Trends In Home Lighting - From Necessity To Decorative Accessory

During the earliest times of recorded history, lighting was considered a practical necessity. In todays terminology, this is called task lighting. When a particular area of a cave or shed or cabin needed lighting to cook or eat a meal, thats where the lighting was placed. Little, if any concern was given to the aesthetic appeal of lighting and the concept of decorative lighting wasnt even born.
With the advent of modern technology and the ability to design and manufacture lighting fixtures in all kinds of styles, sizes and shapes to say nothing of materials used, indoor and outdoor lighting has taken on an additional dimension. Perhaps the best way to describe this dimension is aesthetic or decorating appeal. Homeowners have discovered that the right kind of lighting can transform a humdrum home into a showplace.

Gone are the days when redecorating focused on just picking the right furniture, deciding on the best type of floor covering and what kind of cabinets to install. Lighting fixtures have been added to the mix and the part they play in creating just the right impression cannot be understated.

The goal in selecting the right lighting is to consider the way you want the room to feel when you walk in. Rooms that are places to rest and visit with others need to feel inviting and warm. A den, for example should feel cozy and intimate. Kitchens should have lighting that is functional and makes the preparation of a meal easy. The dining area should have lighting that exudes warmth and comfort. The bedrooms should have understated lighting that leaves the impression of intimacy. Give serious thought to the effect you want to create in a room when considering the lighting that you will be using.
Joe Rey-Barreau, an architect and professor of interior design at the University of Kentucky has identified three major trends in the selection of indoor lighting. He states decorative lighting is probably the most important accessory you can buy. These trends have developed as a result of the wide variety of lighting styles and configurations available in todays marketplace and can be summarized this way:

Casual elegance: The creation of warm, relaxed and comfortable environments with casual lighting that is a little more upscale in design.

Simplified traditional: Remove the excess and simplify. Decorative lighting here may be solid brass, but stripped down and rich with antique patina.

Soft contemporary: Clean, modern and simple in style. While architectural in design, these fixtures are no longer cold.

A major consideration in selecting lighting fixtures is the basic architectural configuration of the home. Todays builders are opting for taller and loftier ceilings. The standard in years past was an 8 ceiling. Architects determined that the 8 ceiling created a closed-in or somewhat confining impression. Visit most new housing developments today and the models will typically have up to 10 ceilings in most of the main rooms. Consequently, lighting fixtures have been designed to complement these rooms with tall ceilings.

In the kitchen and dining areas, oak cabinets have traditionally been the standard. The trend has shifted towards deeper and richer wood such as cherry. As a result, the lighting used in these areas needs to be carefully chosen to enhance the wood used in the cabinets by giving them a richer look.
In addition, there has been a trend to return to metal as the primary material used in the construction of lighting fixtures. Copper and brass fixtures are becoming more and more popular replacing plastics and synthetics as primary construction material for lighting fixtures.

The mini-pendant is becoming more popular as is under-cabinet lighting.

Outdoor lighting is one of the hottest lighting trends today. Many more homes are being built with decks and patios which require lighting. The lighting industry has responded by designing weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant fixtures for outdoor use in a variety of styles, sizes and colors. In addition to deck and patio lighting, more modern landscape lighting has become available.

Homeowners have begun to realize the immense curb appeal that is created by selecting just the right type of landscape lighting to say nothing of the added security that this type of lighting provides.
Finally, energy efficiency is coming more and more to the forefront as a major concern in the development of lighting fixtures. The fluorescent bulb is rapidly taking the place of the traditional incandescent bulb, which is not only wasteful when it comes to energy but also is developing a reputation for polluting the environment. The fluorescent fixture lasts longer than its incandescent counterpart and so is more economical to use.

The American Lighting Association (ALA) offers some tips that are worth repeating here.

Ten Tips that Will Help You Light Your Home Up Like the Pros

To help you make the most of your decorative lighting, the experts at the American Lighting Association (ALA) offer the following ideas for illuminating your home — no matter what your budget.

