salutetothetroops.org

We bought our daughter Julie a St. Bernard five years ago. Each evening “Mackie” climbed up on my lap to take a nap (even after she was full grown)! A couple years later Mackie died of a kidney disease. We buried her under her favorite tree, made a marker, and thanked God for the wonderful gift of Mackie. But each of us experienced grief and pain over the loss of our beloved dog. This article will give you several guidelines to help you experience good grief as you suffer the loss of your pet.

As I share the following guidelines to help you grieve the loss of your pet, please keep in mind that each person’s grief process is as unique as the relationship between that pet and its owner. However, pet grief can be good grief.

1. Just as in the loss of a spouse, parent, child, or other significant person, you must ACKNOWLEDGE THE LOSS of your beloved dog or pet. I know that sounds obvious, but denial is a powerful emotion during times of significant loss. In fact, pretending that you are not hurting during times of significant loss can actually be detrimental to your physical and emotional health. There really is such a thing as “Good Grief.” Grief is a healthy emotional process. Admit that your cherished dog or pet is gone. Don’t let others trivialize the importance of that dog in your life. A couple quotes will show you that we recognized many years ago how important dogs and other pets are to us. For example, Roger Caras once said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” Josh Billings noted, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” And Will Rogers once quipped, “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

2. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO GRIEVE. The fact is that people often invest as much love and affection in a pet as they do in many personal relationships. (Don’t laugh: dogs miss you when you’re gone, dogs never complain about your cooking, dogs don’t criticize your friends, dogs don’t shop, dogs mean it when they kiss you, dogs think you sing great, and a dog’s parents never visit). Other people might scoff, be confused, or misunderstand, especially those who have not experienced a loss of this kind. Don’t worry about what others think or feel; this is a time to be true to yourself. Allow yourself the time and freedom to be sad, to cry, and to miss your friend and companion. Tell yourself it’s OK – because it is. Pet grief can be good grief.

3. THANK GOD FOR THE GIFT OF YOUR PET. God created the animals that become our cherished pets. Good grief comes when we begin to recognize that God is the giver of all good gifts, and dogs are definitely good gifts. Do something symbolic to give thanks and show respect for this wonderful gift from God. Cheri and I buried Mackie and made a makeshift concrete headstone in the ground over her grave. Just the other day my son went out and found the marker in the woods, cleaned it off, and spent a moment remembering Mackie fondly. Pets matter! You can give a donation to an animal shelter in honor of your pet. Other meaningful acts people have shared with me include writing a special poem or story, commissioning a painting of their pet from a photograph, or framing an enlarged photo to hang on the wall. A fairly new phenomenon is the Pet Cemetery, where you can actually bury your pet, place a marker, and bring flowers. The bottom line is this; it was your pet, and it is your pet grief – do something that is meaningful for you. It will make you feel good about yourself and your pet, and it will assist you in bringing good grief to your grief process.

4. SHARE YOUR PAIN. Pet grief hurts. Talk to someone you trust about what you are feeling. Grief is a painful process; don’t go through it alone. Most of us know someone who has experienced the pain of pet loss. Talk to them. There is a healing process (Good Grief) that occurs when we hear ourselves talking about our pain, our grief, our loss. And there is empathy when two people can share similar experiences. It helps to hear someone else say “I know how you feel, I’ve been there too.” It helps to know you are not alone in your feelings. If there is no one you can talk to in your immediate family or circle of friends, consider talking to your pastor, or joining a pet loss support group in your community. Check the internet, and you may be able to find a pet loss “blog” group to join.

5. CELEBRATE YOUR MEMORIES. Pet grief can be good grief. When you think about the relationship you had with your pet, what is it that brings a smile to your face? Think on those things. Get out the pictures of your child and pet dressed alike for Halloween. Or the one of you and your pet covered in soap suds and soaking wet during bath time. Franklin P. Jones says “Anybody who doesn’t know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.” Or remember all the “tricks” your pet used to do just to please you. Recall those winter evenings relaxing together by the fire, or the summer days romping in the park. I remember opening the front door one day and finding my St. Bernard sitting right there, looking up at me, with a huge “bubble” poking out both sides of her mouth – looking like she chewing bubble gum! It’s a scene I will never forget. That’s Good Grief! “We give dog’s time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made” – M. Facklam.

6. BE A VOLUNTEER. Pet grief can consume you if you let it. This is a great opportunity to volunteer some time and energy to help someone else. You can volunteer some time at your local animal shelter. You could help feed the homeless at the local soup kitchen. Be a volunteer at your local church. And the list goes on. Volunteering is a healthy way to give something back to your church or community. Helping your fellow man is a good thing, and it makes you feel good about who you are. It takes your mind off your pet loss and the emptiness you feel, and helps the process of good grief.

7. RELY ON YOUR PERSONAL FAITH. Pet grief is just as real as losing a person. Lean on your spiritual belief system. The scriptures tell us that God loves us and wants to comfort us during times of grief and loss. Does God care about animals? Is God concerned with my pet dying? You bet He is! Does God really care about my pet grief? Absolutely! The Bible says God knows when a sparrow falls out of the sky. And it says every hair on your head is numbered, so He cares about you very much! During this time of grief and loss, reconnect or recommit to your personal faith. Spend some extra time in devotion, worship, meditation, and prayer. God’s comfort and help during this time will help you experience good grief.

8. DON’T REPLACE YOUR PET UNTIL YOU ARE READY. Statistics show that after the loss of a spouse, many people remarry too soon, because of the fear of loneliness. Pet grief can cause the same mistakes. Don’t be too anxious to fill the void left by your precious pet. Remember that every relationship is unique, just as every person and dog are unique. Pet grief can be immense for some, and can take significant time. How soon should you get a new pet? Experts disagree, but estimates range from a few weeks to a year. They do agree, however, that you should be sure you are emotionally ready to explore a totally new relationship before you get a new pet. They also agree that the vast majority of people can and do benefit from getting another pet, as long as they cherish each new pet relationship as unique and special. Do not expect your next pet to be like your last, but love the next one just as much. Each one is a fantastic, life-changing experience. And a part of the process of good grief is to replace that love relationship you had with that dog, with another dog or pet.

We all know that dogs and other pets are not human, but they certainly do bring a great deal of joy and happiness to our lives. (Andy Rooney says “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.”) The loss of a beloved pet should not be taken lightly or dismissed as unimportant. If you have lost a cherished dog or pet; if you are experiencing Pet Grief; use the suggestions we’ve outlined here to experience good grief, cherish the memories, and prepare yourself for your next awesome pet/owner relationship. Then go out and find that amazing dog or pet that can benefit from the love and affection only you can give.

Danny Presswood, 2006 All rights Reserved.

Danny Presswood is a retired US Army Combat (Airborne) Chaplain. After traveling 17 countries and 10 islands, he and his wife Cheri settled in the wooded Ozarks hills of SW MO. Presently working on his Doctorate, Danny writes the Feature Articles for K-9 Outfitters, A Division of Damascus Road Enterprises, which offers a plethora of AWESOME discount, luxury, unique, and Handmade in the USA Online Pet Supplies. You’ll find K-9 Outfitters at [http://www.Damascus-Road-Enterprises.com]

According to Jupiter Research, by 2007, Online Classified Advertising will reach 3.5 Billion Dollars annually. Pet classifieds are expected to triple in numbers every year as more and more Internet users seek classified listings online for their pet needs. Pet and pet services classifieds online are creating new marketplaces where non-profit pet organizations, pet service providers, pet breeders, and pet owners are meeting and doing business 24 hours a day, seven days a week using the internet.

Currently, there are thousands of online websites that offer Pet classifieds services that can help you find new homes for Pets, showcase your pet products or pet services. However, not all of them are effective and you can end up getting nothing out of them. After being extremely successful running a Pet classifieds website for over two years, we know what works and what does not.

With online Pet classifieds, the more information you provide the better it is. People who are serious about pets have already done their research before making a decision to adopt or buy a pet. Most people looking for pets know exactly what type of pet would be a good fit for them. Information you include in your pet classifieds description can help them make decision quicker. As an example, keep your ad title very specific. For example, if you have a Golden retriever that you like to advertise in Pet classifieds, use titles such as:

• Golden Retriever For Sale or Adoption
• Golden Retriever for Sale or Adoption in Miami, FL
• Six Months Old Golden Retriever For Sale or Adoption

Post a Picture Of Your Pet

Pictures talk more than words. Pet classifieds with pictures receive approximately 5 times more responses than classifieds without a photo. People interested in your pet will almost always ask for pictures of the pet before making a decision. Always, keep extra pictures of your pet ready.

Your location information

The first preference of anyone looking for pets would be from the region close to them. So always provide the location of your pet. This also helps to bring your pet ad rank higher when someone searches on a specific location; thus giving your ad more exposure.

Shipping Information

Advantage with online Pet classifieds is that they get people interested in your pet or pet product from coat-to-coast. So be very clear if you would be able to ship the pet or if it is a local pickup only. If you ship, be specific about your shipping policies.

Choose Pet classified sites that can get results

Today, there are millions of classifieds sites where you can advertise your available Pets, Pet Services or Pet Products. In fact, as of writing of this article, Google returns more than 29 Million links for a search on the keyword “Pet Classifieds”. Visit Google.com and enter keyword “Pet Classifieds” to check for yourself.

According to the Search engine statistics, most people do not go beyond 3 pages to find what they are looking for. In fact, majority of people don’t go beyond the first page of search result. What does that mean to you? It means, you should only advertise your on websites that ranks high on the three major search engine that drives more than 80% of Internet traffic. These search engines are Google, Yahoo and MSN in no particular order. The sites that rank high on these Search engines can provide a wider exposure to reach highly potential people who can purchase or adopt pets, pet services and pet products. Your return on investment is much greater and faster by advertising on sites that rank high.

Beware of Online Classifieds Scams

While online Pet classifieds offers the most cost effective and convenient ways of advertising your Pets, Pet Products and Pet Services,

it also attracts more and more scammers who pose as potential buyers. Always remember that not all inquiries you receive are from the

legitimate buyers who are interested in what you offer. Always be careful online, especially if the transaction is long distance.

For more information on Online Pet Classifieds and how you can protect yourself from such scams, read our Scam Alert.

