Monday, May 5, 2008

Effects of chronic amphetamine or reserpine on self-stimulation responding: animal model of depression?

Psychopharmacology, Vol. 72, No. 1. (1980), pp. 9-15.

The mood-altering properties of amphetamine (AMPH) in humans (euphoria and depression) have been postulated to be related to the increases and decreases respectively which this drug produces in the sensitivity of the reward system of the brain. The present study further evaluated this relationship by testing the effects of chronic reserpine (RES), another treatment that produces depression in humans, on self-stimulation responding. Separate groups of animals implanted with stimulating electrodes in the medial forebrain bundle were administered daily injections of saline, d-AMPH (5 mg/kg X 7 days followed by 10 mg/kg X 7 days), or RES (0.05 mg/kg X 18 days). At treatment termination, both drug groups showed a significant elevation of the reinforcement threshold, with no recovery occurring during 18 subsequent days. Thus, drug-induced depression of self-stimulation responding may serve as an animal model for studying the underlying physiological basis for clinical depression, or at the very least, for drug-induced depression.

5 Principals To Getting Rich Fast

5 Principals To Getting Rich Fast by Brian McCoy

Lets face the fact that every person on earth would love to be able to get rich in a fast manner. Here are some very easy steps anyone can utilize together to help get you to a place of large wealth quickly.

1st Get Rich Principal:

This is a critical principal to follow in getting rich fast. You should own your own home because if you are renting, you are simply throwing money down the drain. If you are looking to have a payment for something to live in, why would you not want to have that money working for you instead of just throwing it away as rent money.

2nd Get Rich Principal:

Pay yourself first. Whether you are earning your money from a job or by owning your own company, you should start to get in the habit of putting away money immediately. You should try to pay yourself a minimum of 10% of your earnings. To really get rich fast utilizing this principle, you should save 25%.

3rd Get Rich Principal:

The next step to getting on your way to fast riches is to stick to a tight budget by eliminating any expenses that are not needed. You see, it really doesn't mean anything about how much you make if you are just going to turn around and spend it just as quickly as you got it. These funds would be bettter used by buying assets like real estate property, etc.

4th Get Rich Principal:

One should really take their time in studying and analyzing what investments have the lowest possible risks along with the highest possible rewards. There are a lot of great options to choose from in creating wealth but we want to look for a couple that have some great benefits and the lowest risk involved.

5th Get Rich Principal:

This last principal is important because it will help you not only make more money, but also allow you to keep more money. You should invest in a home based business because it will allow you to take advantage of tremendous tax breaks and benefits that you wouldn't normally be entitled to as an employee. A couple of options you have in beginning a home business are either being an independent distributor of a multi-level marketing company or by selling a product or service through a direct sales company that pays you a large cash commission for each sale you make.

If you will take hold and make use of all these simple techniques and stay committed to them, you will like the results of getting rich fast.

Author: Brian McCoy is an industry leading marketer who works with other internet marketers from around the world. To learn more information about him, you can view his Roadmap to Riches website.

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Drying Roses The Right Way

Drying Roses The Right Way
By Rob Clifton

For gardeners it is well known that it takes a certain amount of discipline to cultivate a rose garden. With drying roses it is not nearly a large of an amount of information needed to successfully dry a rose. Cultivating a rose bush is more of a science and a discipline, whereas drying roses is more of an art form than a science. It is an art form that can be learned by anyone willing to give it a try.

Drying roses is a great method that you can use in order to preserve their beauty and their memory. It is important that you first learn how to dry a rose properly before you actually attempt to do so. You don't want to damage the lovely rose you are attempting to preserve, do you?

Techniques in Air Drying Roses

The two most commonly used techniques in drying roses are: sand drying and air drying. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses. Learn each method and then determine which will work the best for you.

In this article we will explore the various ways of air drying roses. All that is required is a pair of high quality shears, florist wire, coat hanger and a dark dry location.

Within the air drying technique there are several different methods that you can choose from, they are drying the flower only or drying the flower and stem.

To dry the Rose Flower Only

• Cut the stem from the rose as close as possible to the flower.
• Cut a piece of florist wire about six inches long.
• Insert a piece of florist wire into the rose bloom.
• Wrap the other end of the wire around the coat hanger.
• Each rose must be dried hanging upside down.
• Make sure to leave some space between the roses, they should not be touching.
• Hang the coat hanger in a dry dark room for about two to three weeks to be certain that they are completely dried out.

Another air trying technique is to dry both the rose flower and its stem. With this technique the dried roses can be displayed in a vase or in a dried arrangement.