Dont Wait: It is important to plan your lighting even earlier than other decorating ideas because there are frequently decisions that need to be made relative to the location and type of electrical outlet installation during construction. You also need to consider lead-time. Consumers are surprised when we tell them it may be as long as six weeks to get their decorative fixture, says Kathy Held, who is a buyer and vice president at South Dade Lighting in Miami, Florida. We dont keep every fixture in every finish in the showroom. Consumers need to start earlier and have patience while their fixture is built.

Take Your Time: Give lighting as much consideration as other decorating decisions like flooring, wall covering, and furniture. Create a master plan of how you want the finished house to look, and work at it over a year or two. For instance, do you want mini-pendants versus recessed lighting over the kitchen island, pinpoint spots versus a wall outlet to illuminate artwork, or a floor outlet for a lamp in your seating area?
Ask the Experts: To make the best decisions, embrace your lighting showroom personnel. Get information from them. And bring them information, says Joe Rey-Barreau, educational consultant for the American Lighting Association. Use your camera. Bring a digital image of the room and what is not working. If you are trying to create a decorative element, bring in swatches of fabric, pillows, and paint chips. Make the fixture the statement to complement the room.

Quality Counts: No matter what your budget, opt for timeless materials like bronze and glass over their plastic counterparts. Timeless designs in top materials will always look right and can become family heirlooms.

Test It: Try before you buy. In most instances, you can take a lamp home, try it and bring it back if it doesnt work.

Focus Pocus: Put lighting to work creating focal points. Add lights to direct the eye in a new direction by focusing on a piece of art, furniture or the mantel.

Dim Some: Dimmers are an inexpensive trick-of-the-trade. They help set a special mood in the home by allowing you to manipulate the light. Install them at the wall for ceiling fixtures and even buy them for table lamps.

Space Case: Add more drama to a space with accent lighting. By illuminating the top of a bookcase, adding under-cabinet lighting or hanging a colored pendant over the kitchen island, you can create islands of light that bring the grain of the wood, the print of the wallpaper or the color of a wall to life.

Do Your Homework: There is a wealth of information on the Internet, particularly the ALA Web site, says Rey-Barreau. You should also rely on lighting showroom people as experts — many are interior designers.

LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for Westinghouse lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order>, visit us at LightnBreezy.com

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  • Written by admin on August 31, 2008 at 11:30 pm
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Likeable People Go Further In Life And Work

According to political consultants and news journalists, being likeable is one of the main qualities that presidential candidates need in order to win over their consistencies when running for the highest political office in the land. In a matter of fact, these professionals assert that without being likeable they are virtually assured of not winning. The same is said for those of us in the workplace. According to research by Harvard Business School Professor Tiziana Casciaro and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business assistant Professor Miguel Sousa Lobo, employees prefer to work with likeable people and in fact their research showed that the balance tips in favor to likeability in the likeability versus competency balance.

People like to deal with other people that they like versus people that they don’t like. It only just seems natural for you to gravitate toward someone with him you have a genuine connection. You also hear people in their conversation when things went well in a particular situation or relationship, say things like, “I think they really like me” or “I think they really liked us.” So we really all know instinctively that being liked is really a very important part of our success.

I was giving a talk to a business group recently and in talking with one of the audience members, he told me that he prefers to do business with people that he likes. In fact he said that he would even pay some premium on the price if he really liked the person. Another audience member shared with me how he landed a contract with a large government entity because the contracting agent said that “they like him and his company.”

We can impact our likeability by being more friendly and down to earth. We want to present ourselves to others in a friendly way, with a welcoming and non-judgmental attitude. One way to do this is that when we are introduced to people is to extend an open hand to them with a smile, and to have an inner attitude that says I genuinely like you. The way you begin a friendship or relationship is to make an emotional deposit into the individual with whom you are seeking a relationship.

Another way to impact your likeability among your circle of contacts is to be down to earth. Connect with the person on their level and where they are at. People like other people who relate to them where they are. What is the person you are trying to connect with interests? What are this person’s likes and dislikes? What are their goals and aspirations? By connecting with the person where they are, you will further enhance your likeability and further your chances for the success that you want to achieve.

