular at many occasions.
A simple sweet cookie with a message inside that can be customized for any occasion.
The history of the fortune cookie dates back to the 13th and 14th century, when
secret messages were placed inside of moon cakes to coordinate an uprising against
the Mongols, who were known to have no interest in lotus paste. In the mid 1900's,
Chinese railroad workers exchanged happy messages in biscuits instead of cakes
for their moon festivals. The first automated fortune cookie factory was started
in 1964.
3. Sugar Cookies - Sugar cookies are also popular and embody the simple sweetness
that people often think about when they think about cookies. This cookie is
one of the easiest to make and is a great treat at kid's parties.
4. Peanut butter cookie - Peanut butter has become a favorite flavor among
chidren and adults as well. Although use of peanuts in recipes dates back to
the early 1900's, it was not until the 1930's when peanuts became a listed cookie
ingredient. Since then, peanut butter cookies have enjoyed popularity at bakeries
and cookie shops.
5. Oatmeal cookie - In today's health conscious society, oatmeal cookies continue
to remain popular. Although they are not entirely healthy, the typically contain
less fat than other cookies and still taste great.
Other popular cookies include Oreo cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate
cookies, and Girl Scout cookies, which contain a variety of sweet cookie flavors.
Whichever cookies you choose to have at your party, your guests are sure to
enjoy this sweet delicious treat.
- Criss White is a professional web writer on baby
and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For baby shower cookie
favors, go to Baby Shower
Cookies (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/cookies.htm) and for more baby shower
articles and ideas, see Baby
Shower Ideas (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/articles). Note: If you find this
article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter
as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks stay active.

The Right Mutual Funds For Baby Boomers

--> The Right Mutual Funds For Baby Boomers

The Right Mutual Funds For Baby Boomers By C.C. Collins, Wealth Strategist, http://wealthscientist.com

If you are a baby boomer, time is not on your side. Many baby boomers see retirement age fast approaching with little to nothing in the way of retirement assets that will allow them to actually retire and live a comfortable lifestyle.

With the benefit of time in short supply, substantial investment performance in a shorter than normal time frame becomes strikingly important.

Mutual Fund Advice A case could be made that a special type of mututal fund, an index mutual fund, in conjunction with careful market trend analysis (not predictive market timing) could be used to achieve higher returns faster than a standard mutual fund.

As to the specific type of index fund to consider using, investors would do well to "keep it simple" and use an index fund that tracks well known indexes like the S&P 500, Nasdaq100, and Wilshire 2000.

Index funds that track any of the major indexes are just taking advantage of the concept of diversification. The only remaining risk is whether the entire market goes up or goes down and one can switch to a fund that is designed to profit from a down market when such action is called for.

There are very few active investment managers that outperform index funds or exchange traded funds over a five year or greater period. This is why an index fund is recommended in the case of baby boomer-aged investors who need stellar performance over shorter time frames.

Mutual Fund Selection

Mutual Fund Action plan

Mutual Fund Research

Mutual Fund Investment tools

---

C.C. Collins is a Financial Planning Advisor and Author of "Scientific Wealth Strategies" at http://wealthscientist.com. Find more information at http://www.mutualfundinfo4u.com

The Quick And Easy Way Baby-Boomers Will Make You Rich

--> The Quick And Easy Way Baby-Boomers Will Make You Rich Quick cash, fast food, drive-thru, speedy service -
call it what you like. When baby-boomers want it, you'd
better provide it immediately. The message is the sooner
the better!

If you can provide customers with a time saving option,
they'll pay for it.

This could be anything from delivery services and house
calls to drive-thru windows and easy-access express
locations. For example, parking can be time wasting and
expensive. This is why my brother in Australia uses a
drive-thru bank every day. Expect to see more drive-thrus
for traditionally inconvenient businesses like dry cleaners.

No longer is time and money being calculated in the
traditional sense. Money saved to drive out of the way
to save a dollar is now considered valuable time away
from the family or other interests.

Think about mobile phones. They are reasonably expensive
to operate, but people find them quick and easy to use.
People will pay for convenience.

Baby-boomers are busy people and that explains why one
of the fastest growing franchise types in the USA is
the business of concierge services. Another growing
profession is personal organizers to help clients manage
their busy lives.

Couples are putting off having children until their
30's or over. They want to have FUN! And even when
they do have children, he may be the one to work from
home and look after the kids, because she's in the banking
industry on $40,000 more than he is.

Guess what?! These people will have two incomes and
lots of money to spend. Before the patter of little feet are
heard at least. (D I N K S) Double Income, No Kids.
These are the baby-boomers' kids growing up . . . and there
have never been so many.

A Lively Longer Life!

Back to the baby-boomers themselves. Their life expectancy
has increased substantially. He will, on average*, retire
at 57 and live for another 27 years. She will retire at 55
and live for another 32 years.

So what does all that mean? It means that they will live
in retirement for almost as long as they have worked and
what do you think they will want to do? Not mow the lawn
any more. They will (and do) want to travel and go to
restaurants. No longer will they want to live in the outer
suburbs with a big plot of land. They will want to sell their
big house with its large maintenance requirements and that s
on and daughter will have to find somewhere else to live.
(That's another story).