Drying Roses With the Stem

• Start with unblemished roses
• Remove bottom leaves
• Collect a few stems together
• Wrap an elastic band round the collection of stems
• Hang the collection upside down from a coat hanger, nail or hook in a cool dry, dark location
• In about two to three weeks you will have a collection of dried roses

Now that you have learned how to air dry your roses. Dried roses make wonderful accent any room décor. A bouquet of dried roses in a vase adds a lovely touch to any room and will brighten up a sterile office environment.

For more information on planting roses try visiting http://www.factsaboutroses.com, a popular rose gardening website that offers tips, advice and resources including information on care for roses, green roses, colors of roses and how to address problems with roses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Clifton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Drying-Roses-The-Right-Way&id=551269

Basement Dehumidifier Basics

Basement Dehumidifier Basics by Carlo Morelli

When constructed properly and with the appropriate air conditioning and ventilation, a basement should be dry. But many basements are particularly prone to dampness because of their poor design and ventilation. Dampness like this is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially in basements where old books, magazines, clothing and suitcases are stored.

When the humidity level goes over 50%, the water vapor in the air can cause furniture to warp, moisture to condense on walls and floors and promote growth of fungus. It will also accelerate wood rot. For those family members with allergies, a basement dehumidifier is crucial to lessen the health risks linked to toxic mold and fungus.

But before you go off to purchase a basement dehumidifier, consider taking some time to investigate the reason behind the high humidity, and then repairing the underlying problems. For example, your basement should ideally be the same temperature as the rest of your house, and not an isolated cool temperature zone. Try adding weather-stripping to any basement doors and windows. If the basement is uninsulated, you'll have to weigh the costs of adding insulation against that of running a basement dehumidifier.

Buying a basement dehumidifier will require a little planning. Know the cubic footage of the basement space that it will be going into. Also you will need to decide on getting a permanently installed unit versus a portable dehumidifier. An other shopping point is to consider are the size of the unit- will it fit in the space you are planning for it? Also be aware that some models are noisier than others, so ask for a demonstration before you buy.

A dehumidifier works on the same principle that refrigerators and air conditioners do. They pass the humid air over a bank of cold coils and in the process extract a good portion of the moisture via condensation. This condensation drips off the coils into collection pockets inside the dehumidifier. Meanwhile the dry air flow, heated somewhat by the extraction of humidity, is directed out of the unit back into the room.

Since the dehumidifier is in the basement and out of the way, many people forget that it requires some maintenance. It is important to empty and clean the collection container inside the unit periodically, otherwise it will be prone to bacterial growth. Some companies manufacture basement dehumidifiers which have no inner collection container, but simply a hose that can be run to a floor drain, and these are a perfect solution to the problem.

Carlo Morelli is a contributor to www.OnlineTips.Org, where you can read tips on how to install fiberglass insulation and lawn care

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Debt Management Plan—an Act of Stopping Debt Run

Debt Management Plan—an Act of Stopping Debt Run by Roger John

Debt management plan is method of solving the complexities of debt trapping.
Experts at giving debt management plan instruct their clients to consider a host of tactics in debt situations. Individuals can negotiate with their creditors or their utility company to lengthen the terms of their debt management plan arrangement, reduce their monthly charges, or even potentially excuse some of the fees or service charges to help you get your life in order. Individuals may also write creditors letters requesting debt assistance.

Under the debt management plan, individuals are required to select a right lender of their financial choice. Sometimes, it becomes rather difficult for a candidate to select a lender because many fraudulent lenders have invaded the money market in order that they may get full advantage of the borrowers' financial condition. No matter with the advent of internet in the business market has made the debt management plan quite simpler. Now, borrowers have to fill in a simple application form for debt management plan. And, the lender offers him with his debt management plan provision.

Lenders make a single monthly repayment scheme for entire of the borrowers' debts. In doing so, lenders meditate between borrowers and different lenders. The lenders calculate the entire amount of the segregated loans, and design the repayment plans in such a way that both the lenders and the borrowers may not have to face any sort of financial burden considerably. In this view, borrowers get good at repayment, and feasible financial at their budget.

A final piece of debt consolidation plan is axiomatic and in many ways very intuitive. Create the conditions for budgetary health by checking in with individuals' spending and saving plan at least once a month. This way, individuals would not be caught off guard by interest rate charges, they will know precisely where their money is going, and they will be able to catch inaccuracies, error, or fraudulent charges on their accounts before they metastasize into larger problems.