Amos B. Robinson is the principal of Robinson Business Solutions, LLC, which is a business consultancy helping organizations to grow and improve. To learn more, and to receive their free newsletter, please visit http://www.robinsonbs.com

You may also contact Amos directly at arobinson@robinsonbs.com

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Protect Your Personal Credit Card Information and Prevent Identity Theft

Did you know that bold and unscrupulous criminals that are trying to steal you credit card account information? They want to rack up huge charges on your card and leave you holding the bag. Most of these thieves are located in far away locations. To top that off, they hide behind secret aliases so it will be impossible to attempt to track them down.

A common way for these thieves to obtain credit card information is to send a “phishing” (fake) e-mail to you which is supposedly from a credit card company. Often the e-mail will state that your account may have been accessed by unauthorized personnel. Another ploy is to tell you that they have processed changes to your credit card account when in fact you have not made changes.

There are several ways to spot these fake e-mails. The first hint is that you may not even have a credit card from the company that has claimed to have sent the e-mail. You should also verify that the e-mail is addressed personally to you. The best way to detect these fake e-mails is to look for the hyperlinks that read “reactivate your account here” or something similar. Move your cursor over the link and right click your mouse. Select View Source from the pop-up window. Now examine the text in the window that pops up. This window will have text with the name of the website address. If this is a fake e-mail, the website site address will not be that of a credit card company.

Of course, the thieves hope that you just click on the link without checking. You will then be redirected to a clever looking site that is a copy of the real credit card site. Be aware that this site will look like the real thing and may even include logos. Pages like this are easy to create even for a relative amateur. If you unsuspectingly enter your personal information, then you have just become a top candidate for identity theft. Armed with the your credit card information and social security number, the thief is likely to rack up huge bills or steal money from your account.

If you receive a fake credit card e-mail the best thing to do is delete it. Even by clicking on the link and going to the fake website you could open yourself up to trouble. Such websites may attempt to download malicious spyware or viruses to your computer. The internet and e-mail have provided many conveniences but as a user of this technology you must be aware of the latest scams including potential credit card fraud. For more information on credit cards you may download a free e-book title Credit Card Secrets Journal 2006 from www.credit2000.net or www.audiobooksplus.org.

Philip David is a professor, marketing consultant and now, more recently, an author. He enjoys his new role as a consumer advocate and would like your input on his work. He can be reached at http://www.thecreditcardjournal.com.

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Setting Goals and Letting Go

Do those two thoughts seem contradictory? Can you actually set goals for yourself and your business and yet relax and let go?

We read a lot about setting a goal for ourselves and then making it happen. And theres usually a lot of activity and doing involved in working toward our goals. Letting go, on the other hand, is more of being, relaxing and trusting. So how can the two work together?

Ive always been a planner and a doer, but I hit burn-out in a previous business. Even though I had created a nice income in that business, I made the decision not to continue. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I had not reached my original (very high) goal for that business and so the decision to stop pursuing that goal was very painful at the time.

But once that decision was made, doors opened for me that I would never have imagined. I now have two totally different businesses and Im having fun!

So how does this all work? First, get in a quiet place and write down what you want to achieve, personally and professionally. Write down specific goals for what you want, i.e., in business that could mean sales dollars or numbers of customers. Personally that could mean reading a book a month. Then write down what action steps you need to take to accomplish that.

But then take a step backwards and look at why you want those specific goals. Is it to be able to stay home and raise your children? Is it to get out of debt? Is it to grow and become a better person? Or to be able to help your community or a cause you love? Identify the reason behind those goals and THAT is really your ultimate goal.

Work your plan but take a few minutes each day to tune into your intuition and your inner guidance. When you can get to the point where you feel the underlying driving essence of your goal and how that will enhance your life, then you can relax into it. You do the work but listen to clues along the way so you can make adjustments. My change was fairly major but your intuition and instincts will guide you in making the necessary changes whether thats big or small.