In most cases, they're going to sell their large section
with house in the suburbs. They'll trade the spa, pool,
open spaces and everything that opens and shuts for a
50 to 100 year old house in the inner suburbs for more
money! And they will absolutely love it. They might even
describe it as the best thing they ever did.

So what else do we know about them? Well, in the last
15 years of their lives, 80% of the money they spend
will probably be on their health.

What's Going To Be HOT?

Home Services, pre cooked meals delivered to the
door, cleaning and ironing, home care (too expensive
to do it yourself and who wants to anyway) and home
maintenance, gardening, car detailing and car wash
outlets and travel agencies. Phew! Let me take a breath
as I continue...Tour operators, financial services, optometrists,
high quality reasonably priced ethnic food, club memberships,
golf clubs, medical and dental, life insurance....... home
computers and software, fast food. (remember the 14 year
old children of the 40 plus group), banking and mortgage
lending and the list goes on.

It is an exciting, fast-paced, ever-changing world.
You certainly don't have to agree with everything I said here,
but hopefully I have got you thinking!

*Statistics and trends may vary from country to country.

The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

--> The Baby Stroller- How To Choose

You will need to begin gathering the things your baby will need, now that you got the news that you are expecting a bundle of joy. You may feel overwhelmed if this is your first baby with all the decisions that need to be made.

Deciding on the type of stroller you will use for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you will need to make. You need to determine your budget first before you begin choosing from among the many different types of strollers. The cost of strollers can range from $10 to $400 and higher.

The lower end strollers are generally the lightweight umbrella strollers. Easy folding and storage give these strollers an advantage. High prices for a stroller could indicate greater quality and better features. You should know which of the variety of features that come with strollers is important to you?

Which would you want a convertible travel system or a stroller and a car seat? A travel system has a stay in the car base, a stroller frame to which the infant carrier/ car safety seat is attached. These are wonderful especially for your newborn baby.

A play tray that has places for a bottle or juice cup come with strollers. Many strollers come with canopies that have vinyl windows to let you keep an eye on the baby. Easily applied foot brakes that are attached to both rear wheels and a wrist strap brake that can be used together are included on most strollers.

While you have the strap on it gives you extra safety while you are stopped because the stroller can't roll away. Strollers are now coming with a parent tray that fits over the handle bar as well as a large storage basket that fits under the seat(s). It has a holder for a cup of coffee or a soda, your cell phone, snack, and your keys.

Reversible handlebars that can be moved from front to rear or vice versa and are height adjustable are now on most strollers. The reversible handlebars can help you to see your baby while he rides if necessary and the height adjustable feature is a great back saver.

Next to be considered is the seat. Will the seat recline enough, if it reclines, to allow your newborn to lie almost flat? Will the seat be comfortable for your baby and well padded? Can the seat padding be removed so it can be washed? Blankets that can be attached with snaps to the seat come on most upper end strollers

Your baby's stroller becomes like a bunting on wheels with these blankets. Your baby is protected from wind and harsh sunlight with the use of these detachable rain hoods. Another twist comes with your decision about a baby stroller. You can have for free a stroller that is almost brand new from your friend. She promises to get the stroller ready for you and cleaned.

Is it a safe choice for your baby to have a used stroller? Before you place your baby in it you will need to look over some things and it could be a very good choice for you and your baby. No gaps, dents, or cracks should be found in the frame. Bolts and screws must all be in place.

If it were anything less your baby could be seriously hurt in an accident. Are there any sharp spots on the frame? Can your baby be cut by screws sticking out or are there loose screws? Is the frame and handle bar properly joined?

Do you need to look over the wheels for leaks in air pressure or are they solid?

The wheels; are they worn?

Do the wheels need replacement?

Are the wheels turning appropriately?

Are the axels crooked?

Are the brakes holding when applied and working properly?

No matter if the seat is in straight us position or reclining position, does the seat hold?

Your baby could be seriously hurt if the seat does not hold the position well. Is the seat lining fitting the frame properly and is it clean? Strollers have a variety of options, types, and styles. Multi-seated strollers are available for two children or more.

There is a variety of seating arrangements including tandem and side by seating as well as stadium seating which a variation of tandem seating where the rear seat is higher than the front allowing the second child to see more than just the back of a head.

Jogging strollers have a triangular wheelbase with one large one out in front and two in the rear. Jogging strollers also come with multiple seating. Used or new enjoy your outings with your baby or children.

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of
Baby strollers
and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

Teach Your Baby To Read English

--> Teach Your Baby To Read English If your child's first language is not English, he or she can
still become an excellent English reader and writer. Your
baby is on the way to successful English reading if she is
beginning to learn many words and is interested in learning
to read in her first language. You can help by supporting
her in her first language as she learns English. Talk with
her, read with her, encourage her to draw and write. In
other words, do the same kinds of activities just discussed,
but do them in your child's first language.

When your child first enters school, talk with her teacher.
Teachers welcome such talks. They even have sign-up times
early in the year, though usually you may ask for a meeting
at any time. If you feel that you need some support in
meeting with the teacher, ask a relative, neighbor, or
someone else in your community to go with you.