Roger John works as financial advisor in Debt Loan Management.He is offering loan advice for quite some time.With Debt Loan Management, it is very easy to take and settle loans. We value time, money and effort of our customers and hence not let any one of the three get wasted at any cost. To know more about free debt management plan,

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Air Purifers: The New Bottled Water

Air Purifers: The New Bottled Water by Faye Spencer

Air Purifiers: The New Bottled Water

Imagine all the garbage in the air that we are forced to breathe in from industrial processes, smog, car pollution, aerosols, etc, then processing all that in our overworked lungs, and breathe back out to the environment again, is there any chance we can find a moment's solace with clean, fresh, and healthy air the way mother nature intended it to be? Not unless you lived on a deserted island.

I don't know about you, but with the rate of pay from my job I don't think I will be purchasing my own island any time soon. But that doesn't mean I don't want to breathe clean air, much like I drink clean bottled spring water at the drop of a dime. If you think about it, those two things are quite common in our everyday lives and are required for functioning and health reasons. Bottled water has pretty much provided us with an alternative way to have clean pure water. Shouldn't air purifiers also be considered a must have in our polluted environment? Not convinced?

Here is a quick run down on 5 categories of pollution that is common in the typical household alone:

1. Odor. This comes from food, animals, body odor, cigarettes, stinky sneakers, clothing, equipment, and others.

2. Particulate. On a nice sunny day, you pull up your shades and are just about ready to take a big whiff of fresh air, but you notice little particles everywhere visible via the suns rays and you stop yourself in your tracks. Those are particulates and to the naked eye one cannot see that it consists of many things including dust, dust mites, dust mite fecal matter, animal dander, skin flakes, pollen, smoke, and allergens.

3. Microbials. These include bacteria, fungi, mycotoxins, midew, viruses, and mold spores.

4. Chemical Fumes. Benzene and formaldehyde are two examples, these fumes are persistently seeping from carpets, upholstery, draperies, furniture, cleaning products, beauty products including nail polish and polish removers. Additionally fumes can be found in cigarette, pipe and cigar smoke, as well as from the building construction of your home or apartment. Many of such chemicals have been identified as carcinogenic (cancer causing).

5. Radon Gas: Second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is for all intents and purposes invisible to the naked eye, nose, and what have you. Radon is enhanced by smoking.

Now that you have some knowledge of the pollution that is inescapable in our daily lives, it is perhaps time to treat clean air as vitally important as clean water.

Get your own fresh bottled air 24 hours a day with air odor cleaners and home air filter refills

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Direct TV - Your Entertainment Solution on Demand

Direct TV - Your Entertainment Solution on Demand by David Johnson

It has been a daunting task for any home entertainment provider to offer the right package, which everyone would enjoy. Choices have to be made as to what channels and programs should be included in that package. With the advent of Direct TV, the viewers have a wider option to choose wide-ranging channels and programs in home entertainment field. Direct TV offers more choice of packages than any other. It provides a large selection of popular programs, bringing in entertainment and educational programs in television catering for every interest.

Direct TV has become very popular in home entertainment, and the subscription counts are quite striking. As of now, it stands to be over 14 million subscribers in the United States. This would mean that Direct TV has come to stay as one of the leading and successful satellite television providers. With the choice of packaged home entertainment programs available, along with its back up customer services, Direct TV has a steady growth in its customer base.

Direct TV has definite advantages over Cable TV, and the foremost is the bandwidth. The limitation on the size of the cable in a Cable TV affects the bandwidth, which in turn disturbs the quality of picture, as well as the audio. Further, noise gets picked up on the way, and without a proper filtration, this contributes to the bad picture quality. The RF or RG6 cables in Cable TV installations produce signal losses, and with improper laying of cables, it may produce 'ghosting' on the TV screen. Direct TV, not only offers a large choice of program packages, but also produces digital quality picture and crystal clear audio.

Besides the number of channels, Direct TV has changed the way you watch TV. On- screen guides virtually has put an end to the need for channel surfing, with display of on-screen program guide, which you can access interactively. It provides you with the facility to read the plot summary of a movie or know about the theme of each TV show, before you decide the program you want to watch. As you decide, you will be taken to that channel with a click of a button. The on-screen listing also displays the programs that are coming up in the future, therefore enabling you to plan ahead.

Direct TV lets you have the feature of 'parental control', so that you can decide which programs your children can watch. The Direct TV technology has brought in this software in their system to protect children from unwanted viewing. By this feature you can block any movie, especially with specific MPAA ratings, or channel, that you think is not suitable to be viewed by the kids that you have at home. Direct TV is a pay per view service. You have the facility to budget your spending by limiting the amount of money that you wish to spend on such viewing. This would not, in any way, affect the way you would want to watch your TV, for the features could be easily turned off by specific passwords.