Petboro.com was established in 2004 and has been serving the pet needs of its members proudly for over 2 years. With a continuing commitment to excellence in the pet classified listing services and a strong desire to prevent pet classified advertising fraud, petboro.com remains a “safe haven” for advertisers of pets for sale ads, pet adoption ads and pet services ads.

The Essential Fly Fishing Technique

Czech nymph fly fishing was introduced to the UK during the 1990 World Championships. The Czech team beat the UK International teams on the Welsh River Dee. The Czech team caught grayling in numbers from places that were thought impossibly fast or deep previously by traditional fly fishermen. This sent shock-waves through the world of competition angling. The technique is today considered to be pretty much a standard – an essential part of every grayling anglers armoury and great for trout and other fish.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the flies, the Czech nymph has many, many variations, but all are based upon one simple design, utilising a heavily-leaded hook. They are intended to be fished very deep, in fast water, weight & a slim profile are important.

Czech Nymph Fly Fishing Tackle

A 5 or 6-weight rod will be sufficient, 9′ to 10′ is ideal for better control of the flies. Leader should be of about 9′ in length, NOT tapered as they are counter-productive as tapered leader won’t sink quickly enough. Just use something like 6lb down to the top dropper, with 4lb from there down. Use two 5-6″ droppers, one about 18″ above the point fly, the other about 18″ above that. The true Czech method is to fish the heaviest nymph on the top dropper, so that it helps carry the other flies down to the correct level. To help ensure rapid sinking of the flies, degrease the leader. You will be looking for takes on the end of the fly line, so depending on your eyesight you may wish to use some sort of bite indicator.

Czech Nymph Fly Fishing Tactics

• The water will be fast flowing water, normally considered to not be able to fish on using a fly, probably 18″ – 3′ deep. You’ll want to get your flies as near to the bottom as possible. Do not fish with more than about 3-4′ of fly-line outside the tip ring. This is difficult to do, as the fly fisherman’s natural tendency is to shoot a bit of line.
• This is extremely short range fishing, fish will be close to your rod! Do not cast conventionally, there is not enough line & the nymphs are far too heavy – the nymphs that provide the casting weight. Use a flicking action to throw the nymphs upstream at an angle of about 30 degrees. Done correctly, the ‘flick cast’ will extend the leader so that the nymphs lie in a straight line upstream. They will immediately start to sink rapidly as the current brings the flies back down towards you.
• To stay in touch with the flies, don’t retrieve any line, just track round with the rod, raising & lowering the tip as appropriate. Watch your indicator very closely! Any hesitation, draw, stutter, check – strike it immediately.
• Because of the fast nature of the water grayling and trout will have little chance to closely examine the fly and hit quickly. Fan cast the water ahead of you and, if no action, take a pace or two upstream & repeat. This is fast fishing, each cast is fished out in 5-10 seconds and you’re straight into the next one, a lightweight rod helps the weary arms. Often it is often useful to let the flies come down below you and allow them to fish for a few moments as they come round the bend and onto ‘the dangle’.
• Keep the rod tip above the indicator & steadily ‘lean’ downstream, dropping the tip as you do so. This can be a particularly effective tactic, taking one or two more fish out of water that has already been worked.

Obviously, with this technique you do not need to restrict yourself to Czech nymphs. The key is to use heavily-weighted flies, so gold-head / bead head flies, heavy tungsten nymphs will do just as well. ‘Matching the hatch’ is not a priority with this fishing! This is an active searching method and, as such, technique is more important than specific pattern. This sent shock-waves through the world of competition angling. The technique is today considered to be pretty much a standard – an essential part of every grayling anglers armoury and great for trout and other fish.

Firstly, let’s take a look at the flies, the Czech nymph has many, many variations, but all are based upon one simple design, utilising a heavily-leaded hook. They are intended to be fished very deep, in fast water, weight & a slim profile are important.

Czech Nymph Fly Fishing Tackle

A 5 or 6-weight rod will be sufficient, 9′ to 10′ is ideal for better control of the flies. Leader should be of about 9′ in length, NOT tapered as they are counter-productive as tapered leader won’t sink quickly enough. Just use something like 6lb down to the top dropper, with 4lb from there down. Use two 5-6″ droppers, one about 18″ above the point fly, the other about 18″ above that. The true Czech method is to fish the heaviest nymph on the top dropper, so that it helps carry the other flies down to the correct level. To help ensure rapid sinking of the flies, degrease the leader. You will be looking for takes on the end of the fly line, so depending on your eyesight you may wish to use some sort of bite indicator.

Czech Nymph Fly Fishing Tactics

• The water will be fast flowing water, normally considered to not be able to fish on using a fly, probably 18″ – 3′ deep. You’ll want to get your flies as near to the bottom as possible. Do not fish with more than about 3-4′ of fly-line outside the tip ring. This is difficult to do, as the fly fisherman’s natural tendency is to shoot a bit of line.
• This is extremely short range fishing, fish will be close to your rod! Do not cast conventionally, there is not enough line & the nymphs are far too heavy – the nymphs that provide the casting weight. Use a flicking action to throw the nymphs upstream at an angle of about 30 degrees. Done correctly, the ‘flick cast’ will extend the leader so that the nymphs lie in a straight line upstream. They will immediately start to sink rapidly as the current brings the flies back down towards you.
• To stay in touch with the flies, don’t retrieve any line, just track round with the rod, raising & lowering the tip as appropriate. Watch your indicator very closely! Any hesitation, draw, stutter, check – strike it immediately.
• Because of the fast nature of the water grayling and trout will have little chance to closely examine the fly and hit quickly. Fan cast the water ahead of you and, if no action, take a pace or two upstream & repeat. This is fast fishing, each cast is fished out in 5-10 seconds and you’re straight into the next one, a lightweight rod helps the weary arms. Often it is often useful to let the flies come down below you and allow them to fish for a few moments as they come round the bend and onto ‘the dangle’.
• Keep the rod tip above the indicator & steadily ‘lean’ downstream, dropping the tip as you do so. This can be a particularly effective tactic, taking one or two more fish out of water that has already been worked.

Obviously, with this technique you do not need to restrict yourself to Czech nymphs. The key is to use heavily-weighted flies, so gold-head / bead head flies, heavy tungsten nymphs will do just as well. ‘Matching the hatch’ is not a priority with this fishing! This is an active searching method and, as such, technique is more important than specific pattern.

Andy is CEO of The Essential Fly, a quality manufacturer or fly fishing flies, fly fishing tackle and gear and fly tying materials

Andy is a passionate fisherman and always looking at new materials and flies and their effects on the quarry fish. Andy has been lucky in fishing all around the world for many different fish species including salmon, trout, steelhead, pike (or muskie) through to sailfish and marlin.

Mostly Andy loves any excuse to go the the river, lake or sea and simply enjoy the delights of fly fishing. In his spare time Andy is totally hooked on fishing and spends time designing new fishing flies including steelhead flies, trout flies and pike flies and designing new and innovative fly fishing gear and manufacturing them cost effectively.

Fly fishing enthusiasts have know about the Muskegon River for many years, but it’s only in the last decade or so that its popularity has grown well beyond the borders of Midwestern states. It’s a large river, spanning more than a hundred yards wide in places and with near endless stretches of riffles and gravel bars. Due to its size and volume of water flow, it can be a tricky river to navigate for the wading angler, but very fun and productive at the same time if done with caution and use of some common sense.

For those fly fishers who have spent most of their time on smaller streams and rivers, less than 30 yards wide on average, being able to “effectively fish” a big river like this takes more than your basic forward fly cast. First of all, don’t try to fish it like a small stream where it’s possible to cast from bank to bank, it will never happen effectively on big water like the Muskegon river. Instead, treat it like a number of small rivers that all just happen to be flowing next to each other and in the same direction. Dissect it in sections you’re able to cover thoroughly and you will soon find yourself fishing, you know the saying, “smarter, not harder.” Easy enough to understand, but the truth is the hydrology of such large rivers is much different than it’s smaller relatives and you will see rivers in a different way if you treat them with a modified approach.

With many different seams and currents between an angler and a rising fish or target landing area, playing “seam jockey” is part of game. By this, I mean that we have to take the 2 different current seams into account that lie between us and that rainbow trout who is feeding on emerging sulphurs 40 feet away. A bonus to the fly fisher on a big river is the vast amount of room for casting such distances and being able to get to that fish. A downside to this is the probability that you will be contending with wind on many days. That said, I’ll take my chances with the wind, especially if I have that trout on my radar AND know that I can get my offering in front of it.

A few things to take into account when fly fishing a river like the Muskegon is;

1) You DO have plenty of room to cast.

2) You SHOULD try different casts AND methods of mending your line.

3) You CAN change angles that you cast from.

4) You MUST try different fly patterns to entice that rising fish to take your fly.

1) You DO have plenty of room to cast – When given ample room to cast, I believe that even the novice fly fisher can learn to cast effectively to both rising fish and to known fish “lies”. Casting room has always been an obstacle for the fly fisher, primarily due to the environment in which we’re often trying to cast a fly line…..small streams. This is not the case with a bigger river and one should always capitalize on their time in such a river, it’s the perfect practice ground. The mechanics are very simple and coupled with the outstanding materials used in modern fly rod construction, it’s not hard to learn the basics and quite easy to practice and improve on the fundamentals.

2) You SHOULD try different casts – For those who wield a fly rod for trout, it’s almost imperative that multiple casts are employed at times, to counter the conditions and wily ways of our quarry. Whether it’s a blustery wind you’re trying to cast through or a boulder you are casting to the side of, arming yourself with multiple fly casts that you’re proficient at, can AND will equate to more flies put in front of feeding trout. For big water such as the Muskegon River, I find that the Reach cast and Hook cast are great additions to your straight forward casting stroke. AAdditionally, the Roll Cast mend and Stack mend are excellent additions to these casts and will KEEP your fly floating correctly and where it should be for a longer amount of time.

The Reach cast is my preferred cast when targeting a feeding fish that’s slightly downstream and out a decent distance, 30 feet or more. This usually coincides with different currents running between angler and target fish. By casting a bit more line than necessary to get to the fish AND really emphasizing the “reach”, the sweeping upstream motion with your fly rod once line is propelled and heading towards your target, your line ultimately lands 10′ or so upstream from the fish, with your fly line extending quartering downstream. What you’re left with is a bit of slack line in the water to absorb the small kicks and turns the current imparts on your line, as your fly drifts drag free towards the feeding trout.