When you do meet, tell the teacher the things that you are
doing at home to strengthen your child's speaking and
reading in her own language. Let the teacher know how
important you child's reading is to you and ask for support
for your efforts. Children who can switch back and forth
between languages have accomplished something special. They
should be praised and encouraged as they work for this
achievement.

THE BABYLONIAN SECRET TO RICHES

--> THE BABYLONIAN SECRET TO RICHES THE BABYLONIAN SECRET TO RICHES

I wrote about this secret that only 1% of the population know sometime ago in my free ezine. I again wrote in the newsletter the school I use to work for had. What is this secret? Well, let look at some other things first.

EDUCATION

Our school system has been designed as an environment to educate minds, to replace ignorance with understanding and ultimately quality of life. And though our education system has obviously been successful in many areas, it has woefully neglected one subject "To Earn Money" A lack of understanding in this area is the causes of unwanted and unnecessary problems since money as the medium that is used world wide for other peoples product and services.

That paragraph is from one of Napoleon Hill's followers, Bob Proctor. He understands this and what to do about it.

Education teaches you to work for someone. And that is what 96% of the population does. Some of the 96% work by the hour, these are accountants, lawyers, doctors, dentists, as well laborers. Yes, some of these make good money but they are usually not millionaires or billionaires.

3% of the population makes money by investing. This what Billionaire Warren Buffet does and he does it for other investors of his funds.

Only 1% understand what I call the "Secret of the Babylonians" I wrote it my ezine on years ago. You will have to search at my safe at the left side of my web page. Http://www.Joetrevison.com

Don't' worry I am going to tell it here in a moment.

Realize that this 1% of the population is very wealthy but you know because these people are prosperity conscious they can lose every cent they have in a series of mistakes in judgment but in a short period of time they will have it all back.

How do you get prosperity conscious? You give yourself prosperity affirmations. You give them with all the emotion you can give. You want prosperity affirmations. That is easy go to the search engine, like google.com and put in "prosperity affirmations. You find all you need. DO IT NOW!

Get Hill's " Think and Grow Rich" he will help you too. You can buy it at your favorite bookstore or if you can't afford it, you can find it FREE on the net, in pdf file.

Here are some of the people that knew the secrets, Hill, W.Clement Stone, Cowboy Star Gene Autry. Robert Allen wrote a book on it with the title of the secret.

Now when you get the prosperity consciousness you can apply the greatest money secret that you will learn: it is streams of income. (MSI) That is multiple steams of income in abbreviations

You want a list of some of the things you can do to get Steams of Income.

HERE IS THE LIST
-Stock Market
-Real Estate
-Foreclosures
-Flippers
-Network Marketing
-Classifieds ads
-Licensing Intellectual Properties
-Web Page with shopping cart
-Your own products
-Your own services
-Selling other people products for commissions

So there now you can be that in that 1% Hill, Stone and Gene did it. Stone had a company, wrote books and did seminars. Hill wrote books, did audios, videos and gave seminars. Gene did a different route he was our cowboy Billionaire. He had his own product company for his television series and well as produce other cowboy and cowgirl shows. He did personal appearances. He was in Erie PA when I was 10 years old I shook his hand. What a man. He later bought TV and Radio stations and a baseball team. He knew about steams of income too.

I just thought of it Buffalo Bob of Howdy Doody fame did the same thing but never owned a baseball team. I met him to just before he died. What a great man he was.

Another secret when you have a business you know your asset that has the biggest value is not in your books. Write me. If you want that million dollar secret., Joetrevis@aol.com

Joe Trevison is a self employed Business and Marketing Consultant as well as a expert in Tax with a Tax and Accounting Practice. He worked for the Monster called the IRS for 15 years and taught for 7 years business subjects to adults.

Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three

--> Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes mind boggling to a baby shower planner than selecting the baby shower theme. There are almost too many ideas available today, and often the host of a party finds themselves suffering apoplexy at the idea of selecting a baby shower theme.

A small amount of creativity however will be sure to generate success, regardless of the baby shower theme selected. Keep in mind that the mom to be's happiness is perhaps the greatest priority. Not sure what theme to select? Worried about what might go over well with the guests? Turn to the expectant mom for guidance, and you are certain to come out a winner.

Selecting a baby shower theme should depend on just a couple of critical factors; For example, is the mother expecting a boy, girl, twins or more? Twins are the perfect "theme" for any party of a mother blessed with multiples. You could for example, in this instance offer guests two of everything, including cake!

In times of old a shower was only held for the first child. This tradition has changed however of late, and it isn't uncommon for a mom to be to have a shower for each child, celebrating their uniqueness and the joy at bringing another new life into the world. Sometimes a variation of the same theme can be used at subsequent showers. Still struggling for ideas? Consider some of the following:

Teddy Bears: What child does not love plush, stuffed and furry teddy bears! Teddy bear themes can be used for male or female children. Napkins, tableware and similar style decorations are sure to be found with teddy bears on them.