Direct TV brings to you, the best video presentation ever, with options of having Total Choice Plus package at amazingly $46.99 per month, providing you with the facility to access 185 channels. There are flexibilities in the choices available, and with less than $12.00 a month, a bit of everything is available to you.

Written by David Johnson. Find the latest information on Direct TV Specials and other home entertainment solutions.

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Secure Your Smiles With Secured Personal Loans

Secure Your Smiles With Secured Personal Loans Secure Your Smiles With Secured Personal Loans by Andrew Baker

Smiling and enjoying with your family every moment of life…that smile, that feeling that inner peace comes when you are satisfied with your life…when you had achieved your goals…or you have reached where you always wanted to be….All this seems so nice but uncertain without sufficient cash in your pocket…yes, money plays a vital part here. With secured personal loans you can get the money you need to serve your needs.

Why should I go for a secured personal loan?

•Easily available at low interest rates.
•Larger amount to borrow ranging amid ₤5000 to ₤75000.
•Longer repayment terms varying between 5 to 25 years.
•Can be applied online saving lot of time and energy required in visiting lender's offices.
•Available to people with bad credit score i.e. defaulters, arrears, CCJ's and IVA's, bankrupts etc.
•Gives them a chance to improve the credit score through timely repayments.
•Convenient to borrow with higher approval rates.

Reading all these benefits you may be thinking, how you can apply for a secured personal loan? What makes you eligible for such loans?

A secured personal loan requires you to offer your home or any other valuable asset to the lender as the security against the amount offered. Lenders follow a liberal attitude towards borrowers in presence of security by offering flexible terms and conditions. Collateral or security also ensures that you will get the loan approval irrespective of your credit score or status.

What a secured personal loan can be used for?

Lenders generally don't ask for the purpose of the loan for a secured personal loan. You can use the loan amount for any of your personal purpose including:

•Debt consolidation
•Buying home or property, car or boat
•Home improvements
•Starting new business or expending your existing business
•Holidaying expenses
•Wedding, health or educational expenses
•Miscellaneous expenses

How can I apply for a secured personal loan?

You need to simply fill an application form with requisite details such as your name, address and contact information, loan amount required, citizenship and collateral details. Your collateral will be valued after which you get the approval for the secured personal loan.

Secured personal loans are becoming popular and preferable these days with their unmatched advantages, covering a wider segment of people. Secured personal loan can get your life a restart making it more comfortable and enjoyable.

Andrew Baker has done his masters in finance from CPIT. He is engaged in providing free, professional, and independent advice to the residents of the UK. He works for the LoansFiesta for any type of loans as secured loan uk, secured personal loans, Cheap loans for unemployed, cheap secured loan, secured homeowner loan in uk, low rate secured loans in UK please visit http://www.loansfiesta.co.uk

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Understanding How Online Texas Holdem Poker Is Pla

Understanding How Online Texas Holdem Poker Is Played by Kerry Ng

If you are looking for an exciting, suspense-filled, competitive game of poker to play online, then Texas Holdem Poker may be the game for you. Until you get the hang of it, there are many places online that you can play Texas holdem poker for free. Once you have a better understanding of the game and some practice under your belt you can play for money. Online Texas holdem poker varies from the standard five card draw poker that you are used to. Texas holdem poker has become very popular and you can find several games that are televised, tips are often given throughout the program. Understanding the process is the first step in being a successful online Texas holdem poker player. Some terminology that you will need to become familiar with is defined below:

Check- no bet is placed
Call- you are meeting the bet amount that is already placed
Raise- you are raising the bet
Fold- you are ending your participation in the game
Pot- this is the jackpot

Online Texas Holdem Poker Explained

The game begins with each player being dealt two cards. These cards are dealt face down; these are the cards that will decide whether or not you have the winning hand. You will place your bets or fold depending on these two cards. Most wait until the game is further along to fold, because cards you instantly think are bad, may turn out to be a winning combination.

The Flop

The flop consists of three cards dealt face up, these cards are community cards and everyone will use these cards to try and win the hand. Once the flop is dealt, you will be prompted to raise your bet, check, call or fold. All bets are placed in a clockwise manner to keep it simple. These bets are usually small bets, as players are waiting to see what the rest of the cards are and will bet accordingly. Once all bets are placed, the next card that is played is known as 'the turn'.

The Turn

This card is usually where the 'big bets' begin when you are playing Texas Holdem Poker online. The betting is doubled from the last round, and players will help the pot grow if they think they have the winning hand.

