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The Last Martian Goes Home

The Martian stood in the open field surrounded by the best government artillery pointed at his head and chest and back.

The infantry troops formed a circle around him.

Up above, fighter jets waited for the word to launch a missile right into the corn field if necessary.

Unaware of the hostile force that had greeted him, innocent of all thoughts of death and destruction, the handsome green giant, using his intergalactic translator device, said:

“My wonderful friends:

“We have noticed your suffering on this planet and I have been sent as an emissary to bring you good tidings.

“You’re not here to suffer.

“You don’t have to be hungry.

“There is no need to cry.

“I have come to bring you hope.

“It’s possible to wish for what you want.

“It’s possible to move beyond merely trying.

“You see all being everywhere are here TO THRIVE.”

“The president wishes to speak to you,” said a brusque man in army fatigues and enough medallions to sink a ship. He threw a walkie-talkie at the alien’s feet.

“Hello, Mr. President. I have good news for you. You see, the entire Universe is on

your side.”

The President, surrounded by his entire cabinet, experts on UFOs, and the top-ranked officers of the armed forces, barked: “Why are you here?”

As the two spoke, the agitation around the president increased. This was obviously a breach of national security. And it was getting worse by the minute.

Unknown to them all, the green giant had a special vibration-meter on his wrist and within a few minutes the increasingly hostile emotions all around him set the alarm off, creating a loud piercing shrill.

A nervous gunman, his nerves taut, accidentally pulled the trigger.

The other gunmen, confused, assuming that an order had been given, began firing as well.

The bullets passed through the green giant.

“Clear the field,” shouted the commander.

The soldiers raced to their vehicles. Within minutes the entire field was deserted. And the first missile struck. Then the second and the third. Within a few minutes, a small crater had formed.

Watching all this on a giant television screen, the pictures being taken by satellite, the president and all his men were astonished to see that the green giant and his shiny vehicle appeared to be unharmed.

“We’ll have to go nuclear,” was the last command given.

Soon a huge mushroom of smoke enveloped the crater.

When it cleared, there was no sign of the alien and his craft.

Far above the chaos, another flying saucer, monitoring the scene, the real green giant decided to turn his image projector off . The hologram image on the surface of the earth disappeared.

While the entire country was suddenly celebrating their victory over beating back the invasion, apart from a small group of malcontents that actually felt sorry for the alien, the jolly green giant said to his wife, “I don’t think they’re ready yet.”

Pushing the joystick with a sigh, she pointed the craft out of the earth’s orbit at warp speed.

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Tips On How And Where To Send Your Manuscript

Why not just send your manuscript directly to publishers? Very often, writers search for companies to help them find publishers for their book projects all the time. The business of finding a publisher is a multi-step process. After the manuscript has been completed, edited, and formatted according to industry standards, the next step is to launch it properly into the world. Here are a few helpful tips to enable you to find the contact you need to connect your work to a publisher.

Keep in mind that agents do not want to deal with short works such as poetry and short stories. Agents work on commission, and there is no way to support themselves from sales of poetry and short fiction. The majority of larger publishing houses no longer accept un-agented submissions. It may seem a waste of time to query a large number of agents before querying publishers.

However, this is a time-consuming, but very necessary, part of the submission process for book manuscripts. If you want to get a good read, you’ll need an agent. Agents know what editors want. They spend much of their time cultivating relationships with acquisition editors. These are the folks who present books to their publishers for consideration. Networking with editors is an important part of an agent’s job. Editors are happy to receive good manuscripts from agents. It saves them time.

Good agents will help negotiate a decent contract for you. This is their area of expertise. Publishers are interested in making money and taking care of their needs. An agent will function as your advocate and make certain you receive a fair deal. If you don’t know about subsidiary rights and escalators, make sure an agent is on your side. Your agent will know which clauses are boilerplates and which may hurt your career. (Some people believe an attorney can replace an agent. Unless your attorney specializes in book contracts, find a good agent.)

Because agents work on commission, they are interested in getting you the best deal. Agents will monitor your royalty statements and help ensure that you receive prompt and proper payment. Most agents are paid 15% commission. A reputable agent should also provide you with copies of all rejection letters.

Do not begin querying agents until your book is complete. Unless you’re famous, agents won’t even read your query unless the book is ready to go. Nonfiction proposals are sometimes the exception to this rule. However, you’ll need to prove you can write the book, not just pitch it.