Colors: Often a mom to be seeks out gifts and accessories that complement or match the color she has selected for baby's nursery. You might consider a baby shower theme that matches the color scheme of baby's nursery. Guests can also be clued in on the invitation, and invited to bring items that will complement the nursery or wardrobe of the baby to be.

Cartoon Characters: Many parents select well known characters to incorporate into their nursery theme and these are easily translated into a baby shower theme. Some ideas include Strawberry Shortcake, Hello Kitty, or Bugs Bunny for example.

Shapes: Some parents may decide on shapes or even objects such as lemons, fish, cubes, circles and triangles to decorate their baby's nursery. Again, finding decorations and accessories for the shower that match this theme should prove beneficial and inexpensive.

No matter what baby shower theme you select, you are bound to find hundreds of items to complement the event, including decorations, favors and even gifts. Once the baby shower theme has been selected, as a planner the next most important task is setting about planning for the actual party and getting invitations out to the guests to be.

Traditionally, the shower is held at the home of the host; this is not always the case however, and exceptions to the rule might be welcome in some situations. Regardless of where you decide to throw the party, be sure to give guests enough advance notice to plan on attending. This usually requires three weeks to a month's notice, as most people are already too busy in today's society!

After selecting a baby shower theme, planning the party is easy. Once invitations have been mailed out and RSVP's have been received, plan on spending some time making a list of food items that will be needed, decorations you plan on acquiring, settling on party favors and deciding on a few fun games to play. Once you have all of these items sorted out, everything else is bound to fall together and you and your guests are sure to have a delightful time celebrating mom to be!

Review of Monster Magnet's "Monolithic Baby" cd

--> Review of Monster Magnet's "Monolithic Baby" cd Monster Magnet release possibly the best rock album so far this year!

Review by Les Lewellyn copyright 2004
Preying Lizard Music Ezine

If you are new to Monster Magnet's music then I can tell you that if you dig hard rocking music that accepts no form of commercialism in its sound then you can freely buy any release by them to date and you will be freaked out as to why you didn't have anything by them in your collection before now! Each album the band just gets better and better on. "Monolithic Baby" is Monster Magnet in their prime. Despite the fact they replaced two members, the drummer and bassist, the band holds intact and actually improves! That is a rarity. Usually when a band starts screwing around with it's line-up things go sour with the sound. It's not the case here.

I visited Monster Magnet's site a few months ago and read about the upcoming release of "Monolithic Baby". I became very impatient when I could find the cd online at Ebay but not in the stores. I tried the local "hip" cd stores and still had no luck. The wait was a long one but well worth the time spent!!!! I was happy as hell when I entered Best Buy two Fridays ago after work and on the shelf was a handful of "Monolithic Baby" cds! There were two versions, the one that had only the cd for two dollars less or a deluxe edition with a bonus dvd. I opted for the deluxe edition. Afterall this is the greatest rock band of all time I'm speaking about!

Calling them the greatest band in Rock at this time is a huge statement. I don't throw out compliments like that without serious thought and listening repeatedly to make sure the "burn out" factor doesn't kick in. I'm here to convince you that you are not rocking at all if you do not purchase this cd. It's everything a rock fan loves....sex, drugs, and rock and roll attitude with awesome fiery psychedelic guitar licks and rocking vocals that are all attitude. Nobody in this band is slack and they jell like no other band I've heard in a very long time. They shed their skin from the major label they were on, A&M....just the opposite of the bands begging labels....and this is the impressive result of their artistic freedom.

One of my biggest fears about rock bands that make great cds is that their next one will be a major disappointment and hype just can't salvage the sound and yet another rock band falls to commercialism and become a memory of better days. Bands should break up instead of putting out crap they know is crap. I can't blame them for wanting to make a living doing what they love but fans are disappointed when shit is released by their rock and roll idols. Bands please break up if you can't rock any more. There's too many great bands struggling to reach the top and your crap cd is blinding the public.

When I popped "Monolithic Baby" into my car's cd player and pushed play I tried to rid my mind of all expectations. Boom! "Slut Machine" comes blaring over my speakers and I'm instantly hooked. A big grin comes over my face and this 48 year old lover of hard rock realizes as the cd continues playing that this is the best cd I've ever heard! It's perfection. Words don't do it justice. It's the kind of cd I'd be tempted to offer a money back guarantee on myself if I had the bucks to back the offer!

Normally, if I'm reviewing a cd I try to dissect the tunes and seperate the good from the bad. All is good on Monolithic Baby. It's the kind of cd that requires one listen to know it's fantastic and then with several listens you are engrossed in the sounds and production/performance of Monster Magnet. The songs offer a diverse ear trip that touches on one thing...ROCK! They never sell out on the cd and each song is freaking great. The bonus DVD has two videos...."Unbroken(Hotel Baby)" and "The Right Stuff". These both rock and roll out but show humor by Dave Wyndorf and the band. The interview on the bonus dvd is also a fun spirited insight into the bands history and future. Then there's Bootleg live footage that is also captivating and makes me want to see these guys when they tour the states. Having been disappointed by my last few cd purchases...including the overrated and hyped up Velvet Revolver....I am thrilled to say that the Monster Magnet cd is worth every penny paid. I can't help but fear that I'm hyping the cd but it truly is the best rock cd released so far this year by any band or artist in my opinion. I thought AudioSlave, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stoneage, Soulfly and Probot were going to battle for first but now Monster Magnet easily claims that position on my cd player. What's cool is that when the cd is over and you yearn for more music just as great.....you just pop in one of their older cds and you get your fix. Their last album, "God Says No" is equally as great and "Dopes To Infinity" is their early masterpiece! Visit their site and listen to samples of their music. You are going to love the band I promise! Old fans of the band will be thrilled to hear their rock and roll heros climb to the top of the heep with this album. NOBODY who digs rock will argue. You may differ in who's on first but you WILL agree that in the very least this album is great!