This doesnt mean that you stop whenever things get a little tough. But this does give you a roadmap to follow. Work your plan, listen to your inner guidance, know the essence of your goals and then let go of the outcome. If youre on the right path, your intended outcome will happen. And if you need to make some detours, trust that those clues are guiding you to a better and stronger place.

Donna Davis has successfully built several businesses from a local accounting service to a large online network marketing team. To learn about her current business and her family, visit http://www.HotAZCandles.com For a free ebook Entrepreneurial Spirits email ebook1@aweber.com

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Healthy Traveler - Staying Fit While on the Road

Business and vacation travel can be a fun change of pace from the daily grind. The change of scenery can be invigorating. But, what do you do when your daily exercise routine will be interrupted? Do you simply have to deal with your healthful fitness program and balanced dietary intake taking a backseat or is it possible to be a healthy traveler?

Two major obstacles stand in the way of being a staying fit and being a healthy traveler; your meal options and your exercise facility options.

When you lose the benefit of putting together your own healthy meals and are forced to utilize restaurants for multiple meals over multiple days, sticking to a healthy diet plan becomes tricky. You will have a simple choice. You may give in and indulge in whatever food and drink comes your way, or you can plan a head just a bit and make the best healthy lifestyle choices while traveling.


Meal options while traveling:

  • Bring snacks for on the plane or between meals. Almonds, dried fruit, meal replacement bars, fresh cut veggies, etc. all make for excellent snacks that you can easily store in your luggage.
  • Keep your water intake at capacity.
  • If you have a choice, select a hotel that has a mini kitchen to provide you options outside of the restaurants.
  • Bring your vitamins & minerals as well as other supplements along to ensure your body receives the appropriate micro and macro nutrient quantities for proper bodily function.
  • When at a restaurant consider child portions, items without cream sauces, grilled chicken breast as the entre, and dressing on the side for salads to keep you calorie intake near the appropriate levels.
  • When socially drinking, opt for wine. The calorie count is generally lower per ounce and you will be more likely to drink it more slowly.
  • Adding this small amount of control to your dietary intake can make a big difference with a prolonged vacation or business travel. This will help with the intake portion of your healthy lifestyle. The next obstacle to overcome has to do with the daily calorie expenditure your body requires. Your personal trainer and gym membership may be a great distance away. Routines are easy when you have those advantages at hand, but follow along and you won’t miss a healthy beat.

    Exercise options while traveling:

    • Begin by trying to select a hotel with a fitness facility. Look closely as a Lieberman Research Worldwide poll indicated “55% of business travelers say they’re so disappointed with their hotel’s fitness facilities that they skip their workout on the road.”
    • Gym not required - when the hotel gym is inadequate or non-existent you can still perform push ups, sit ups, lunges, squats, bridges, etc. to work your entire body with nothing more than your body weight.
    • Bring your own gym is another option. Traveling kits are available or you can build your own with resistance tubing, a thin mat, an inflatable ball, wobble stability disk, or several other light weight options exist that you may choose from.
    • Most hotels have a built in stair master. You are encouraged to utilize those hotel stairs, rather than the elevator, as often as possible.
    • With any combination of the above healthy travel tips you will be able to maintain your healthy lifestyle while away. Do not stress or worry about your trip. You should enjoy your time away, the new environment, and even the likely restaurant meals, but with a little planning and creativity you will have no problem being a healthy traveler and staying fit while on the road.

      Tom Bomar is a health and wellness professional, certified as a strength and conditioning specialist and member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He provides Fitness Professional business, education, and travel opportunities through Fit Pro Biz

      Travel & Home Exercise Kits

      You can view quality related weight loss, conditioning, and nutritional products as well as opportunities for free informational services through the Healthy Gatherings web site: http://www.healthygatherings.com

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      Every year we face challenges, ones that require us to step outside our comfort zone and brave the unknown. We feel the fear in the pit of our stomachs, yet deep down we know it’s time to meet the challenges head on. Perhaps you’re stuck in a rut and you want to change something in your career: learn a new skill, change roles, go part-time or put yourself up for promotion. Or you’ve had a life-changing event thrust upon you-an illness, divorce or a real knock to your confidence-and you’ve got no choice but to embrace it.