The Hook cast is used when you’re positioned downstream from a feeding fish and want to get your fly to it, but can’t cast your line on top of the fish in its feeding lane. This is done by extending your forward casting stroke and finishing with a forehand or backhand extension of your wrist to propel the tip of your fly line either to the right side or left side of your main line. The resulting “hook”, looks much like the letter “J” on top of the water and keeps your line to the side of the feeding fish, while your fly floats drag free, into the fishes feeding lane.

Mending is the act of lifting the fly line off the water and and re-positioning it either upstream or downstream to eliminate drag and accomplish a more natural drift. Mending your fly line on big water such as the Muskegon river can be as important at the fly cast itself, if not more so. What good is a great cast, if it only floats drag free for a foot or two and then goes skating across the surface? This can be compounded when fishing over multiple seems, therefore a couple of tried and true mends are a necessity to your angling arsenal, the Roll Cast mend and Stack mend.

The Roll Cast mend is a great way to prepare your fly for a long, drag free drift and deadly when fishing in relatively flat stretches of water. The best way to execute a Roll Cast mend is to first have enough line out so that you DON’T cast all of it, but still place your fly just beyond the feeding lane of your fish. Then lift your rod tip, letting the extra 3-5′ of line slide through the guides of your rod, then re-grip the line with your off-rod hand and roll cast UPSTREAM of the fly line you have lying on the water. The end result should have your roll cast carry the extra line you fed out, as well as nearly all of the line lying on the water upstream of your leader and fly, creating a downstream angle of your fly line now lying on top of the water. Keep rod tip high to begin with and follow the line down to and past your casting position and towards your feeding trout. It’s a great way to get a long drift by doing all of your casting and mending, well before your fly come close to the fish.

A stack mend is used to create a pile, or stack, of line to aid in a drag-free drift, typically on a downstream-and-across presentation that crosses multiple current seams. Essentially, the angler is feeding line directly downstream from his position. The key is to have extra line already stripped off the reel, so you can feed that line downstream by simply shaking the rod tip side to side, to maintain a dead drift and feed line simultaneously.

3) You CAN change angles that you cast from – Another way to counter the affects of casting across multiple seams in big rivers like the Muskegon, is simply to re-position yourself in the river. By moving your casting position upstream or downstream, it’s possible to remove that troubling part of the seam from interfering with your drift. You may still have fly line floating over this seam, but not the strongest current(s) in the seam and as a result, you will get a different drift.

4) You MUST try different fly patterns to entice that rising fish to take your fly – Even with the best cast, mend and drag free drift, sometimes fish just don’t take your offering……that’s fishing ! However, if armed with a few different patterns of the same fly, you can get that trout to take your offering and more often than not, it’s because you showed the fish something different. Don’t be fooled, trout rarely “miss”. If you get a trout to come to the surface, only to have them swirl away at the last second, it’s because the fish saw something to make them refuse your fly. Don’t wait too long to change patterns, a few good casts should tell the tale of that feeding trout. Additionally, it’s helpful to pay attention to the rise itself, especially if given the opportunity on flatter stretches of the river, where choppy surface water is at a minimum and you CAN see how the fish is feeding. A rise with only a dimple on the river surface being seen, means that trout is taking rising/emerging insects and you should look for a pupa/larva pattern in your fly box and fish it just under the surface. If the trout shows its nose and dorsal fin during its rise, that’s most often the sign of a bug being taken from the surface film, like a caddis or mayfly who’s come to the surface and attempting to shed it “pupal shuck”, break through the film to dry its wings and fly off. When the fish is obviously taking bugs that are free floating on the surface, it’s pretty easy to see and fish. At this point it’s a matter of matching the color and size of the natural insect, then mimicking the action or lack of action, to entice a strike.

Big rivers certainly present different challenges to the fly fisher, but by no means obstacles that cannot be overcome or countered. Learning each of these, as well as other “add-on techniques” while on the river, will make you a better angler regardless of the river. I believe that self discovery is our greatest learning tool and each of us can learn a great deal about the river, the insects that inhabit it and the fish that call it home, every time we’re on the water.

Jeff Bacon – West Michigan, Orvis Endorsed, Fly Fishing Guide & Author
http://www.westmichiganflyfishing.com

Are you looking for the fly fishing adventure of your life? Join me on the river for an experience you’ll never forget!

Symptoms

Fin and Tail Rot is a common infection in tank aquariums caused by a group of bacteria called Cytophaga, which affect fish with long, soft fins. The symptoms have a wide range. Generally the tail and fins start looking ragged, either in the form of a ‘bite’ or a ‘shredded’ effect. These lesions are discolored White/Grey with an edging of red. They can form into ulcers which have an orange/yellow color. The fish may also be listless and reluctant to feed. At an advanced stage, large milky patches can be seen on the fins and a sizable amount of tissue will have been destroyed. Respiration will also be rapid with excessive amounts of mucous in the gills and the lips of the fish may be swollen. The main danger is that if left untreated, the disease can rot the entire fin and start to invade the fish’s body.

Causes and Prevention

It is very important to diagnose why this infection has occurred. The bacteria actually exists in most fish tank aquariums without being a problem, therefore the disease is usually triggered by other factors, virtually all cases being precipitated by stress or poor environmental conditions. It is essential to identify and remove underlying stressors.

It is commonly introduced into tank aquariums by new fish from the pet store that harbour the harmful bacteria, which they release into your tank through feces. It is therefore vital to quarantine all new fish for about 10 days before introducing them into new fish tank aquariums. Fish can be extremely sensitive to stress and can also develop the disease due to the trauma of not being carefully acclimatized to a new fish tank environment. It is important that all fish are compatible and peaceful fish are not matched with aggressive fish, as this would lead to bullying which usually results in fin and tail nipping and the wounds provide ideal breeding grounds for the bacteria. Also do not overcrowd tank aquariums as this stresses out fish and can even make peaceful fish become nippy, as well as resulting in polluted tanks.

To identify and remove any problems with water condition, do a check of your water quality using a test kit to ensure there is no build up of unwanted chemicals. Make sure you maintain the proper water parameters particular to the fish species you keep. Hard water with a high pH encourages the growth of the bacteria, as does a sudden dip in temperature.

As part of your regular maintenance routine, ensure all equipment is working properly, especially the filter. Do 15% water changes weekly as well as vacuuming the gravel. You should also try to remove any uneaten food after each feeding time.

Treatment

Before using any medication, do a thorough clean of the fish tank. Scrub the inside of the glass/acrylic and thoroughly clean the gravel to remove waste from the substrate. Alternatively, you may completely remove the gravel for greater effect. You should minimize the areas where the bacteria can live and breed so take away any ornaments in the tank and bleach them. Clean the outside of the fish tank, hood, light and tank top. Water quality plays a critical role in the prevention and cure of fin and tail rot so you need to perform a large water change – I would suggest 50%. Remove activated carbon from filters as this will eliminate any medication you use.

There are different degrees of fin and tail rot which will determine the type of treatment you use in your tropical freshwater aquarium.

For the first stages of the disease, I strongly advise using Melafix along with aquarium salt. This is an all natural medication which will not destroy your biological filter. Use 2 teaspoons (10ml) of Melafix for every 50 gallons of water, combined with 2 tablespoons of aquarium salt per 10 gallons of water. Regular tropical fish will be fine with it. Dissolve the salt in water rather than pouring it into the tank, as if it comes into direct contact with fish it will burn them. The water will foam up and smell of liquorish but this is normal and will soon disappear after the treatment is over and you perform water changes. Perform a 5% water change each day for 10 days and replenish the medication and salt according to the correct ratio to bring the concentration back up to full strength. Continue to keep the tank clean by wiping the sides and vacuuming the gravel (if you keep it). This will treat the bacterial infection and help to heal the damaged fins. You should notice a rapid improvement and regeneration of fish fins. If not, the fish need to be removed to a quarantine tank for stronger treatment.

I would just mention that some advocate using copper sulfate but this risks further damage to the gills of the fish.

For more advanced forms of the disease I would recommend moving the infected fish into a spare, bare tank for treatment. You will need to treat the fish with antibiotics such as Tetracycline, Maracyn-Two or Maracyn Plus Antibacteria for at least 10 days. Carefully follow the instructions and do not mix medications as this can be fatal. These medications are available from pet shops and online vendors.

Keeping fish tanks, aquariums disease-free

Following a protocol of quarantining when adding new fish and carefully acclimatizing them to new tank aquariums, as well as suitably matching fish and avoiding overcrowding, will greatly minimize stress, which is a major cause of the disease. Through regular and thorough maintenance of fish tank aquariums, ensuring good water quality, correct water parameters and efficient filtration, incidence of parasites becoming a problem should be eliminated. Should fin and tail rot occur despite your best efforts, early signs of the disease can be easily detected by carefully monitoring your fish each day, especially at feeding time. Through swift remedial action, fish can be quickly treated and restored to health.

Jill writes concerning some of the dangers encountered maintaining a Freshwater Aquarium. For additional information on fish care visit her website dealing with different types of Fish Tanks.

If you are like most used car buyers looking for a good deal then you are looking to spend as little as possible to get you rolling. If spending as little as possible is your main focus in buying a used car then you should be shopping with a strict set of criteria that any car must meet in order for you to consider buying it.

There are a number of factors that affect the cost of owning a car both short term as well as long term. Here are a list of factors to consider when looking to spend as little money as possible when buying a used car:

1) the car must not be too expensive to buy

2) the car must be in good mechanical overall condition

3) parts for repairs must be readily available and affordable

4) the car must meet reasonable expectations of longevity

5) the car must be economical on fuel costs

6) the car must be economical on insurance costs

These are general guidelines that are based on the cost to buy, maintain, repair, insure and drive the car. A car that meets these requirements will have the greatest likelihood of costing the least both up front, but also in the long run when you factor in the ongoing costs of driving the car.

What is the best type of car for a small budget?

If you are shopping within a tight budget but require a car that will be consistently reliable for the foreseeable future then you really should be shopping for a four cylinder car that is front wheel drive and has four doors. Additionally you do not want the vehicle to be newer than 5 years old and no older than 12-15 years old.

Vehicle Age

The age of the car you are buying will be one of the most important factors in determining the value of the car. In addition to being an attribute of the condition of the car itself, the vehicle year will also affect the insurance quotes that you will get on the car, the availability and cost of replacement parts, as well as the resale value in the future should you want to sell the car.