Read Together With Your Baby

--> Read Together With Your Baby Imagine sitting your baby in your lap and reading a book to him for the first time.How different from just talking! Now you're showing him pictures.
You point to them.

In a lively way, you explain what the pictures are. You've just helped your child take the next step beyond talking. You've shown him that words and pictures connect. And you've started him on his way to understanding and enjoying books.

While your child is still a baby, reading aloud to him should become part your daily routine.

Pick a quiet time, such as just before you put him to bed. This will give him a chance to rest between play and sleep. If you can, read with him in your lap or snuggled next to you so that he feels close and safe.

As he gets older, he may need to move around some as you read to him. If he gets tired or restless, stop reading. Make reading aloud a quiet and comfortable time that your child looks forward to.

Chances are very good that he will like reading all the more because of it.

Try to spend at least 30 minutes each day reading to and with your child. At first, read for no more than a few minutes at a time, several times a day. As your child grows older, you should
be able to tell if he wants you to read for longer periods. Don't be discouraged if you have to skip
a day or don't always keep to your schedule. Just get back to your daily routine as soon as you can.

Most of all, make sure that reading stays fun for both of you!

Reading books with their children is one of the most important things that parents can do to help their children become readers.

What Does It Mean?

From the earliest days, talk with your child about what you are reading. You might point to pictures and name what is in them. When he is ready, have him do the same. Ask him, for example, if he can find the little mouse in the
picture, or do whatever is fun and right for the book. Later on, as you read stories, read slowly and stop now and then to think aloud about
what you've read. From the time your child is able to talk, ask him such questions about the story as,
"What do you think will happen next?" or "Do you know what a palace is?" Answer his questions and,if you think he doesn't understand.

Don't worry if you occasionally break the flow of a story to make clear something that is important.

However, don't stop so often that the child loses track of what is happening in the story.

Planning a Baby Shower

--> Planning a Baby Shower

This article has information for the novice as well as the more experienced. Information is provided pertaining to when to plan the shower, who should give the shower and how to go about planning a baby shower. Also included is some historical background of baby showers for you entertainment.

Baby Showers have been a tradition around the world for many years. It is a cheerful celebration for the mom-to-be and the baby shower guests alike. Just like everything around us, even baby showers have changed with the passage of time. Earlier baby showers were more traditional. Present day celebrations include almost anything and everything to suit the baby shower hostess and the guests.

In the present time baby showers can take any shape, type or baby shower theme. Baby showers vary from the strictly traditional baby shower, to simply wild and cool baby showers. Gone are the days when baby showers were boring and dry. Now you can celebrate the occasion any way you wish. The main thing is that it entertains everyone included in the baby shower party.

A couple of things about baby showers is how to go about planning the shower, and who should throw the baby shower for the mom-to-be.
There are hundreds of ways to celebrate the baby shower. As for who can give the baby shower, anyone except the expectant couple.

Remember, the baby shower is given to celebrate the expected arrival of the newborn child. So, it is proper for anyone to take the initiative. A relative, close friend, or even a close co-worker should feel perfectly okay about giving a baby shower for the parents-to-be.

Also, the shower doesn't neccessarily have to be planned and given by only one person. After all, a baby shower can be a huge undertaking, and having several people participate will help divide up all the work involved. A group of friends or relatives could get together and plan the event. This would be a wonderful display of showing your happiness for the new arrival for the parents-to-be.

However, traditional baby shower ethics were somewhat stricter than today. That only non-relatives are to host a baby shower

Photography Business: Taking Baby Photos - for Professionals

--> Photography Business: Taking Baby Photos - for Professionals Copyright 2005 Roy Barker

Babies make the best and the worst subjects to photograph. They are the best for two reasons, people are more tolerant at looking at baby photos, as well as the fact that babies are not aware their image is being captured, and therefore they do not tend to put on the "camera face" so typically used by elder children and adults. They are the worst subjects because their behaviour is unpredictable. Because their behaviour is uncensored, they show their emotions, and can just as easily cry as gurgle happily into the camera.

One of the most challenging aspects of photographing a baby is to control the subject. On the one hand you want them relatively still, but too much control and the photo loses its impetuousness. Lighting and background are both important, you want the background as uncluttered and simple as possible if the photograph is indoors, or as natural as possible outside, a piece of grass is ideal. The lighting should be coming from at least two directional sources, but if it is too strong it will throw shadows that complicate the picture, and often lose the wonderful facial expressions it is possible to capture. However don't miss those impromptu shots either especially with a digital camera, you can always edit the background later.