The River

The 'river' is the fifth and final card played in online Texas Holdem Poker. This is where players also continue to place 'big bets'. With all the playable cards dealt, this is where the suspense is built. They bet will begin to get higher as the suspense is almost over. Let the 'Showdown' begin.

The Showdown

This is the final chance to place your bets. These are most often always big bets. This also where you will begin to see the other players 'fold' their hands. If you have the best hand using all the cards involved, you win the 'pot'.

Kerry Ng runs a number of blogs and websites including one specifically on poker strategy and poker site reviews - http://www.winningpokertips.net For a FREE 30 page report on Winning Online Poker Tips click here: http://winningpokertips.net

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Microdermabrasion Acne - The Lunchtime Peel!

Microdermabrasion Acne - The Lunchtime Peel! by Rebecca Prescott

Microdermabrasion is a technique which was first developed by two Italian plastic surgeons in the 1980's. It's a safe, non-invasive procedure which works on the top layer of skin, the epidermis. The epidermis is made up of many layers and is constantly shedding dead cells. A baby's skin reproduces every ten days but as adults our skin takes between 28 and 40 days to renew.

Microdermabrasion is a favorite with celebrities as it is quick, taking only 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish and doesn't leave your face red or sore. That's why it's called the 'lunchtime peel'. Your skin looks fresher and rejuvenated immediately.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

A very fine powder of aluminium oxide crystals is 'sand blasted' over the surface of the skin and simultaneously picked up with a tiny vacuum cleaner. The process gets rid of layers of dead and damaged skin cells. This stimulates the skin as well as the collagen and elastin fibres, making the skin look healthier and firmer. It can also refine lines, remove brown spot problems, minimise pores, help scar tissue and clear up acne. You will look and feel fabulous!

Isn't It Too Harsh For Acne?

Many acne sufferers have been advised not to use harsh products on their skin as this can make the condition worse. Exfoliants were recommended as a once a week treatment only. However, skin care has advanced and there are now many Microdermabrasion acne treatments that combine exfoliation with cleansers which are soothing and mild, allowing them to be used daily. These can help to clear the dead and damaged cells without aggravating sensitive skin.

If you are going to have Microdermabrasion in a salon, check that the person performing it is properly certified to do so - this includes beauty therapists, nurses and doctors.

Using a mild exfoliant is now recognized to be one of the best weapons in controlling acne. If used every 7 to 10 days, these Microdermabrasion acne treatments can clear away impurities, leaving the skin refreshed and revitalised. It allows blemishes to heal and helps to prevent new ones from beginning. The crystal powder is used with salicylic acid. These two powerful cleansers are recognized tools in the control of acne.

I Can't Afford To Have Microdermabrasion That Often!

Microdermabrasion treatments for acne are offered in salons by professional specialists but there are other, cheaper ways to get this treatment. Check out the shelves in your drugstore and you'll be surprised at how many products there are to help acne.

Many of the big names in skincare offer products that contain tiny beads or crystals that will give you Microdermabrasion at home. These treatments often suggest the use of toners and other products that are designed to be used together.

Microdermabrasion is very drying to the skin so it's important to follow up with deep-hydrating face masks and moisturizing treatments. It's advisable to use all of the products suggested as they have been developed to work with each other to give the best results.

These easily obtainable packages can make a real difference to your skin. Try Microdermabrasion acne treatment for a few weeks and see how it can help.

If you'd like to know more about the types of acne facials available, click here. Rebecca presents this site on acne treatments.

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Buy Steroids, But For Positive Use

Buy Steroids, But For Positive Use by iSteroids.com

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are natural or synthetic substances that regulate the body functions. People use the steroids to build muscles and increase their body size. These are the group of drugs including the male sex hormone testosterone and its synthetic alternatives. 'Anabolic' refers to the muscle-building, and 'androgenic' refers to the increased masculine characteristics.

'Steroids' belong to the class of drugs that is available legally only by prescription, to treat the conditions that occur when the body generates abnormally low amounts of the testosterone, such as delayed puberty and some types of the impotence.

Steroids are prescribed for treating the body wasting in the patients with AIDS and other diseases. However, one should buy steroids for positive use; many people buy steroids for abuse. There are a number of risks and side effects associated with steroid abuses.

People can face serious health problems with the abuse of the anabolic steroids. Now-a-days, athletes and others abuse the anabolic steroids to increase their performance and also for improving physical appearance.

Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected, particularly in cycles of weeks or months. Cycling involves taking the multiple doses of steroids over a particular period of time. Some users mix different types of steroids for increasing the strength while reducing the negative effects.