Buying a brand new car

Buying a brand new car is a rewarding experience to be sure but seldom a wise investment since a new car will devalue instantly as soon as you assume ownership of the car. This measurable loss in equity is a result of the car no longer being brand new and thereby losing its most valued attribute. For any person looking to buy a car on a budget a brand new car will almost always be a bad decision. If you are intent on buying a new or nearly new car, the value of your buying dollar will go much further on a car that is even six months or one year old.

Buying used cars 1-5 years old

Used cars in the category are a substantially better investment than cars that are brand new. The large depreciation of the car when it transitioned from being a new car to a used car has been experienced by the current or previous owner. A car in this age range will be less likely to experience mechanical failures than cars moderately older, which is important as replacement parts are more expensive and less available than cars which are a few years older. Additionally the insurance premiums you are quoted for newer cars is substantially higher than a car which is a few years older. This is a very important factor for any used car shopper which falls into a moderate to high risk category due to age, experience or previous claims on their insurance history.

Buying used cars 5-10 years old

Used cars in the age range of five to ten years old represent the best likelihood for a good long term car investment for a thrifty shopper. The insurance rates on these vehicles will be much lower than newer vehicles and replacement parts should be readily available and cost effective to buy. The purchase price of used cars in this age range are low and the possibility of finding an undervalued car to buy for cheap is high if you shop around enough. There is a sharp drop off in price as cars age from the five year to the ten year point. A used car that is more than ten years old will be priced according to its condition more than its age.

Buying used cars more than 10 years old

Once a car is more than a decade old it will be priced for sale according to its condition and vehicle reputation alone. It can be expected that used cars of this age will require regular maintenance and ongoing repairs for the remainder of its life. Some older cars will sill run trouble free for years while others will need repairs on a regular basis just to keep them on the road.

A used car buyer shopping in this age range must be comfortable with performing vehicle repairs and maintenance themselves or have a dedicated monthly budget to allow for ongoing repairs.

Additionally a used car in this age range can develop a problem which will be very expensive to repair such as an engine or transmission failure so the importance of being able to buy a used car that is in good condition is even more important. Rust and rot can also become a pressing issue for cars in this age range, especially in colder climate areas where road salts are used to keep the roads cleared in winter. A ten year old car that has not been maintained or rust proofed located in a cold climate could easily be rotted beyond repair on the frame or sub frame. Vehicles in this age range are likely to be the least reliable and are recommended only for those who are capable with DIY repairs on an ongoing basis and carrying a basic tool and emergency kit is a must at all times.

As you can see there is more to consider than simply the price tag when it comes time to buy a used car. There is no such thing as the best used car, only the best used car for your needs and your budget.

Steven Goodale is the author of the Used Car Buying Guide which explains in simple English how to inspect a used car before you buy it – step by step.

Making money because of affiliate company internet marketing, aka “affiliate marketing” can be one of the uttermost gratifying endeavors you could ever begin. What’s great about this endeavor is that men and women can join and build their way to massive profits. Affiliate company internet marketing has been known to be an inexpensive, assessable system of achieving long-term profits. In reality, you can begin even with a limited budget. And with affiliate company internet marketing, you possess the advantage of working at home and experiencing the liberty and power of working for yourself.

But there are also various people who failed in this type of business. It could be because they lack understanding and tactics. If you are a web site owner and you desire to join in an affiliate company internet marketing business, you have to understand where to find great programs.

Clickbank, The Premier Affiliate Company Internet Marketing Program

Clickbank is a model site to begin. Here, you can discover one of the largest affiliate company internet marketing programs in the world. You simply need to visit their site, CLICKBANK and obtain a Clickbank ID. From Clickbank’s home page, advance to “Earn Commissions” and scan for the products and services that completely fit your goals. These products are normally positioned according to their reputation.

Clickbank is one of the affiliate company internet marketing programs that assists as a 3rd party between the web merchants and the affiliate company internet marketing associates. It is accountable in providing the technology to deliver the vendor’s offers and campaigns. The affiliate company internet marketing manager also does the job of gathering commission fees from the vendor and giving it to the associates involved in the program.

Clickbank provides you a large and successful organization of publishers or affiliates to tap into. To be more definite, Clickbank has more than 100,000 affiliate company internet marketing associates who are experts in locating targeted clients for your associate program. The explanation for why a large number of affiliates are becoming a part of Clickbank is probably because gaining commissions in this organization is absolutely fair and clear.

Becoming a Clickbank Affiliate Company Internet Marketing Vendor

For most people, applying for an account with Clickbank is so simple. All you have to do is sign up at their site for free and they will begin to sell your products. Maintain a web site that provides your potential customers detailed information about your offered product or services. At your website, you must also maintain a comprehensive technical support pages for your product. In return, Clickbank will promote and sell your product, give customer service for your product, allow their affiliates to pass on traffic to your web site, enable you to encourage new affiliates to advertise your web site, furnish real-time sales reporting for you and the affiliates and send you and all affiliates a paycheck twice a month.

Becoming a Clickbank Affiliate Company Internet Marketing Associate

If you’re a future affiliate company internet marketing superstar, you definitely will not have a problem becoming a participant of this network. First, you will need to place their link on your website and if you don’t possess a Clickbank account, you will want to complete the extremely simple affiliate company internet marketing registration form and create your own Clickbank account. Then, after you have created your username, you are at liberty to select whatever merchandising tools you desire to use in order to bring in more clicks and create more sales. After selecting business tools, you can now get your associate link.

That’s how easy it is to join Clickbank. But becoming a Clickbank super affiliate is no minor achievement. It means you need to possess the power to sell lots of affiliate merchandise. You also want to have knowledge in search engine optimization, email marketing, ezine marketing, reciprocal linkage, link exchanges and other systems of promoting your affiliate company internet marketing program.

Becoming an Affiliate Company Internet Marketing Superstar

Amidst the secrets to become affluent in affiliate company internet marketing is to come up with great content based website and put your associate links in all your content. Your primary objective here is to present your visitors with great quality content concerning the things they are engrossed in. Set aside the job of selling. It should be done by the sales letter page you are directing them to.

Promote multiple affiliate programs in your website but don’t promote everything the planet has to sell. Just select the affiliate company internet marketing programs that fit your site and concentrate on them. Then, it is smart to automate the entire process, giving you ample time for different ventures. Yes, automation is another key to becoming a top affiliate company internet marketing associate.

Of course, you have to expend more time in reading, learning and taking up the changes in affiliate company internet marketing business. Because of this, you’ll stay on top of the trends. If you are familiar with online marketing, you’ll realize how critical it is to stay up-to-date. In this type of business, what worked and what was accepted few months ago may not work at present-day. So always see to it that you comprehend what’s new in affiliate company internet marketing day-to-day.

Affiliate Company Internet Marketing Can Be Your Financial Vehicle

Even though it can genuinely be hard work becoming a super affiliate, you shouldn’t give thought to quitting. Keep in mind that in affiliate company internet marketing business, you want to develop perseverance, self-control and knowledge. These traits will enlighten you to carry on no matter how difficult the job is. Also, check your affiliate company internet marketing statistics. This will help you find out what is working and what is not. Make important changes if required but do it one at a time and be patient.

Don’t forget that in affiliate company internet marketing, everything won’t take place immediately. And it will not occur without blood, sweat and substantial time commitment. Again, simply encompass patience, persistence and knowledge; then do above mentioned tactics. Once you know it, you will begin gaining profits. Trust me, the benefit of all your efforts here in affiliate company internet marketing shall be way too sweet.

Richard Trice has been marketing online since 1999 and has sold millions of dollars worth of products. You can Discover the #1 Weapon that is responsible for his success at The Real Secret to Massive Online Success! [http://www.guerillamarketingtool.com/affiliate2]

Why temperature is so important

NB. F = Degrees Fahrenheit and C = Degrees Centigrade

Temperature is critical in determining how long to cook a turkey, for the simple fact that the bird must have reached a uniform temperature of at least 165 F throughout in order to destroy harmful bacteria. You do not want to give your guests food poisoning!

The turkey is a weird shaped food source! – Large body covered with thick flesh around the breast area, large legs made up of dense muscle and a large internal cavity. Because of this, it is not so easy as cooking a single joint of meet for example. The breast meat tends to cook much faster that the dense muscular leg meat, so there is a risk of over-cooking the breast meat whilst waiting for the leg meat to cook thoroughly.

Deciding how long to cook a turkey is not an easy question to answer as there are so many variable factors to consider.

The type of oven

With conventional gas or electric ovens (not Microwave, Convection, Rotisserie) the top of the oven is the hottest zone. The middle part of the oven is usually the coolest zone. The bottom part of the oven is usually also a cool zone in a gas oven, but in an electric oven this area can be a hot zone. As the turkey will remain in the same position throughout the cooking cycle, this will influence the length of time and how evenly the turkey cooks.

Microwave ovens work on an entirely different principle but due to the larger size of turkey compared to chicken, may not be large enough to cook turkey.

Convection ovens are more efficient than conventional ovens because an internal fan circulates hot air all around the food. Turkey cooked in a convection oven should be more evenly cooked with maybe a 50% saving in time.

Rotisserie ovens are also more efficient than conventional ovens because the food is continually turned allowing heat to penetrate evenly.

Size and weight of the turkey

No surprises here, but the larger and heavier the turkey, the longer the time period for cooking! If the turkey is so large that it only just fits into the oven, seriously consider using a bigger oven or buying a smaller turkey. The reason for this is that to cook the turkey thoroughly, there must be a good air space all around the turkey to enable hot air to circulate. If this is not the case then it will be difficult to gauge cooking times and ensure even cooking throughout.

Fresh or frozen turkey?

Many people prefer to cook a fresh turkey as the taste is said to be superior to frozen. Fresh turkey should be purchased 1 to 2 days prior to cooking and stored in a refrigerator. When ready to cook take out of the refrigerator and allow to come up towards room temperature.

Frozen turkey is more convenient for many people however and provided the correct thawing out procedure is followed, should be safe and tasty. Care must taken to follow the suppliers thawing out instructions correctly, including that applying to stuffing. A general guide to thawing frozen turkey stored in a refrigerator is to allow 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds weight (e.g. a 14 pounds turkey would take 3 to 4 days to thaw out).