It is usually helpful to restrict babies' activities; they are not portrayed at their best nappy high in the air crawling across the floor. A good way to restrict them is a highchair, or holding them in the arms of another person. Baby photography is often better taken very close up, and it is a wise move to look at the manual for your camera, and see how close you can get. It is better to get everything set up first, and then place the baby in position when the lighting and setting have been chosen. However that of course is not always possible.

Distractions in the form of noise, and toys can be a tool, but never forget that a baby's emotion's are always lightning fast, and it all makes for great photographs, whether it is tears of frustration, pouring a drink over your best camera, or laughing.

They are often easier to photograph when there is a minimum of people around because they are so easily distracted. The old school of thought was keep the mother well out of the way, however I personally can't see any mileage in that, as babies are calmer with someone they know, and in most cases that is the mother. Above all remember that photographing babies is fun, the unexpected if caught at just the right moment, makes great memories. Although I doubt if a father who has just picked up their offspring for a photograph will forget the time that their child was sick all over them. Control can only go so far with babies.

Babies are babies for short a period of time, you can never have too many photographs, and here a digital camera can save enormous amounts on both film and development. It also allows for wastage as you can view the results immediately and can the ones you don't want. You will have huge embarrassment value in later life showing your daughter's first boyfriend her as a baby with no nappy! Another enormous advantage to digital photography is that you don't have to shoot the photograph with a little black box in front of your face. This will catch a baby's emotions perfectly, but is not the best way to capture their best expressions. A small child will respond better when they respond to your expressions. By being able to hold the camera away from your face you have a chance to capture the best of their expressions as well; an LCD screen generally reaps huge benefits.

Another misunderstood statement is that the best photographs are taken by professionals, whilst there is no denying that professional take great formal photographs, and every baby should have at least one set to keep as an adult. It is hard to beat the formal professional photo. Some professionals offer annual sittings for family shots and supply regular updated montages specific to that family. A service that is hard to beat. However this formal stylised pose isn't always the answer, somehow, because children are not camera aware, they are not camera shy. Young babies are sometimes better photographed in an environment that they are entirely comfortable with and that place is often their own home or the garden. The great thing about photographing your own child is that it does not need any special equipment, special effects, or even any really special effort, and it certainly does not involve trailing somewhere in the middle of the night to capture a beautiful dawn. A point and shoot will work wonders.

Probably the most important technical point to remember when photographing a baby is that because of their size, you have to get down to their height to get that wonderful close- up. The easiest way and least dangerous way is to physically get down on the floor with them, not necessarily the most dignified way, but certainly the most rewarding. There are no imperfections in a babies face, you can get as close as you can without showing crow's feet! You cannot engineer this type of photography it has to happen, but you can be creative in your approach and let the baby respond to you, because it has no knowledge of how to respond to the camera.

With a very young baby still in its crib, there is very little option, but to shoot from the above, unless you want the baby to look as though it is captured in a wooden box, but it is an approach to be avoided if at all possible.

You have more opportunities to photograph babies in more settings than at almost any other age. After all you don't photograph your mother on the toilet. Few props are useful with babies, but baths and potty's are great because they are both tools that they are familiar with and with a little patience they can be put to great effect regarding play. Surely you can put up with getting a little damp at bath- time, but of course try and remember to make sure the potty is empty! Above all remember that it fun and relaxed, you will never have the opportunity to have so many natural photos again. Enter into the spirit of it and you will be amply rewarded. Another great "prop" to use if you have one is the family pet, providing it is not intimidating to the baby.

There is no fun at all in photographing someone screaming the house down in fear. Whilst every parent should have at least one set of professional photos taken, don't rely on someone else to capture those truly enchanting moments, especially at momentous milestones. If it is your child's first birthday they will reward you with better photographs if you take them yourself. Get someone else (professional) to do it on a less important day.

The professional would do well to keep a file for the parents and offer services such as a montage on the childs or childrens yearly progress (updated every year). There is great value in personalisation and there is an abundance of software available to help you organise this service.

Publisher & author: Roy Barker. Roy is the author of the popular ebook, Income from Photography - a downloadable ebook which guides the reader on how to start up and market a Profitable Photography business. It can be viewed at http://www.profitable-photography.com. Other related and reviewed services & research sources can be found at http://www.profitable-photography.com/html/117/

Million Dollar Baby DVD Review

--> Million Dollar Baby DVD Review I finally rented "Million Dollar Baby" just because good old Clint Eastwood is in the movie. I have to say I was entertained with the dialogue going on between Clint and Morgan Freeman. Clint had a lot of great lines that were actually quite funny in this tragic motion picture.

Somewhere down the line, I had gotten the impression it was a female Rocky story. Hilary Swank plays Maggie Fitzgerald a female boxer who seeks Clint's character Frankie Dunn to train her. After lots of harassment (which reminds me of Clint's line from "The Gauntlet", "Nag, Nag, Nag!"), he does train her and she gets a title fight. Right there we should have gotten a great Rocky like fight scene of triumph, but all we the viewers got was tragedy.