Sometime bodybuilders, athletes, and sports persons buy steroid for using them for wrong purposes. They usually buy steroids online. It's growing very popular way, to buy steroid online for negative uses. By doing such illegal acts, the athletes and sports persons not only get themselves into trouble, but also degenerate the sports spirit and hurt the entire sports fraternity. The Steroid abusing bodybuilders distress the bodybuilding sodality. Steroids are not only harmful to their bodies, but also to sports.

So, the people are advised to buy steroids only for positive use and only from the approved steroid suppliers. It can be dangerous to buy steroids unapproved and "quack" druggists. Steroids should only be purchased under the prescription of the physician.

Author owns a website about Anabolic Steroids. The website offers various products and supplements. Check out iSteroids to Buy Steroids and other products at competitive prices.

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How One Big Idea Can Reel In The Customers

How One Big Idea Can Reel In The Customers by JimM

One big sales tip. When working with your prospects and customers focus on their needs and their customers' challenges. That's where the ideas are.

One big sales tip. Imagine you sell shower curtains and shower rods to hotel chains.

You call on hotel chains. You want to be different. Your big idea is to help hotels to differentiate their sleeping rooms is a bowed shower curtain rod.

In the shower - the space is the same, it just feels bigger and better. Why can't a sales person think up big ideas like this?

One big sales tip. Everybody and his mother and grandmother has Pyrex measuring cups in their kitchen cabinets.

They lasted for years and demand was declining. One big idea - change the handle to make the measuring cups stackable and the rest is history. Sales take off!

Big ideas are everywhere! But you have to be looking for them. They're not going to tap you on the shoulder and say 'Here I am - ready or not!'

Big ideas are the result of one basic question and this is a huge sales tip for you to consider.

It's an easy question and it seldom gets asked. It's the incubator for all big ideas.

You'll be amazed how customers will respond to you if you ask this question once a day.

Your customers will be delirious if you asked this question on every sales call.

Guess what - when you ask this question often you will attract the big ideas that you can share with your customers.

The question that leads to big ideas is 'How can we do it better?' Keep asking this question and your plate will soon be filled with big ideas you can share with your customers.

Big ideas can win customers for a lifetime!

Use this link to sign-up for Jim's F-R-E-E The Start Selling More Newsletter and to get your copy of his Special Report titled, 'The 12 Dumbest Things Salespeople Do.' http://www.meisenheimer.com

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To Learn a Language like German FIRST Find the S

To Learn a Language (like German) FIRST Find the Similarities by Kathy Steinemann

Even if you don't know a single word of German, you can probably read and understand the following German text. Did you know that English and German descended from the same language? (Proto-Germanic) Many words in both languages are the same or similar.

A link to this story's translation will be provided at the end of this article.


* GERMAN STORY *

Guten Tag! Mein Name ist Monika. Ich bin Autorin. Ich habe einen Bruder namens Bob. Bob ist auch Autor. Ich bin Bobs Literaturagentin. Er schreibt interessante Artikel und Bücher. Er schreibt im Moment ein neues Buch. Der Titel ist: «Das Telefon klingelt für Dich.» Letztes Jahr hatte er 2 Bücher auf der Bestsellerliste.

Bob lebt in Kanada - in Montreal. Er ist 30 Jahre alt, mit blondem Haar und blauen Augen. Er hat ein altes Auto. Freitags fährt er mit dem Auto zum Supermarkt.

Im Supermarkt findet er Kaffee, Tee, Mineralwasser, Milch, Zucker, Butter usw. für Mutter. Er findet auch Frucht wie Bananen, Äpfel, Orangen usw. Dann geht er zur Bank und wartet eine Weile auf Mutter. Er fährt danach mit Mutter nach Hause und parkt sein Auto.

Das Haus ist weiß und blau. Es hat einen Garten mit wundervollen Blumen und luxuriösem grünem Gras.

Im Haus sitzt Bob auf dem Sofa und trinkt oft ein Glas Bier oder Wein und hört Radio (laut). Mutter sagt: «Bob! Das Radio ist zu laut!» Bob lacht und geht in den Garten.

Im Sommer, wenn die Sonne scheint, sitzt Bob im Garten. Wenn Mutter will, mäht Bob das Gras.

Im Winter schaufelt er den Schnee oder sitzt im Haus beim Feuer.

Meine Mutter hat eine Katze namens Löwe. Löwe ist braun, grau und orange. Sie miaut, wenn sie Bob sieht, springt auf Bobs Knie und schnurrt laut. Mutter hat auch einen Hund - namens Bär. Bär ist ein Dachshund.