There are many people who advertise themselves as agents. Generally, they are NOT. Legitimate agents do not drum up business. There are literally tens of thousands of writers approaching a limited number of agents. They’ve got more work than they can handle. Your query packet must be perfect and represent you as a professional. It’s a difficult and time-consuming process, but there is no way around it. Get some professional help.

Finding an agent need not be a daunting task. If an agent requests money from you, run for the hills. Some expenses such as postage and copying costs are to be expected. However, over the years, unscrupulous people posing as literary agents have scammed would-be authors out of lots of money. Sometimes these scams are disguised as “editorial help.” Stay away. An agent should not insist that you have your manuscript doctored before agreeing to represent you.

Remember, an agent should act in partnership with you throughout the publishing process. A good agent offering good advice is a wonderful asset. There is simply no better way to build your writing career.

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A Community of Authors in Writing Workshops

Fiction writing workshops come in many shapes and forms. Workshops may be informal gatherings for those interested in ongoing meetings. They may be leaderless, have a light-handed facilitator or organizer, or a more experienced leader.

Workshops may last a single day, weekend, or week. They may go on for a summer embedded in the woods as if at a retreat. They can be found online, with many exchanges of e-mail scurrying back and forth amongst the participants. Or they may be more structured in the form of an MFA or MA program at a college or university offering a creative writing program, with at least one workshop course offered every semester.

University based formal education in a creative writing program is hardly a prerequisite for becoming a good or great writer. The evidence is overwhelming. One has only to ask if the sampling of the following writers ever set foot in a degree granting creative writing program: Cervantes, Fielding, Dickens, George Eliot, Jane Austin, Emily, Bronte, Virginia Woolf, Melville, Conrad, Henry James, Hemingway, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Stendhal, Flaubert, Balzac, or Haruki Murakami. It is true that many revered contemporary writers have done so, but many have not.

“Writing” and “critiquing” are the two most essential activities carried out in fiction workshops. They are bidirectional in that while everyone’s writing gets a chance to be critiqued, every writer also has an opportunity to critique the work of other workshop participants.

Even though this occurs of necessity, there is a potential pitfall built into this approach. Some may withhold their most forthright critical remarks for fear that if they offer their true opinion, then they will be handled harshly when they are critiqued. This, of course, is self-defeating, since it negates the purpose of the workshop, which is to give and receive honest feedback in order to improve the author’s future work.

Others may be less inclined to speak openly about their criticisms of a particular writer’s material to avoid hurting his feelings. The key to avoiding this problem is to have an open understanding amongst the participants about why they are there and how their objective can best be reached. It involves a set of attitudes and methods.

A central question that each member of the workshop must ask herself is, “How can I best serve this participant when critiquing his work?” The reciprocal to this question is, “How can I best be served through the critiques offered by the other members of the group?” The simple answer to these questions is — by speaking and hearing the truth.

When being critiqued by others, it is important to bear in mind that there will always be a strong component of subjectivity and personal preference. This can be readily demonstrated by recognizing that often the same piece being subject to a critique will receive comments that run the gamut from “wonderful” to “terrible.” Actually, I would advise against the actual use of either of these words. It is important to use words that are specific and concrete.

Use words that will illuminate the author’s understanding of the shortcomings of his work and provide suggestions upon how they may be improved. In offering criticisms, be sure to enter into the framework of the writer’s plot, characters, and style, while assiduously assuring that you are not simply trying to rewrite his work in your own image. Not adhering to this rule is a common error and it is not at all helpful to the person receiving the criticism.

Critiquing another writer’s work is an art in itself. It must be cultivated and developed over time. One must eschew sarcasm and negativity for its own sake. Instead, every comment made about another’s material should have a constructive intent. It should be direct and honest, yet delivered tactfully and gracefully. A critique is not an attack.

In fact, it is vital to include comments about the author’s strengths so that he can not only be aware of them, but also refine and build upon them. The opportunity to comment upon another’s work brings with it a responsibility to be constructive. Proceed with integrity to achieve the maximum effect.

You will sometimes have strong emotional reactions when being critiqued. Do not be defensive or try to argue the correctness of what you’ve done. Listen with respect. Listen to learn. You can develop discernment to dig out the nuggets of commentary that resonate with you and will fit into your authorial plan if adopted. Do not be swayed from following your own path if you have strong conviction about the direction you are moving, but do be prepared to consider that you may have swerved too far one way and perhaps need to recalibrate the course you are following.