I don't want to ruin the movie for those of you who haven't seen it. After all it was a great movie in the sense the acting was outstanding, and the characters were brilliant, but I personally like a happy ending. Maybe it's just the optimist in me, but I like movies that inspire, encourage, or generally put me in a good mood.

The movie fails in the one respect for me that it doesn't end up anywhere. It's a very interesting heart wrenching ride that lands no where. More and more movies are ending in despair lately. I guess it's a trend. For instance Clint's character believes in God, and goes to Church everyday, apparently trying to make up for a sin in his past. I almost expected an ending where his character might at least find some sort of inspiration from God, or that he might settle the issue he felt he needed forgiveness for. Apparently, he had a big problem with his daughter that caused this guilt. That issue was never resolved. Clint's last action on this movie will shock you as well as discourage you. I won't tell you what it was, but a lot of people are going to or have already found it morally disturbing.

This isn't the only movie or even TV show I've seen lately that ends tragically. Is Hollywood becoming so filled with despair that they can no longer create a story of encouragement or inspiration?

The bottom line is the movie is great technically and entertaining for a while till you get closer to the ending, but personally I hate watching anything that makes me feel worse than before I started watching. Too bad there wasn't a rerun of "Any Which Way But Loose" on.

From Movie-Poster.WS - Posters and Discussion featuring movie images, photos, posters, reviews, forum, news, and wallpaper

MLM Training- MLM Recruiter? MLM Sponsor? MLM Baby Sitter? M

--> MLM Training- MLM Recruiter? MLM Sponsor? MLM Baby Sitter? M Whta type of role are you playing in Network marketing as far as recruiting? Read on- this is HOT!

There are many Leadership factors involved in building an mlm downline, but none are more frustrating than the roles a Network Marketing Leader can play when recruiting and engaging a new person in this business.

We have a tendency to go from one extreme to the other. Ignoring the new person to practically living with them, and everything in between.

There are 4 basic "leading" roles that you establish with your new person. As a Network Marketing Leader, you may move through all of these roles with each person you bring into your MLM organization.

1) The Recruiter.
2) The Sponsor.
3) The Baby Sitter.
4) The Mentor.

1) The MLM Recruiter
So what exactly IS the difference between a recruiter and a sponsor?

INFERNO Secret:

I have always taught that recruiting is getting them in, and sponsoring is keeping them in. One is a defined process for getting them signed up the other is growing their greatness in this business.

I never really got into a hairsplitting term. Call recruiting what you want, but understand:

INFERNO Secret:

Network Marketing Recruiting is the Education and Influence Process of getting to the point of when you become their sponsor, and a lot people who recruit folks in this business forget the sponsor part.

MLM Recruiting can be simply running the numbers, but that is how the average distributor does it. A Leader recruits to become a great sponsor and to build a long term relationship. Recruiting is the first phase of the MLM Leader Role, and Sponsoring is the second.


2) The MLM Sponsor, is the second.
When you have recruited them into your business, now you are their sponsor.

INFERNO Secret:

There is a reason why the word sponsor and responsibility have the same root word. It is your responsibility to become the Leader they need to create an environment for greatness, and for creating independence in your people.

That is Priority One!

You must get them trained. A recruiter rarely takes the time for that because recruiters are focused on recruiting, not growing., signing them up, not growing them up. A Leader always grows people first, then the business.

INFERNO Secret:

Growing people produces the biggest MLM Success harvest in this MLM business!

Be a great sponsor and take your new distributors where they want to go, but remember to also take them to the level of success you want them to lead them to.


3) The MLM Babysitter
Ahhh! This is the sponsor who does everything for their downline, and completely disables their distributors and cripples their growth.

You want to do it all. You don't think anyone can do it as good as you, and so, you do it all. And what happens?

INFERNO Secret:

Babysitting creates a downline of babies. They never grow into their greatness in this business. They crawl through this business, and eventually out of it.

You as a Leader must become a great sponsor, but understand there is a HUGE difference between Sponsoring someone, and Spoon Feeding them.

IFERNO Secret:

Create a GROWTH environment -- not a Kindergarten.

As you mature your people in this business, so matures your mlm business ultimately.


4) The MLM Mentor
This is the Pinnacle of the Role you play in the development of your Leaders, but here is a tip:

INFERNO Secret:

Mentor those who DESERVE it -- not those who DESIRE it.

Your ultimate goal as a sponsor is to create a non-stop network marketing success machine. The only way you can do that is to choose 4-5 people in your group to mentor for greatness.

Choose people who have really stepped up to the bat and proven they are SERIOUS about their building this mlm business. Make sure they have shown you that they are worthy of you taking them under your wing and paying very special attention to them in Network Marketing.

Take them under your wing for a year and solidify and grow them into their greatness. Not by totally building it for them, as there are some things they must learn from experience, but totally supporting them in all phases of their business and growth through training, building, supporting, and BEING THERE for them. And creating an extraordinary relationship that will last a lifetime.

INFERNO Secret:

Mentoring in MLM is not for the weak-hearted.

In Network Marketing,it takes effort, discipline, a lot of caring, and also a ton of giving on your part.