Deciding how long to cook your turkey

Professional chefs cook their turkey at an oven temperature range 325 F to 350 F (170 C to 180 C).

As a guide, if you are cooking a 12 pounds weight fresh or thawed frozen turkey without stuffing using a conventional oven operating at a temperature of 325 F, the likely cooking time would be 3 Hours. When stuffing is placed within the turkey it will take a little longer to cook through so the cooking time must be increased. Refer to a good turkey cook book for full instructions.

Testing temperature when cooking your turkey

The old school method for testing when your turkey is cooked is to use a clean metal skewer. When the approximate cooking time is up, you take the turkey out of the oven and carefully pierce the thickest part of the leg with the skewer. Remove the skewer and press against the leg to see if the juices run out clear without any trace of pink – if the juices are clear then the turkey should be cooked.

There are more accurate methods available using modern technology, more suited to the amateur or newbie chef:

• Use a temperature probe food thermometer designed to be inserted directly into the turkey during the cooking process, as directed by manufacturers instructions. This continuously monitors the internal cooking temperature so you can be certain that the correct minimum temperature is achieved.
• Use a thermometer (designed for the specific purpose) to register the internal temperature of your oven so as to check the accuracy of your ovens temperature controls.
• When the turkey has cooked and has been removed from the oven, use an “instant read” probe food thermometer to check the internal temperature of various parts of the turkey e.g. legs, inner thigh, breast, internal cavity stuffing. The turkey should be allowed to rest for approximately 30 minutes after cooking and the internal temperature must be at least 165 F to ensure that the meat is cooked sufficiently well and safe to eat.

Turkey cooking tips

1. Some professional chefs suggest pre heating your oven to a much hotter initial temperature of 425 F ( 220 C ). Place your turkey in the oven and leave for approximately 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature down to the correct range selected e.g. 325 F for the remaining time. The idea here is to give the turkey a good blast of heat which penetrates right into the meat and any stuffing.
2. Consider cooking stuffing outside the turkey in a casserole.
3. To protect the turkey breast from over-cooking and drying out, consider placing stuffing under the breast skin. You should carefully peel back the skin and work your fingers and then your hand under the skin to free it from the meat. Spoon the stuffing into the cavity and then replace the skin and secure down to avoid anything leaking out.

Enjoy your turkey dinner celebration!

The author is an enthusiastic home cook loving traditional recipes. For a complete guide to cooking turkey made easy visit http://howto-cookaturkey.com

To exasperate means to “stir up”. To frustrate, vex, annoy or make angry. There might be battles, children with parents; there might be struggles within. If we find that we are warring with our children – fighting battles with them on the home front, or if we see signs of unhappiness, or difficulty, we might discover that one or more of these 30 Ways is the cause:

1. Physical Abuse

Nobody would argue that harsh physical abuse is a one way ticket to a broken child, but physical abuse is so much broader. It ranges in anything from violent beating to repeated hitting. Parental authority should never be abusive. No child should ever be subjected to cruel punishment. Physical violence has no place in the family. A parent needs to ask themselves what their discipline accomplishes and be concerned about the after affects. No child should feel frightened or abandoned, or that they are inherently wicked.

There is a very strong argument that says that there should never be a raised hand to a child – be it a spanking, a caning, use of the hair-brush or slipper.

Being sent to boarding school, I was subjected to corporal punishment, several times subjected to the cane and leather strap. There are some who have the, “it didn’t do me any harm” view, but I can not subscribe to that. It did me a lot of harm, affecting my self-esteem and my view of authority. I harboured feelings of resentment and revenge. In my young mind I wouldn’t have cared if some of those masters had met an untimely demise. This is not a feeling I would want any child to have to deal with.

2. Verbal Abuse

Words Are Powerful. The written word carries much weight, but the spoken word is extremely powerful. Words can embolden and strengthen – but words can also cut like knives. When there is little thought given to how words might affect a child, we could be in danger of saying things which could harm our young ones. Given the more definitive list of fractious words that gain entry to these 30 Ways, this point is somewhat broader. It might include the snarled “Come on!” to the child lagging behind, the hissed “Shut up!” to a child who is too loud for comfort. The gradual wearing down of a little one’s spirit, the relentless chip, chip, chipping away at their self-esteem. The Chinese speak of Death By A Thousand Cuts, and verbal abuse in all its forms could result in the decline of out children’s self worth and desire.

I wonder whether this would include words said in jest, or teasing. If a young child declares, “I want to be a surgeon,” is she met with, “You can’t even cut the bread straight. Did you not see the mess you made of the play dough?” Or the young boy who dreams, “I want to be a fireman!” Is he ribbed, “But you can’t even hit the toilet!” Surely these would be examples of taking away a child’s hopes and dreams, and that is not something we, as parents, would want to do.

Perhaps it is best if jokes are left in the playground. A child needs to return home to a safe haven, knowing that everything said at school can be taken light-heartedly because, at least at home, Mum and Dad believe in me.

In summary: A parent who uses abusive and hurtful speech may raise an angry child, who in turn may grow up to become an adult full of rage. I don’t think anyone would argue that children who are continually screamed at and subjected to psychological indignities, emotionally battered and constantly criticized are having their spirit destroyed.

3. Name-calling

Surely it would be best for parents to refrain from calling their children names. Idiot, dolt, clot, chump, stupid and names of this sort are the mental equivalent of water torture. It might be funny to begin with, but before long it begins to irritate, then aggravate, then anger. I also wonder whether some terms of endearment might be guarded against. Names that we think of as affectionate, might be too much for children to bear. Prince or Princess – more especially, “My Prince/Princess” – terms that might become a habit for us, can begin to irk. I said to my daughter, “Hey, Gorgeous,” and, at two-and-a-bit, she replied, “I’m not gorgeous.” For me, I had to take that seriously, not question it, or argue it, just cut back or refrain.

It made me think that we need to be careful of terms that we understand, but are alien to our children, or terms that might be misunderstood. I still remember being called “pointy-head”. I have lived with it for years. Only recently I looked it up, and it discovered that it’s a reference to being intelligent. However, I know that it was one of those witty reverse-name type things, like when you call a tall child “Titch”. And even if it wasn’t, it doesn’t alter my perception of it. I wonder why a person should have to live with something as simple as name-calling for so long? It is evident to me that the names we call our children – even when we stop using them, can very easily be picked up and continued by them.

4. Labeling

Name-calling can easily turn into labeling. We should not underestimate the power of our words. Children may call each other “stupid” and know it is a joke, but when your mother, father or teacher calls you stupid, then you think it’s true because they ought to know. Labeling a child’s personality could be a factor in a teenager’s low self-esteem, depression and non-communication.

Is our child “lazy”, or “clumsy”, “shy”, or “sensitive”? Have we considered that we could be prompting a self-fulfilling prophecy? If we see our child in a particular role, then we could be inviting the danger of the child adopting the role by default

We might not label them to their face – a tragedy of great proportions – but if we see our child in that role, privately labeling them in some way, then it will make itself known in one way or another. Our child will pick up the vibes, the signals, and and this could cause them to begin to wilt under the branding.

5. Sarcasm

It has been called a sound barrier to learning. The trouble with sarcasm is its invitation to a stinging comeback. It might stir children to a preoccupation with revenge fantasies. There is confusion, resentment, a feeling of being made fun of. Are any of these mental challenges welcome in a family home?

6. Nagging

The connection has been made that parents who habitually make mountains out of molehills, nagging their children mercilessly about trivial matters, are inevitably going to have children who not only lie but are good at it. Habitual, long-winded, or cruel nagging rarely stops the children from doing the things they’re being nagged about. It could, however, stop the children from taking responsibility for their own actions.

This might include the relentless words of warning – every pen or pencil picked up is accompanied with the reminder not to write on walls, or not to run with it. Every plug socket is dangerous, every radiator and oven is hot, every step taken is with a charge to “be careful”. Perhaps, all a child is thinking is “nag, nag, nag, nag, nag, nag, nag.”

If we have a nagging suspicion that we are nagging – we probably are.

7. Threats and Bribery

“If…then…”, “Wait ’til your father gets home.” Predictions on how a child will turn out if they pursue a certain course. “You’ll never get anywhere with grades like that.” “You’ll never if you…”, “If you carry on behaving like that you’ll end up in prison.” Promising a child a beating or some other punishment. Counting – to whatever number – is perceived as a threat. Threats are very likely to be met with the defiant retort – spoken or not – “Let’s see you try.”

Bribery is the promise of some reward if something is accomplished. Sweets for good behaviour. The problem with this could be the child only doing something because of the promise of reward. The added danger of “If…” is the message it sends: “I don’t think you can.” This might, in turn, lead to a child’s doubting their own abilities.

Above all, a child should never be threatened with abandonment. It can be too easy to let slip, “Okay, well you stay here then. We’re going.” Or jokingly, “Right, I’m calling the removal people, and they will come and take you away.” Threats like this unnecessarily draw on a child’s fear of being abandoned.

8. Blaming and Accusing

“You’re always answering back”, “you never listen”, “You are a real embarrassment to me.” Phrases like these could encourage an atmosphere of blame and accusation. They focus on the individual, rather than the problem to be addressed.

Blaming and accusing would also include those questions which could be described as The Invitation To Lie: The parent knows the answer to something, yet they ask their child about it to see what answer they get. It can be confusing and irritating for a young one to be faced with this no-win situation. “Who did it?” is also a question which rarely has a satisfactory outcome.

9. Fault-finding, Being Overly Critical

When our child makes an effort at something, do we first point out the flaws? When the child puts on their own shoes: “Oh, you’ve got them on the wrong feet.” Every defect must be highlighted. The child successfully feeding themselves is told, “Look at you, you’ve got it all down your front, you messy little thing.” The result could be children who are frightened of taking any kind of spontaneous action, helpful included, because they worry that their parents will find some fault in what they have done. They might be criticized, or even punished. Criticism by parents might lead to deep-seated insecurity, or play a part in developing a child’s shyness.

10. Rules, Rules, and More Rules

Do we have rules for everything? Rules which then have to be adhered to, repeated and barked. Rules which tie down and constrain. Rules which have to be explained and numbered. Rules which make living at home seem like living under a dictatorship, under the family society. Already I feel hemmed in and unable to breath. At the same time, children need boundaries, which means that their parents need to set rules and sometimes enforce these rules by discipline. Even so, children must be helped progressively to see the underlying reason for these rules: their parents love them.