Ach! es ist spät - Mitternacht. Ich muss zu Bett gehen. Gute Nacht! Ich schreibe mehr morgen früh.


* MORE EXAMPLES *

Winter kommt im November.

Sommer kommt im Juni.

Die Toilette ist beige.

Das Papier ist weiß.

Meine Hand hat zehn Finger.

Mein Arm ist gebrochen.

Wir haben eine Party!

Bring den Salat hier!

Der Mann tanzt und singt.

Der Wind ist eisig.

Die Tomate ist reif.

Das kostet 5 Dollar.

Komm hier!

Er hat Hunger und Durst.

Der Film beginnt um 8.

Sie fotografiert die Familie.


* HOW DID IT GO? *

Maybe you didn't understand the German text completely. Read it a second - and then a third time.

If you are observant, you will notice a few details:

*German usually uses a 'K' instead of a hard 'C': Canada=Kanada, Monica=Monika.

*The English 'ph' often becomes 'f': telephone=Telefon.

*Nouns are capitalized: fruit=Frucht, milk=Milch, butter=Butter, sugar=Zucker.

*Possessives are not formed with an apostrophe + s: brother's=Bruders.

*The English 'sh' becomes 'sch': shines=scheint, shovels=schaufelt.

*Many words are exactly the same: Winter, November, Finger, Party, Wind, Hunger, Film.

Now that you have a few hints, you can probably read the German text again and understand even more. Think of the words in context, and allow your mind to fill in the blanks.

Related words, like the ones above, with common ancestral roots are called 'cognates'. There are many, many more than those presented here.

Over the years, however, many words that used to mean the same thing in both languages have evolved and have acquired different connotations. For example, the old German word for 'wife' - 'Weib' is nowadays generally applied in a deprecating manner. It might be used in a phrase that means 'you crazy woman!' or in instances where an English person would say 'broad' or 'dame'.

The German word 'Gift' does not mean 'gift' - it means 'poison'.

The point that is being made here, however, is that you should actively search for similarities. Over time you will discover the exceptions. You will feel comfortable with the similarities and form a foundation on which you can build. The learning task then becomes less daunting - and even enjoyable.

Over the centuries the world has become a melting pot of cultures and languages. Many words and phrases have crossed borders. Globalization - spurred by newspapers, radio, TV, the internet, and jet travel - has accelerated the process. We often use foreign-derived words without even realizing - angst, soup du jour, cafe au lait, poltergeist, bona fide, carte blanche, nom de plume, savoir-faire . . .

Every time you come to a new text passage, scan it to find what you already know (or can guess) for a general sense of what it means. Then tackle the unknown parts.

Your learning will progress more quickly as a result.

Author's Note: *The German passage is presented in parallel translation at A-Language-Guide.com. *You will also find more German-English texts and some helpful language articles.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

Dear Mark: Saturated Fat

Worth eating?

Dear Mark,

In one of last week's Cheap Meat discussions, you said something about ratios and saturated fats and how saturated fats aren't really the issue in your mind. I might have been missing something in the conversation. Can you fill me in?

The issue of ratios within animal fat was raised by reader Jaana as she shared Cordain's discussion of the varying polyunsaturated fat content and corresponding omega ratios in muscle meat versus different organ meats. Cordain compares wild game (that we can assume are comparable to the meats our pre-agricultural ancestors ate) with the domestically raised livestock we eat today. As a general rule, the muscle meat of conventional livestock today has less polyunsaturated fat than wild game does. Conventional domestic meat also has more saturated fat than wild game.

I've said before that the hype over saturated fat is overblown in many respects. Saturated fats are required for many crucial functions in the body. They make up 1/2 of cell membrane structure. They enhance calcium absorption and immune function. They aid in the body's synthesis of the essential fatty acids and provide a rich source of fat soluble vitamins. My beef isn't with the beef fat. It's with the carbs – the grains that conventionally raised animals are fed as well as the buns, chips and other assorted carbs we modern humans eat with the side of beef.

This is the part conventional "wisdom" doesn't get: saturated fat in the diet doesn't directly translate to saturated fats in the blood. It's all how it's metabolized. Saturated fat levels in the blood are influenced by the prevalence of carbs in the diet and the subsequent carb-generated lipogenesis process.

And it's my opinion that CW's hobby horse takes attention away from the more legitimate concerns surrounding saturated fat intake. An animal's fat stores carry the highest load of antibiotics, feed pesticides and herbicides, and hormones. Obviously, this didn't matter 20,000 years ago, but it matters a whole heck of a lot in the modern world. One way to ameliorate the situation is to eat organic meat. (And, to a lesser extent, grass-fed and -finished, but we covered that last week.) Another way is to eat lower fat meats. (Even the best organic, grass-finished meats will still carry dioxins in their fat stores as a result of acid rain in most regions of the country.)