      Whatever challenge you’re facing, you always have a choice. Deal with it now? Or deny it …and deal with it later?

      The Gulp! philosophy is simple. Challenges are good. They force us outside our comfort zone. They give us a reason to stop and reflect upon what’s truly important. And they can become the catalyst for big shifts in our life opening us up to new possibilities.

      Here is my 7 day program to help you to face your fears and step up to the challenges in your life this year.

      DAY 1: DARE & DEFY

      The challenge is there, whether you like it or not. So what are you going to do about it? Face your challenge head on by writing it down and naming it. Set yourself a deadline for achieving it and make the pivotal decision to go for it.

      DAY 2: BREAKDOWN & BREAKTHROUGH

      The biggest thing holding you back is fear; fear of the unknown, fear of failure and the list of fears go on. Rather than tar the whole situation with the same brush, break it down and identify the specific fear trigger points. Put strategies in place to minimize these and then focus on the positive benefits rather than the negative possibilities.

      DAY 3: CENTER & CONNECT

      When you silence your mind and connect to your deeper wisdom, there is no fear. Here there is only what is aligned to your true essence and what feels right. Spend time centering yourself; meditating, taking walks in nature, doing yoga or simply breathing. Listen to what your wise inner sage has to say.

      DAY 4: IMAGINE & INVENT

      This challenge could be a catalyst for really great things to come. When you shut up the chit chat and fears that plague your mind, you create “space” for new ideas and insights to emerge. So spend some time at a caf, in the park or with a group of friends brainstorming new ideas and expanding the options open to you.

      DAY 5: PLAN & PREPARE

      Now it’s time to choose a course of action, put together a plan and start moving forward. The C.I.G.A.R. model is brilliant for this - Current Reality, Ideal Outcome, Gaps, Actions and Review. Make sure you keep your energy levels high with good food, plenty of water and fitful sleep.

      DAY 6: FOCUS & FLOW

      As you step forward and move into the “unknown,” let go of control and learn how to simply “be in the flow.” Let your intuition and instinct guide you. When you have to make a choice or a decision, tune in to the situation and listen to what your gut feelings says. As you know, it’s usually right!

      DAY 7 : GULP! & GO

      You’ve done the thinking and you’ve done the preparing. You’ve even built some foot bridges. Now it’s time to take that leap of faith. So tie up any loose ends and just Gulp! and go for it. You’ll find it a lot easier than you think!

      Gabriella Goddard is a leading success coach and author of the top selling book “Gulp!: the 7 day crash course to master fear and break through any challenge”. Her clients include senior executives, career professionals, TV presenters, authors and entrepreneurs. She invites readers to sign up for her free Gulp! Starter Kit at http://www.gulptime.com

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      How To Successfully Treat Acne

      If you are suffering from acne, you need not fret because there are solutions available to treat whatever acne you may have. The products that you can use are stated below. If the tips do not work for you, the safest bet is to see your doctor or dermatologist. But weigh your options carefully as some of the treatments may have some serious side effects.

      Applying Acne Medications

      If you are only experiencing mild acne which is only a pimple here or there, then you should go to the store or pharmacy and try one of the over the counter acne treatments. There are many creams, ointments, soaps, pads and more to choose from, but you should know that most of these products contain the same ingredients. Any of these products will generally eliminate most minor acne problems.

      Choosing Acne Products

      There are mainly a few different categories in acne treatment products: prescription medications, topical treatments, and oral treatments.

      Prescription medications are the most commonly used for acne, and this consists of products such as Accutane and ProActiv. Both of these products are terribly popular and famous because of the very high success rate among acne patients. However you have to consult with your doctor before taking Accutane and ProActiv, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, because these and other related products can cause serious birth defects both in utero and from breastfeeding.

      Most of the times, doctors will prescribe acne medicine such as benzoyl peroxide and medicated lotion, cream and gels to kill bacteria on the affected areas. These products will normally work and your acne will clear off in a few days. However, there are certain times when these acne medicines will not work on your skin. When the acne medicines prove to be unsuitable for you, return to your doctor and ask for another form of treatment.