11. Praise

It seems as though praise of any kind would be a good thing. However, broad, unspecific praise – “You are such a good boy”, “You are always so kind to your sister” – could result in tension and misbehaviour. A child may not be able to accept this kind of praise because his own idea of himself is quite different. Try it on yourself: “You’re a great father!” How do you deal with that? You didn’t feel so great when you snubbed your child because you wanted to complete some task, or you unthinkingly called him a name. And you know it probably won’t be the last time you do it. Now imagine a child trying to cope with those feelings.

On the other hand, a lack of praise can also lead to insecurity. Sometimes praising in a new way, or praising at all, can take a conscious re-education of the way we parents think and speak. We have to find a more insightful method of praise, one which draws attention to the child’s accomplishments, rather than his personality.

12. Comparing

Comparing to a sibling. Comparing to others at school. Comparing to ourselves as parents. The danger with making comparisons is that it can lead to competition, and experience tells us that intense competition can lead to physical symptoms, emotional troubles, anxiety and hostility. As parents, we want our homes to be havens from this kind of stress.

13. Ignoring Uniqueness

Ignoring uniqueness is not the same as comparing, but it is closely allied with it. It differs, though, in object. Wise parents likewise find ways to express appreciation for each child’s unique qualities, abilities, and accomplishments.

14. Not Respecting Their Struggle

One way to exasperate children is to fail to understand their daily problems and tests.

Growing up is hard work, learning how to do things, how to cope. When parents express how easy certain tasks are – even the ones easy for us, like buttoning a coat, or getting the lid off something – it can be exasperating for children. Homework is not that easy, learning to play the piano or guitar is not that easy.

15. Not Listening

Communication is a two-way discussion. Parents cannot really get to know their children’s needs unless they listen to them. If parents constantly tell children what to do without encouraging them to express themselves, their children may become less and less willing to communicate.

16. Being unreasonable

Are we flexible? Open to discussion? Can we be reasoned with, so that if a child feels that something is unfair, we are approachable and can reason on a matter, perhaps even changing our mind or making an exception to a rule. The inability to do this – the “my way or the highway” approach on all matters – is likely to cause warfare and rebellion in the house.

17. Silent Treatment

Sometimes we need to be silent. Sometimes we feel angry about something, and need moments of silence to collect our thoughts, or even to let the young child recognise that what they have said or done is unacceptable – it has caused a grievance. The danger comes when we use silence as a weapon. Filling the house with an unsettling atmosphere of power and fear.

18. Quick to Anger

Do we fly off the handle quickly? Are the children scared to do anything because of our wrath? Do they need to tiptoe around us lest they set us off?

19. Withholding Independence

Right from the start children naturally desire more independence. This manifests itself from a very early age – putting on their own shoes, taking off their coat, which may be painfully slow to the adult trying to get out the door. However, when a child is often prevented from engaging in activities and assuming responsibilities for which they are ready, this can lead to frustration and resentment

20. Unrealistically High Standards

Being constantly put down by a parent or being measured by unrealistically high standards can be exasperating for children. The inability to live up to high parental expectations could cause significant loss of self-esteem. Our children need to feel it is safe to come to us when they have failed at something, or when something is making them unhappy.

21. Over-permissiveness

Parents must be fair and set good examples, but children need regulations and discipline. A growing child needs a sense of boundaries and limits. If parents condone wrongdoing in their children, they are bound to lose the children’s respect. As parents, we may later find that we have compromised the line of communication.

22. Lack of Headship

When the father – or other significant adult – lives up to his responsibility, the whole family is drawn closer together and strengthened. When parents give in to children, or rely too much on their child’s giving of love, if they are scared of losing their child’s love and affection, or if they are scared of upsetting them, the child might end up assuming the position of head of the house, “ruling the roost”, as it were. It is a position the child does not want and emotionally cannot handle.

23. Inconsistent Discipline

This can consist of disciple that bears little or no relation to the crime being punished – it might include the naughty step, or naughty chair. It can include meting out discipline for a misdemeanour one time, and then not doing so when the same thing is repeated. It does not mean we cannot listen to our child, and our instincts, and sometimes make an exception.

24. Public Discipline

Punishment by ridicule before friends makes the child downhearted, even hostile. It is embarrassing and annoying for children to be disciplined in front of people, the danger being that it is done for the benefit of onlookers rather than the child. As parents we do not want to be viewed as “letting them get away with it” and this is a moment that can tax our determination not to expose our child to public shame and humiliation.

Demanding good manners in a public forum can be demeaning to children, and an affront – “Say ‘Thank You’ to Auntie (Whoever)” or “What do you say?” Of course, we want our children to be polite, so this is another challenging area for parents.

Chastising children in front of their friends, reminding them about an assignment, finger-wagging, can all be terribly embarrassing for a youngster.

25. Hypocrisy

It is irritating and frustrating for children to be told that they should be kind and considerate, and yet they see their parents argue, gossip, act rudely, or get easily upset. Can they be blamed if they act in the same manner? Children can spot hypocrisy from a long way. They are not so young that they cannot spot double standards in adults. As an example: The grown-up who smokes, but fumes when they discover their child smoking.

26. Self-righteousness

This invitation to battle is closely allied with hypocrisy. How can it fail to be. When we demand certain standards we will soon find ourselves unable to meet them. Self-righteousness shows itself in parents ability to lecture and moralise. Going on and on about something. Needing to appear as if we never do a thing wrong, and yet pointing out wrong-doing in others. A self-righteous attitude may not be demonstrated against our children, but if they hear us speaking in a self-righteous way about others this might have a detrimental effect.

27. Passive Aggression

This emotion can often be seen when we act against our better judgment. Then we have pent up feelings of anger which seep out into our activities. We might say we’ll do something when we don’t feel like it, and then sabotage efforts to get ready. Or allow the irritation to build up within us, until it explodes into something else entirely. A good rule of thumb: We can be a little bit nicer than we feel, but not much.

28. Absenteeism

If we disappear from our children’s lives, if our job routinely takes us away from the family home for days, weeks or months, we cannot be surprised that our children will react negatively. Not only will we exasperate them but we may well undermine their self-worth, making them feel unloved and unlovable.

29. Lack of Self-Control

A lack of self-control is not just seen in an ability to get angry quickly, reacting to the merest hint of wrong-doing. It is not only seen in an overindulgence in alcohol or some other habit. A lack of self-control can be seen in a variety of areas, it manifests itself as a general character trait. Self-control is the ability to say “no” to yourself, to be self-disciplined. The parent who lacks self-control, cannot be surprised if he has a child who resists discipline.

30. Spiritual Neglect

Children are curious. They want answers. At some point, they are going to want answers to the big questions in life: “Who are we? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life?” Parents who avoid these questions, or show that such things are unimportant to them, could find themselves with difficulty at home, especially through the teenage years, when young adults are at their most vulnerable.

Further Reading

Between Parent & Child and Between Parent & Teenager Dr Haim G Ginott

Liberated Parents, Liberated Children and How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish.

Rory Sullivan writes Hamelife [http://hamelife.com], a website dedicated to helping parents negotiate the unpredictable waters of parent-child communication. With the 30 Ways at its heart, Hamelife encourages parents to avoid exasperating their children by embracing empathy, respect, and patience.

If you’re serious about wanting to start a business, the first thing you want to do is take the time to understand what really makes you tick. Where do you get your drive? What gets you in a “zone?”

However, there’s a lot more to figuring out the BEST business idea that will make you more money and give you more freedom to enjoy more success in your life.

And success to you may be different than success to someone else. It may not be all about money at all. It may not be about finding something you are completely passionate about. It may not be about having a “cool” business — the latest fad or a unique niche.

Success is how you define it.

Finding the right idea to bring you that success takes a willingness to be patient, good timing, and a lot of research.

And there’s nothing wrong with taking your time, being careful trying to figure out which small business ideas are best.

If you rush this process, you’re bound to come up with a business that doesn’t excite you at all.

You’ll be bored.

You won’t reach goals and it will become more like a job … maybe even harder!

You’ll feel like you would working for someone else. (You don’t want that again, do you?)

First, Figure Out What You Really Want

Starting off, you really have to force yourself to relax. I know what it’s like being very, very unhappy at a job. And I can tell you from first-hand experience that walking away from a well-paying job and jumping into your own business is stressful.

But if you carefully plan your “escape,” it will make it that much better!

Set Your Short-Term Goals

Maybe you want to make a ton of money and drive around in a BMW.

Or maybe you just want the freedom to enjoy your family or friends. Or perhaps it’s just a matter of being in control of your life — being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want.

Whatever your long-term goals are, first you have to concentrate on the shorter term goals before you can begin to see that “big picture.”

It’s up to you.

But understand that the type of business you start will play a roll in whether or not you meet your goals — both short and long-term.

If you’re trying to startup a part-time venture while working full-time for someone else, you’re going to have to set daily goals to try and squeeze in a few hours of work every day, often before and after work! (I used to get up at 4:30 in the morning, go to my full-time job at 8:30, come home at 5 or 6 and get right back to work on my new business … and I loved it!)

But if it’s a small business idea you came up with on the ride home and it doesn’t really “drive” you, it’ll make reaching your short term goals — often the hard part — a heck of a lot more difficult.

What are Your Long-Term Plans?

That big picture includes, more than anything, something you can see yourself doing every day. Something that — even on weekends — you love to do.

And even though it is something you love to do, make sure it will feed your long-term plan. And you won’t know that until you know what your long term plan actually is!

For instance, if your plan is indeed to make a lot of money and retire at a young age, you’ll obviously have to look at small business ideas that are highly profitable.

This would include mostly business-to-business models. There is typically more profit selling to businesses (a product or service) unless you make it big in the consumer market.

Why would the business-to-business market be more profitable? Because a business would be more willing to invest in a product or service (that may even be a write-off) versus the consumer market which is more “luxury” driven. Meaning, consumers base a lot of their buying decisions on want instead of needs.

It’s also a financial issue.

A larger business can pay a $300 invoice without thinking about it whereas a consumer getting a $300 bill may sweat a little more.

This is just an example of understanding your long-term goals so you can look closer at a finite number of business ideas to get you closer to where you want to be.