Finally, as reader Charles noted in last week's discussion (thanks for the lead, Charles), really the polyunsaturated fat content in either grass or grain fed beef isn't that substantial to begin with. Grass-fed is better, but it's not worth excessive concern or breaking the bank.

Whether you choose to eat higher fat meats or lower fat cuts, my message is the same. Look for the cleanest meat you can find and afford. Sure, shoot for grass-fed and finished when possible, but clean should trump grass-fed by a long shot. Beyond this, arm yourself with a diet and supplement regimen that offers copious antioxidants and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to achieve a 1:1 ratio.

Thanks to everyone for all their comments and questions. There's nothing like a vigorous and spirited discussion! Keep it coming.

Daniel Y. Go, SixyBeast Flickr Photos (CC)

Further Reading:

I’m Not Afraid of Fat

Are There Any Good Carbs?

Why the Atkins Diet Works

Food For Thought

A short while ago I listed three vegan podcasts.

Those three radio-like shows are popular and for good reason: they’re informative, interesting, funny, and reliable.

But there are plenty of other great podcasts, too. So here is another great vegan podcast:

Compassionate Cooks’ Food For Thought - http://compassionatecooks.com/podcast.htm

Don’t be fooled. This podcast is not just about cooking. Food For Thought is about all kinds of other vegan issues. Here’s a description of the podcast:

“‘Food for Thought’ offers a unique perspective that leaves listeners feeling supported, motivated, and inspired. Celebrating a way of life that encompasses compassion for everyone, this podcast addresses all aspects of eating a compassionate, healthful, whole foods, plant-based diet and advocates a sustainable food system that supports organic, local, seasonal fare. Each episode addresses commonly asked questions about being vegetarian/vegan, including those regarding animal rights, food, cooking, nutrition, and debunks the myths surrounding these issues. Drawing upon poetry, short stories, and other forms of literature, this is a unique podcast that works on many levels.”

Here’s a sample:




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Earthlings: Making The Connections

If you haven’t seen Earthlings, you should watch it.

You can buy it on DVD, find it at your library on DVD (if you’re lucky), or watch it online here.

It’s an excellent film about human animal interactions.

The film is difficult to watch if you’re sensitive to animal cruelty, so watch it when you’re feeling strong and have a box of tissues near you.

I watched the film in three parts on three separate days to help diffuse my strong emotional reaction to the movie. Conveniently, the film’s been broken up into three sections already, as posted here at Vegan Soapbox in 2007:

  1. Earthlings part 1
  2. Earthlings part 2
  3. Earthlings part 3

The official website for Earthlings is http://www.isawearthlings.com/ where this synopsis is given:

“EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity’s absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called ‘non-human providers.’ The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby.”

“With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests.”

Truth In Advertising

It’s been said that if slaughterhouses had glass walls we’d all be vegetarian.

Indeed, honest transparency of the meat, dairy, and egg industry would do more damage to the industry than any animal advocacy group could ever do.

Hence, this quote from Janet Riley, a vice president of the national trade association, which represents meat and poultry “processors” (aka animal exploiters):

“The fact is, you could be absolutely, 100 percent in perfect compliance [of the law], but if someone is not used to seeing the slaughter process it would be unsettling.”

I’d hope slaughter is ‘unsettling’ to most people because it’s inherently wrong. Killing sentient beings for no good reason is inherently immoral.

But I don’t think that’s why the images would be unsettling for most average folk. I think the reason they’d be unsettling is because current slaughter regulations are inadequate. Compliance with the law leaves much to be desired.

Livestock Transportation

This is a video of livestock transportation.

The video is from Compassion Over Killing (COK) and you can visit their page about this investigation here.

Here’s the video description:

“In July 2005, COK investigators traveled throughout the United States to document the conditions endured by farmed animals shipped across the country on trucks and trailers. Our investigators found that, in many cases, farmed animals are overcrowded onto vehicles and moved long distances—often exceeding 28 hours—without food, water to drink, rest, or adequate protection from the elements. As a result of such hardships, an untold number suffer in-transit injuries, illnesses, stress and even death.”

COK (and Vegan Soapbox) urges you to take action. You can start with this:

  • Order a Free Vegetarian Starter Guide—for yourself or a friend.
  • Visit VegRecipes.org for dozens of animal-friendly recipes.