      About Accutane

      Accutane is a very powerful drug which is used to treat acne. It is generally prescribed for about four to five months, and usually clears the acne for one year or more after the treatment is stopped.

      The Risks

      It is considered that the most harmful side effect of Accutane is serious birth defects, if it is taken during pregnancy. Thus it is very important for women to not take this drug while pregnant or nursing. In addition, a woman who has taken Accutane should not get pregnant until at least a month has passed after they have discontinued use, and only after that time is it safe to become pregnant.

      How Accutane works is by decreasing the amount of oil produced by the skin’s oil glands. It may take as long as two months before you actually see any improvement in your skin. There is no other medicine you can take to speed up the effects of this drug. Actually the acne will usually get worse during the first few months of treatment.

      Another commonly prescribed medication for acne is Tretinoin. Topical retinoids like this is derived from vitamin A and are used for mild to severe inflammatory acne. They unclog the pores and prevent whiteheads and blackheads from occurring. Although Tretinoin has a very high success rate they too have negative side effects, such as irritation and increased sun sensitivity.

      About Proactive Acne Medicine

      Proactive acne medicine is a revolutionary, dermatologist-developed system that help the skin heal the existing blemishes and stop new ones from occurring.

      There are three basic steps to Proactive Acne Medicine. The first is the renewing cleanser, the second is the revitalizing toner and the third is the repairing lotion.

      If you should purchase the product from the pharmacy, you must follow the instructions to its applications strictly and you can see results almost immediately, especially in terms of hydration, which is one of the most important aspects when it comes to treating acne.

      Topical Treatments

      The topical treatments consist of any types of medicated lotions, creams, powders and gels that are applied directly onto the skin. Topical treatments are also a very commonly used and effective form of treatment for acne. They work by reducing the small infections in the pores and also indirectly keep the pores open. These topical treatments are usually what your doctor will recommend if you have mild to moderate acne.

      Oral Treatments

      These are treatments which consist of pills and gel caps that are taken orally.

      About Acne Pills

      Acne pills are also one of the more commonly prescribed forms of treatment for acne. These acne pills, such as tetracycline, may be prescribed for inflammatory acne, and should normally be taken daily for around three months. However it may take up to six months for improvements to be seen.

      Some types of oral contraceptives are also used to treat acne. Most of the times a combination of the usual pill hormone called ethinylestradiol with cyproterone acetate works by suppressing male hormone activity. Therefore this method is often used more for women who suffer from acne.

      When To See A Doctor

      When you think that your acne is becoming severe, you should consult your doctor immediately. Do not self medicate particularly if the flare-ups on your skin are severe because self-medication can cause further harm on your skin.

      When To See A Dermatologist

      You should only see your dermatologist as a last resort, because many prescription strength acne treatments will affect your kidneys and can lead to long term health problems. However your dermatologist will determine if you are suitable for one of these prescription medications, such as Accutane or Retin-A.

      Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit acne scar skin care to learn more about home treatment for acne and laser surgery of acne scar.

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      • Written by admin on August 31, 2008 at 5:15 pm
      • Category: Acne Cure
      • Comments Off

      Mail Theft and Identity Theft

      Identity Theft is not restricted to just digital media contrary to what you may read in the news today. Granted, there are a lot of breaches of University computers or retailers networks or lost/stolen laptops that are reported all the time, but Identity Theft can occur at home as well. Are you doing what it takes to make sure it doesnt happen to you?

      Think about all of the mail that you receive at home. Does it include banking statements, utility bills such as gas and electric, and how about water bills? Do you have to pay home owners association fees? What about all the countless credit card bills or sign up offers that you receive? DMV will send mail to your home address. The Government also sends tax refunds to your home address as well. Are you receiving Social Security Checks? Do you get car bills sent to you through the mail? School loans or student loans, banking loans, refinancing your house, all this information is sent to your address, and on it goes ad infinitum.