And if you go ahead and hang your “open for business” sign and then realize, “Oh, I can’t make that much money doing this!”, you’ll only be taking one step forward and two steps back.

Grab a Pad … Ideas Will Come and Go

Because — like all entrepreneurs — you’re a thinker, you’ve always got ideas popping into your head. Probably more than you can handle (the brain only has so much room, right?).

That’s why you should always keep a notebook by your side.

Sure, some of the best ideas get written on a cocktail napkin. But you’re better off trying to give these ideas more permanence. And having a notebook dedicated to your small business ideas will give you a growing and buildable “diary” to use when you’re good and ready to go for it!

And once you start putting your ideas in writing, you’ll find yourself getting into the habit of using your notebook more and more. It’s like anything else that takes practice.

The more you do it, the better you get at finding the best small business ideas. And each idea will help you grow more specific or “niche” ideas.

Become a Private Investigator!

What you want to do is really learn how to research. You’ve got to dig — and dig deep — to determine what business really could work best for your success.

Not only do you have to know who you are and what’s going to drive your personality the most, but you also need to think about what sells.

What type of business can be profitable?

Too many people make the mistake of looking at only one aspect of starting a small business. If you love parakeets and you’re passionate about them, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to open up a store in your town without knowing if anyone else likes them!

As a side note, starting an internet business allows you a greater opportunity to build a business around something you’re passionate about. If it’s parakeets you love, you’ll find more people on the internet with your same passion than you would in your own backyard. For some great information about finding your passion on the internet, click here

You research should include looking at what other businesses are doing (successfully and not so successfully) in your city or town.

Look at small businesses and even what the “big guys” are doing.

Maybe you could create a smaller business with a personal touch that the “big guys” are typically missing out on (no matter how hard they try.)

Figure out more about what makes you tick …

What kind of hobbies do you have, if any?

What kind of magazines do you enjoy?

What do you like to do most in your “free” time?

What was the best job you ever held? Even if it’s one you had when you were a kid, you may find a business in something you know and love — but don’t even realize it yet!

Business Ideas Are Everywhere

Start to think about needs in your town or city. Is there something missing? Is there a need or a product or some type of service people would use that they “want?”

What is the majority age population in your city or town? Is it mostly seniors? (a huge market because they are more active and living longer than ever.) Or is your community made up of younger families?

Check out the local sections in your paper. Read the Lifestyle and Arts section. (I always find articles about local business people who have started businesses.)

Look at local and state businesses. Look at consumer trends and what people “want.”

Is there something other businesses in your area need? Don’t be afraid to go around and ask!

Think about concerns we all have in the world today.

There are so many opportunities out there, waiting for like you to step up and get started with a new business!

Don’t be afraid to ask!

This is where your friends, family and neighbors come in. Ask them to give you their number-one need. A product or service that’s “hard-to-find.” A complaint about what’s missing from their lives.

How many times have you looked for something — a product or service — and had to travel a long distance to get it?

Answering questions will give you plenty to think about and some good material for your notebook.

And if you’re interested in the business-to-business market, you could always put together a survey and mail it out to local businesses. Give them an incentive (a low-cost, high value gift) and find out what they really need to help them improve their business.

You may find that all of the local businesses in your area need someone to take care of local deliveries. Or someone to help them type or use their computer more effectively..

Just remember, starting a small business is a process and it takes time. The more planning and research you do up front, the better chance you’ll have to success and have a little bit of fun, too.

Greg Payette is the publisher of HowtoStartup.com and helps people find and start small business with his ideas, tools and resources. Sign up for a FREE e-course, “7 Mistakes That Will Prevent You From Starting Your Business” by visiting =>http://www.howtostartup.com

Fashion industry attracts many young people nowadays not only because it is a rather new profession, but also it is supposed to realize person’s likes in the field of fashion. Besides, it is quite a high-paid profession today. When a young person decides to connect his or her activity with the fashion industry nothing comes to mind except one its aspect – fashion design. Probably, few people actually know that it’s a separate field of fashion industry. In fact, there is a great number of other professions and specialties in fashion including designing clothing, fashion design, fashion marketing, fashion merchandising, etc. The latter doesn’t get worthy attention, but it is very important. Due to merchandising we have fashionable clothes in the shops and stores.

How can one know whether fashion merchandising is the field for him to start work at? Look through the following traits of a potential fashion merchandiser and if at least one point coincides with your way of life, you have all chances to make the career in the field. Do you like to spend your weekend walking through flea markets for the latest retro fashions? Or maybe your friends want to borrow your fashionable shoes and your defiant accessories? If so, maybe you should take a walk down the fashion runway. Being a student in merchandising, you will get an opportunity to learn more about fabrics and textiles. You are also going to study the cultures and subcultures that shape the way people dress.

No doubt, in order to become a professional merchandiser, a great desire and talent for this specialty is not enough. If a person wants to get into this career and have success in it one needs to get the right education and training at first. A fashion merchandising college will be of great help for you. Once you study at a fashion merchandising college you will get an opportunity to learn all the ins and outs of the fashion industry because there one can get a practical experience and build a strong foundation necessary for further working in this field.

A student has the right to choose whether to obtain a two-year Associate in Art degree or a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in the field of fashion. It depends on the kind of a fashion merchandising college you are going to visit. Besides, you are also welcome to unite this education with classes or even a major or minor in a related specialty, for instance, fashion design or fashion marketing. Students in a fashion merchandising college learn how to manufacture, buy, promote, and sell fashion items, beginning from clothing and jewelry to cosmetics and furniture. They also learn about textiles (fabrics and the fibers used to make them).

One should choose his or her future merchandising college very thoroughly. Depending upon the fashion merchandising college you are going to attend a sort of the necessary courses in your degree course will greatly vary. The most preferable courses include subjects like accounting principles, business law, salesmanship, fashion sketching, merchandising math, merchandising, publicity and promotions, fashion development, trend-spotting, and the history of fashion. You are certain to like those subjects, besides, they will give you the fundamental knowledge of the fashion industry.

Studying at a fashion merchandising college is not like studying at any other educational establishment. Many core courses in fashion merchandising are hands-on and involve a great amount of project work. Professors tend to rely more on their life experiences than on textbooks. If you are going to become a student expect to take a lot of field trips and listen to many guest speakers. You may visit a fashion magazine or large clothing company. You might even swing by a fashion show or two.

Having the profession of a fashion merchandiser is very interesting. It involves much communication with other people. When a person gets the job of a fashion merchandiser he or she is going to spend all days long visiting various fashion shows, buying clothing and designs, speaking with designers, overseeing advertising and marketing campaigns necessary for successful selling of your products, and managing the stores within your business network. You are also expected to find yourself negotiating business agreements with manufacturers and suppliers. Besides, you are going to arrange your own store displays. The scope of your activity depends on the size of the business you have as well as on the level of practical work expected of you.

Beginning the fashion merchandising career you should always improve your skills and knowledge of fashion tendencies in the world, and the most important thing you will have to do is to perfect your ability of picking out the next big thing in fashion before anyone else does. This will guarantee your success. This ability carries the foundation of your new knowledge of past fashions and trends. It includes everything you will obtain by attending a fashion merchandising college, but further you should develop this trend adding your own good taste in clothing.

Summing up, it would be necessary to say that the career of a fashion merchandiser cooperates with many different fields of the fashion industry. That’s why if you are searching for a more interesting kind of activity, something that’s more than just designing clothes or visiting fashion shows, fashion merchandising may be your piece of cake. But be very attentive while choosing an appropriate fashion merchandising college, try to use your wisdom in this uneasy task, because it may define your future profession and even you life. You should do your research before entering the fashion merchandising college, and beforehand check whether the school or program you are going to attend is properly accredited.

http://thekissups.com – fashion merchandising colleges

Faulty information costs you money! Which of these

popular business misconceptions do you believe?

Popular Misconception #1:

“We Only Need Our Books Done Once A Year For Tax Purposes.”

Are Your Accounting Records Adequate To Run Your Business?

Although it is important to keep records for tax purposes,

it is not the only reason (or even the primary reason) good

accounting records should be kept. Another frequent reason

clients request financial statement preparation is to obtain

bank financing. Although important, this also is not the

primary purpose of keeping good records for your business.

Good recordkeeping will enable you to extract meaningful

financial information for your business that will help you

to manage it properly. If you can`t access this information,

you will not be able to manage your business properly. Bad

management leads to business failure.

Yes, the primary reason good accounting records should be

kept is to produce periodic (at least on a monthly basis)

financial statements for management information purposes.

Only with this current financial information can you properly

manage your business. This information can alert you to

declining sales, excessive expenses, tax opportunities,

cashflow problems, and many other vital concerns for your

business.

To be of value, this accounting system should be set up

with meaningful account categories and departments. It may

be cost-effective to have an outside accounting service do

the monthly bookkeeping. However, with accounting software

that is readily available, you don`t have to be an expert

bookkeeper to do your own books and extract meaningful

financial information.

If you do your monthly statements yourself, it would still

be prudent to have your accountant or business advisor help

you set up your system and, as well review such information

with you to discuss problems and opportunities.

Popular Misconception #2:

“Writing My Hobby Off As A Business Loss

Saves Me A Lot Of Income Tax!”

Is Your Hobby A Tax Write-Off?

If your business has no reasonable expectation of profit, if it is a

hobby and not really a business, you will ultimately fail in your tax

objective. Since your losses are being incurred for a hobby and not a

true profit generating business, the tax authorities will take the

position that you aren`t entitled to any deductions. This is a double

blow. First, you`re losing money. Second, you`re denied tax deductions.

It is true, however, that if you enjoy what you`re doing, you`ll do

better at it. You`ll be willing to work longer hours and you`ll be

willing to put up with more hardships in order to make your business a

success.

Rather than attempting to have the tax system subsidize your hobby,

why not turn that favorite pasttime into a real, profit generating

business? This is a doubly rewarding. First, you make money at

something you love doing. Secondly, the tax authorities legally have to

allow your reasonable expenses to earn your now substantial business

income.

Prove that you`re running a business by running a business. Prepare and

follow a proper business plan. Keep good accounting records with at

least monthly financial statements to give you the information you need

to manage your business. Above all, make money from what you do.

Popular Misconception #3:

“I Don`t Make Enough Money to Incorporate!”

Will Incorporating Really Benefit You?