You will have trying times, just like in any relationship. But you must understand that if you mentor a select few folks, they can create an enormous network marketing business with you, and will be maximized in this mlm industry. And will stay with you during the tough times. (and there will be some.)

The Recruiter grows In-discouragement.

The Sponsor grows Independence.

The Baby Sitter grows Dependence.

The Mentor grows Interdependence.
INFERNO Secret:

The Power of MLM lies in Interdependence.

And, it is true.

ALL great Leaders in this industry have mentored a select few special people in their downline to extreme success, in MLM and Network Marketing.

Blessings...doug firebaugh

PassionFire Intl (c) 2005/ all rights reserved

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It's all about the customers, baby

--> It's all about the customers, baby You have permission to publish this article electronically or
in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included.
Please print the article in its entirety unchanged and
notify the author by email when you use it
~*~

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE CUSTOMERS, BABY!
By Dr Kem Thompson (c)2003

If you want to ensure a steady stream of customers in your
business, you must always remember why you're in business in
the first place.

Sure you want to earn a decent income for yourself, but you
also want to provide a useful service don't you?

That second reason should take precedence over the first.
Your main aim should be to provide a useful service to people.
Making lots of money from it should be secondary.

When you have your priorities in that order, guess what happens?
The money starts to come in! You literally become a customer-
magnet.

Know why? Because when people sense that you genuinely care about
them, they'll become loyal customers and will get their friends
and family to buy from you as well.

Remember, no matter how much money you want to make from your
business, without customers, you won't make a thing.

So always, always, always, always, always(you get the point, don't
you!?) always(!) think about your customers first.

Consider it an honour to be in a position to serve them.

Then think of ways to serve them to the best of your ability.

Here are a couple of ways to take good care of your customers:

a.As often as possible, ask them what they want or need.
The most successful businesses are the ones that satisfy
the *known* needs or wants of customers. Don't assume
you know what they want. Ask and be sure.

So find out what your customers want, ask them how you can
serve them better.

Then provide that need for them. Even if you don't sell
the product or service they want, find someone who does
and refer your customer to them. Be a resource; they'll
love you for it.

You'd have saved them the trouble. And they'll reward you
for it by being loyal to you.

b.Aim to provide more value for money. This can be in form of
'try before you buy' offers, or giving away something for
free. It could also simply be regular courteous service -
going the extra mile, so to speak.

Always think 'how can I provide more value for my
customers?'

With that mindset, you will be alert and open to
opportunities to give more value to your customers without
breaking your bank balance!

Can you think of other ways to take good care of your customers?

***

Is Your Baby Necessarily Need Shoes?

--> Is Your Baby Necessarily Need Shoes? When you came up with such question, what will be your answer? You understand that your baby always in your arm and your baby cannot walk yet. So, what the need of shoes for your baby?

Don't get confuse. Your baby is growing. She has different stages of growth; of course she needs different stages of baby shoes. Although some would say that letting your baby barefoot is okay, but still you need something to cover her feet. Your baby should have shoes to keep her feet warm such as soft-sole baby shoes which are made of light and flexible cloth that provides an extra layer of warmth.

There are three categories of soft-sole baby shoes for your kid which include smooth leather sole, suede leather sole and rubber sole. All are made for your baby from the early age up to a few months. These types of baby shoes are made resembling your baby being barefoot. It serve to protect the foot from cold, dirt, glass, uneven surfaces, tree roots, gravel, wooden decks, rocks etc. Many medical experts agree that barefoot is best, but not practical when standing, pulling up, cruising or walking.

You might find moccasins as an example of soft-sole baby shoes. Moccasins are nothing more than leather sewn around the foot. The moccasin has absolutely no structure to get in the way of the foot doing what it wants to do naturally. Moccasins have either smooth leather or suede leather bottoms which are sewn to the leather top part.

As your baby begins to be more active, the shoes change a little. You need more appropriate shoes for this age which are much sturdy. At this stage, there are so many styles of baby shoes. You can find for your baby girl or boy. The shoes also serve as protections while your baby already crawling or scooting.

The next stage of your baby's shoes development is when your baby begins to walk. Shoes are important apparel for your baby. The style of the shoe is not as important as the protection and guidance a baby gets from those shoes. When the baby reaches the walking stage, it is probably time to spend a little more on a shoe that will support baby and protect his feet well.

When your child is getting bigger, you have to find more proper shoes that could protect your child feet from dangerous stuffs. In the first three years, your child feet undergo the most rapid growth and the average will grow several sizes. In fact, children's feet are not fully formed until their teens.

You must understand that size are different from manufacturer to manufacturer, shoe sizes will often vary from brand to brand. Leather is the most popular material for children's shoes because it lets air in while keeping moisture out, meaning feet stay cool and dry in most conditions. This is important because a child's foot perspires twice as much as an adult's. And since kids are tougher on shoes than adults, leather is also more popular than other materials because of its durability qualities.

So, it shows that since your baby born until your kid gets bigger, shoes always been important mean to protect their feet.

:
Diana Claire lifelong for footwear led her became footwear reviewer. Visit her Website http://www.my-baby-shoes.info and http://www.child-shoes.info

Copyright Diana Claire - http://www.child-shoes.info