      Now, all it takes is someone to look in your mailbox and take your mail, or rummage through your garbage after youve thrown everything away, and there is all your personal information, free for the taking. This form of Identity Theft, known as dumpster diving, can be prevented by using a few simple tips.

      If possible, get a mailbox that can be locked. The alternative to getting a locked mail box is to set up a Post Office box at your local Post Office. It may take a little more time out of your day to get your mail, but your personal information will be more secure behind look and key. You may also want to invest in a cross-cut shredder. Anything you throw away paperwork wise, should be feed through the shredder which will make it harder for the dumpster divers to gather any of your personal information. They may see all the shredded paper and just move on to the next house, since generally no one really wants to take the time to assemble all the shredded paper on the hopes of acquiring some personal information.

      Try and cut down on the amount of mail that you receive. Maybe some of the companies that bill you offer online billing and statements. By signing up for these services, you can also minimize the amount of personal information that is thrown out in the garbage. You can cut down on the amount of junk mail such as credit card offers or refinancing your home by going to the following site to opt-out of receiving offers of that nature:

      Direct Marketing Association
      Mail Preference Service
      P.O. Box 9008
      Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008
      http://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist

      By minimizing the amount of your personal information leaving your possession, you improve your chances of not becoming a victim of Identity Theft.

      Founder of http://www.whoelseisme.com, the site was created in order to help people not only recover from Identity Theft, but to prevent Identity Theft from happening to them.

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      Five Sure Ways to Improve Your Game

      . . . no matter what game you are playing.

      Let’s say it’s Bridge. You know, that card game your mother taught you. You’ve got a few bucks on the outcome and a crush on your partner. . . Your partner bids four hearts. You hold a two of hearts and a total of eight points. You don’t know how to respond, your throat tightens . . .

      Let’s say it’s golf. Your drive goes straight down the fairwayinto the sand trap. You’re two down on the seventh hole, $100 bet on first nine, you hate sand traps . . .

      Let’s say it’s tennis. Not Wimbledon, but pretty close in your life. You’ve made it to a championship match. You reach back to serve and feel a tight cramp in your left calf . . .

      Let’s say it’s croquet. Your husband’s slender, buxom secretary has just blasted through two wickets. Your ball lies two feet away. She takes aim. She misses. Its your turn . . .

      Let’s say it’s an interview for a job that you and twenty other equally qualified people really want. You have rehearsed how you will benefit the employer specifically. You have dressed appropriately for this particular interview, you know you have what it takes, but you trip on the threshold . . .

      Want to win? Heres what you should do:

      1. Immediately ask yourself, Will I die if I lose?

      2. If the answer is Not bloody likely, ask, Will I be mortified if I lose?

      3. If the answer to that is Yes, ask Why? And then consider the fact that your ability to win this game is no big deal. IT DOES NOT DEFINE YOU.

      4. Breathe deeply and notice your breathing.

      5. This is the most important step: IMAGINE

      If its bridge, imagine the play all the way through with you making amazing finessesbefore you respond to your partners bid.

      If its golf, picture the lift of the ball out of the sand trap. See the sand slowly falling down like rain. See the ball soar straight up onto the green and roll into the hole BEFORE you choose your clubBEFORE you descend into the trap.

      If its tennis, picture your serve as a cannon shot just clearing the net and your body as molded mobile gelatin.

      If its croquet, forget the slender sleaze. Picture your husband beaming as you knock her ball across the court.

      If it’s a job interview, smile as you trip over the threshold, picture your anxieties rolled into a ball that you toss into the wastebasket, and say, “Obviously, I really want this job.” Feelings always show. Admitting to them openly helps you win.

      If its life, imagine the scene you want, breathe into it, be willing to lose, and put your heart into winning.

      Copyright 2006 Cole’s Poetic License

      Evelyn Cole, MA, MFA, The Whole-mind Writer

      http://www.write-for-wealth.com
      evycole@direcway.com

      Coles chief aim in life is to convince everyone to understand the power of the subconscious mind and synchronize it with goals of the conscious mind. Along with “Mind Nudges” and “Brainsweep”, she has published three novels and several poems that dramatize subconscious power.