Some persons resist the idea of incorporating themselves because

the tax savings may not justify the added costs of incorporation,

annual minutes, and extra tax returns. However, incorporation gives

advantages that go far beyond tax savings.

Insurance may give you some protection against loss. However, you

may suffer business losses and lawsuits that may not be covered. For

extra protection, consider incorporating yourself. The limited

liability of your own corporation alone may justify the additional cost

and complexity.

Corporations may also be used for income-splitting with your family,

as well as estate planning and retirement planning objectives.

Additionally, corporations lend some credibility to smaller businesses

and may enhance your image and prestige in the eyes of clients or

suppliers.

Lower corporate tax rates will generally apply on small business income.

Even in loss years, wages can be paid by the corporation to you so that

you may utilize personal tax credits available. If unincorporated, these

credits might be lost forever. The now larger corporate losses can be

carried forward to future (hopefully more profitable) years.

A full analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation is

beyond the scope of this report. However, being incorporated may give

you more flexibility and advantages than you originally anticipated.

Certainly, it is not prudent to reject it as an option simply because it

is more complicated and costly. In fact, it may be one of the best

investments you ever made.

Popular Misconception #4:

“I really need an office out.

Being home-based makes me look amateur!”

Is A Home Office REALLY Professional?

Many times small business persons make the mistake of generating

unnecessary overhead in order to impress clients and prospects. Often

this attitude leads to escalating debt and business failure. One such

example is getting an impressive, but expensive, commercial office

space.

Customers aren`t stupid. They can see when such outside space is

necessary or advantageous for them. They can also see when it is a

waste of money and designed to fuel your ego. What matters most to

clients is whether they are getting cost-effective results or not. If

your product or service delivers such excellent value, your customers

will be impressed and come back. In contrast, if one allows his ego to

get in the way of satisfying the customers` needs, they will go

elsewhere.

With the move to telecommuting, downsizing, networked communications,

and home-based businesses, operating from your home office is actually

smart and trendy. Can you think of a more appropriate location for a

consulting firm specializing in home-based businesses? They of all

businesses should set the example in cutting unnecessary expenses and

operating efficiently.

This is not to say that there aren`t any disadvantages to being

home-based. One certainly must be well organized, disciplined, and

willing to follow good time management principles. This alone could

mark you as more professional than other businesses, home-based or not.

Expensive office space is not the answer to reflecting a professional

image. If you are truly concerned about your image, offer quality

service. Make sure that all your corporate communications (telephone,

websites, printed materials, et cetera) reflect the professional nature

of your business.

Popular Misconception #5:

“Since we`re not seeking financing,

we don`t need a business plan.”

Do You REALLY Need a Business Plan?

To obtain financing, many persons will prepare a business plan.

Although entrepreneurs will go to great lengths to get their loan or

capital, these same business persons will not bother to plan ahead very

far or analyse their business. Even if you required no additional

money, preparing a business plan can help you to succeed in your

business.

Running a business without a plan is like going on a trip without a

map,sufficient gas, money, or even a destination. Just as you wouldn`t

go on a vacation without some planning, no business can be successful

without it. Putting that plan in writing helps you to think out a

strategy for successfully operating and growing your business.

Where is your business today? Where will it be tomorrow? What is your

mission statement? What product lines are profitable? Which ones

aren`t? What business do you think you are in? What business do your

clients think you are in? Should you be in a different business? Is

your product or service less attractive to your clients? How are

competition, global commerce, technological and social changes affecting

your company? What is your competitive strength? What are your

weaknesses? Who are your biggest competitors? What are their

weaknesses and strengths? What is your marketing strategy?

What are your projected income and expenses and cashflow for the next

year? How about the next five years? Do you have a capital budget?

What determines whether you buy an asset or not? Do you have an exit

strategy? How will you manage growth? Do you have a financial plan? Do

you have an operations plan? What definite sales and net profit targets

have you set for this year and the next five years? What factors could

interfere with the attaining of these goals? What contingency plans have

you made to deal with such problems?

The purpose of these questions is to get you thinking and planning.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Although your accountant or

business advisor can help you prepare your business plan, only you can

set the appropriate goals and follow through on them. Yes, you

definitely need a business plan, not just for obtaining capital, but as

a roadmap for your business.

Popular Misconception #6:

“I like bartering with clients

because it saves paperwork and taxes.”

Are You Reporting Barter Transactions?

Bartering is an excellent way of doing business. However, contrary to

popular belief, some barter transactions are taxable, both for income

and sales tax purposes.

Legally, you must maintain adequate financial records for your business.

Barter transactions made by your business must be reported to the

appropriate taxation authorities and taxes paid. However, transactions

between friends not engaging in business with each other may not be

taxable.

If you are an auto mechanic and I am an accountant and I swap accounting

services for your car repair services, the transaction in this case is

most likely taxable, even if we are friends. However, your accounting

fees should be deductible as a business expense and so should the

business portion of my car expenses. Note also that sales and similar

taxes may apply on this transaction.

On the other hand, if I trade accounting services for a vacation for my

family, I should really declare the value of such services as income.

The firm supplying the vacation would be able to deduct that value as

accounting fees. Any sales or similar taxes would have to be paid on

such transaction.

Many persons don`t record such transactions. For some, it may be a

matter of wanting to believe that you don`t need to be bothered with the

extra paperwork or taxes. Remember, though, that ignorance of the law

is no excuse. Legally, you must keep proper records and pay all taxes

due.

Popular Misconception #7:

“All My Workers Are Self-Employed, So I Don`t Need

To Bother With Payroll Or Workers` Compensation.”

Do You Need To Pay Payroll Taxes?

To save on payroll taxes and workers` compensation premiums, many

employers arrange their affairs in such a way that those working for

them are self-employed, independent contractors. This is good tax

planning.

On the other hand, some employers take the position that all those

working for them are self-employed, whether they are or not. Although

it is tempting to eliminate payroll taxes and workers` compensation

premiums, care should be taken to do so legally.

Whether those working for you are employed or self-employed is a

question of fact (which can be determined by the Courts). Do you supply

the tools and vehicles? Do you determine the working hours? Do you

have the right to control how the job will be done? Do you pay a

flat-rate or by-the-hour or a salary? Does your worker have other

clients?

By asking several such questions, a pattern will emerge as to whether

your worker is employed or self-employed. If it turns out that your

worker fits all the criteria of an employee, don`t say he`s

self-employed. On audit, you would still be responsible for the payroll

taxes (and penalties and interest as well).

Even if your workers are considered independent contractors by the

Income Tax Department, it is still possible that they will be considered

to be “workers” for purposes of Workers` Compensation legislation.

Thus, it is the responsibility of the employer to determine whether such

coverage is necessary or not. Failure to obtain proper coverage could

subject you to substantial (and unnecessary) costs.

In review, calling someone self-employed, doesn`t necessarily make them

self-employed. If you have a dog, call it a dog. Your position that

your dog is really a cat will not be successful. Likewise, make sure

that your position regarding your workers is legally correct.

Popular Misconception #8:

“My Accountant Charges Too Much.

I Can`t Afford It Anymore.”

Is Your Accountant Worth His Fee?

Many business persons view bookkeeping, accounting, and tax preparation

as necessary evils. In their view, accounting fees are an expense to be

reduced, deferred or even completely eliminated.

A good accountant, however, can give you benefits far in excess of the

fees charged. Well-designed accounting systems will enable you to

extract meaningful financial information for your business that will

help you to manage it properly, avoid business failure, and alert you to

declining sales, excessive expenses, tax opportunities, cashflow

problems, and many other vital concerns for your business.

Your accountant can save you lots of money with the advice you receive

on tax and other business matters. As well, a competent accountant can

be a valuable resource in discussing business problems and opportunities

with you.

Popular Misconception #9:

“Nobody Makes Money On The Internet.”

Can You REALLY Profit From The Internet?

Many people feel that the Internet is all hype. Many others feel that

it is overrated. Still others are of the opinion that it may be good

for some types of business, but not theirs.

Typical comments heard include: “I`ve lost money on the Internet…Major

corporations have lost millions…Do you personally know anyone who has

made money from the Internet?”

However, if you check out the list of recent billionaires, a high

proportion of these are Internet-related, and many of them under

forty years of age. As well as the very rich, you can find many cases

of more modest financial prosperity resulting from Internet commerce.

It is true that many are losing money on the Internet. It is also true

that many don`t know what they`re doing. However, with the proper

assistance, you, too, could profit from the net.

J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc., http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years.

For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/

Going out to eat is a favorite past time for most people. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner or all three, it’s an important form of American’s entertainment and socialization. You can go dining out with your family for a relaxing meal together. No one has to cook or clean up the dishes. It’s a time to spend with each other and enjoy good food and conversation. It allows you to re-connect with each other and find out about each other’s day. If you have kids, you should try to pick a restaurant that is kid-friendly and that has activities that are fun for the kids.

Kid-friendly restaurants can also be fun for the whole family. Dining out with kids can have different requirements. Most kids need some form of entertainment, especially young children. Many restaurants provide crayons and puzzles. Other kid-friendly restaurants have amusements and games, geared for several age groups, including adults. These types of restaurants are great for a child’s birthday party or a get together with out-of-town guests. They’re also great as a treat for a rainy day or good grades. Kid-friendly restaurants usually have kid-friendly menus, with dishes that include items like grilled cheese or pizza. These restaurants are family oriented and normally not a place you would take a date.

Dining out is also an important part of dating. You can choose an intimate restaurant for dinner, where you can concentrate on getting to know each other. Some restaurants include a dinner theater or entertainment and dancing. You might choose to have a quick lunch or drinks after work, to see if you enjoy the other person’s company. It creates less pressure on both parties and makes it easier to decline further offers. If you like each other, you can follow up by making plans to meet again. Maybe you could choose a movie, sporting event or dinner with friends.

Going out to eat with friends is another fun way to spend time together. Everyone has busy schedules, yet everyone has to eat. Dining out with your friends is a good way to stay close to them. You can take turns picking a restaurant. You can eat at your favorite pub, try a new ethnic spot or choose a five star restaurant, whatever you decide. Whether you get eat together weekly or less often, getting together with friends and sharing a meal together is the real treat.

For dining out guide, visit JP Pepperdine now.

Feel free to publish this article on your website, or send it to your friends, as long as you keep the resource box and the content of the article intact.