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      Home Lighting Basics - Plan Before You Buy

      The brands, models, styles and sizes of lighting fixtures available in todays market are massive. I once had a visitor from Great Britain with me when I went shopping at a local supermarket. Having been in Great Britain, I could have almost guessed what he was going to say. Theres so much to choose from! he exclaimed. The same thing applies to the lighting fixture industry. There are chandeliers, pendants, sconces, strip lighting, recessed can lighting, track lighting, floor lamps, ceiling fixtures and on and on. And, for each type of lighting fixture on the market, the styles, sizes, prices that are available offer an almost mind-numbing variety of choices.

      Lets talk about basic issues related to home lighting.

      Start at the Beginning

      Designing the way you will light your home is really a form of planning. And, designing or lighting a home usually gets the short end of the stick when it comes to the overall project. If you are thinking about adding or changing some lighting in your existing home, its time to start planning which way youd like to go in terms of the eventual lighting layout throughout your home. On the other hand, if you are building a new home, you have the opportunity to build a comprehensive, complementary lighting plan that is built around a particular scheme or dcor.

      What youre really after is a lighting plan that will result in everything working together to give your home a cohesive and integrated look.

      Start with your personal tastes. Think about what kind of home appeals to you the most. Do you like a bright, open look, a classic look or a modern look, just to mention a few? Give this a lot of thought because it will provide the foundation for your planning in all areas including the lighting you will select.

      Take a look at the function and layout of each room. And consider what you would like to highlight, what the room is used for and what types of lighting are possible given the rooms architecture. Ambient light needs to be a serious consideration in your planning.
      Keep in mind that ambient lighting is just one part of the picture. It needs to be coordinated with the specific fixtures you will purchase for highlighting, task focusing and accent lighting. Make a tentative plan for each room that is very much subject to change as you get down to the final stages of selecting your lighting. Above all, keep in mind that everything in terms of your lighting needs to work together. If any one aspect of your lighting in a particular room is overpowering and draws attention to itself, youve got some balancing to do.

      It might make things a little easier if you remember that lighting fixtures breakdown into roughly three categories:

      Task
      Lamps such as table lamps
      Track lighting
      Spot lighting
      Lights used for reading
      Recessed lighting

      Accent
      Some table lamps
      Rail lighting
      Sconces
      Torchieres
      Pendants

      Ambient
      Chandeliers
      Recessed lighting
      Ceiling lighting
      Pendants

      Lighting fixtures dont fall into rigid functional categories and what you need in terms of function will determine the lighting fixtures to purchase.

      Room Aesthetics

      The key concept to consider is contrast. Light layering is the term currently in vogue. A coordinated, tasteful combination of the above mentioned categories will generate layering. For example, in a dining area a pendant or chandelier could be used to provide ambient lighting while recessed lighting can provide task lighting and sconces can provide accent lighting for furniture other than the dining room table. Task lights should serve as the primary lighting source providing at least five times the level as ambient lighting. An additional source of lighting can be provided by accent lighting that should provide around three times the level provided by ambient lighting. Dimmer switches are easy to install and allow the homeowner to do all kinds of creative balancing of lighting levels.

      Decorative lighting should never be employed as a main light source. First, they are generally too bright and usually generate glare, which is the last thing that you want. Decorative lighting should always fit in to the overall lighting layout and should never become the main focus of attention when someone enters the room.

      Energy

      Today, more than ever before, lighting manufacturers and retailers are energy aware. You will need to spend some time researching what the practical applications involve. There are numerous resources available on the web and you should definitely do your homework before you begin your actual shopping.

      This article is in no way intended to be a complete or comprehensive treatise on the subject of selecting the right home lighting fixtures. Its merely an introduction and hopefully will provide some meaningful food for thought as you dig deeper.

      LightnBreezy.com is a well-known source for Westinghouse ceiling fans. LightnBreezy.com features hundreds of products to choose from. To order your discount ceiling fan, visit us at LightnBreezy.com.

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