Some of what you hear when being critiqued will reach the heights of wisdom and some will reflect specious reasoning, personal preference, and just plain ignorance. You will need to exercise your own emotion, intuition, and judgment to reach conclusions about which advice to follow and which to discard. Above all, do not personalize the feedback you receive. You are not your writing, no matter how essential a role authoring plays in your life. You are not a flat, one-dimensional character, but a full-rounded, multi-dimensional one with many facets to your life and an identity that transcends even becoming an author, no matter how essential that may be to your core values.

Ultimately, a group of aspiring and or experienced writers participating in a workshop form a “community of authors,” who are working toward one another’s best interests. If you do not feel that sense of community, then find another. Join one that can support you with honesty, integrity, and generosity. You will do well to belong to one that can help you cultivate your skills and nurture faith in your potential to succeed.

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Dealing With Cat Allergies

Cats are one of the most loved pets in the world, no question about it. More than 50% of all households in the United States own dogs and cats. Although cats are loved animals, cat allergies are one of the common forms of allergies. Statistics in the past have shown that over 10 million people in the U.S. alone have allergic reactions to cats – especially their fur.

The biggest cause of cat allergies is dander. The dander, is dust that is produced by the body of the cat. Dander is basically shed skin that comes off of cats, normally in the form of small flakes. Although dander can irritate your skin, it can also get into your immune system as well, resulting in a variety of symptoms and almost immediate allergic reactions.

The dander, once in the immune system, is perceived to be a threat. Even though it isn’t classified as a disease, it’s more of a reflex by your body and your immune system. Cat allergies occur quite often due to cats having allergens that are spread throughout their blood, urine, and saliva. Although a cat may not be present at the time, the excretions probably still are.

Cat dander, urine, and saliva, are found throughout the home of cat owners. Cats constantly groom themselves, which involves rubbing their saliva into their fur. When they do this, they spread their dander and allergens around. Although you may try, there is really nothing that you can do about it. Cats have a natural instinct to groom or bathe themselves, no matter how many baths you give them, you simply won’t stop them from grooming.

Normally, when someone is taking an allergic reaction to cats, he or she will wheeze, cough, sneeze, itch, have watery eyes, or a difficult time in breathing. Different people react different ways to cat allergens, meaning that some symptoms may not occur at all. Fever and chills is very rare, although it can happen. If someone who has cat allergies comes down with fever and chills, you should contact a doctor immediately. Chances are, it isn’t an allergic reaction to cats, but instead another type of disease that a doctor will need to identify.

Cat allergies are normally treated with antihistamines and decongestants. Those that experience asthma attacks or other forms of allergies, normally take antihistamines. Decongestants on the other hand, are normally used to cure coughs and swollen nasal passages. Sometimes, doctors will recommend allergy shots as well. Allergy shots can help to prevent the attack, especially if someone is really allergic to cats. They are a good form of treatment and prevention, and they can also help to decrease the risk of allergies affecting the individual.

If you suspect that you have cat allergies, you should always make it a point to visit your doctor. He will be able to further diagnose your situation, and give you the best options available for treatment. If you do indeed suffer from cat allergies, the best way to stop the attacks is to get rid of your cat.

Getting rid of a cat can be a very tough thing to do. If you have become allergic to your cat’s fur, there may be no other way to prevent attacks than to get rid of him. Although doctors can give you medicine and shots, it will only do so much. Cat allergens are no fun, especially if you develop them years after owning your cat. Cats are great animals to own – although cat allergies are something we could all live without.

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A Writer’s Strategy

What does it take to count ourselves successful? This is a hard, sometimes agonizing question for those of us for whom creativity is the central aspect of our lives. As writers, we have been conditioned to think of publication as the first and essential step to success–a step that in itself is a complex and a daunting one. Once the writing is done (and let’s not forget that can be a tough one, too!) it’s a matter of making twenty, thirty, maybe fifty contacts before you attract the interest of an agent who might, in the annoying parlance, “pick you up.” Then, if you’re so lucky, the agent goes to work and tries twenty, thirty, maybe fifty publishers before finding that one editor who might respond to your work.

Oh, and then there’s the small matter of distribution and promotion. If you’ve ever had the good fortune to publish a “mid-list” book, you’ll know already that your book is one of a hundred the publisher puts out that year, and that these good folks tend to just throw the lot of their efforts up against the wall to see what sticks. Distribution? You’re in luck if all three of your friends request a copy at the book store and you get a half dozen ordered by your local Barnes & Noble. Unless you already have a “name” or a wildly topical topic, you can forget about the rest of the country. And promotion? That national book tour, the book signings-and the accompanying adulation? For the most part, it’s lonely and dispiriting do-it-yourself time.

Let me be honest: I have a stake in this. This is my issue, even though I have achieved a modicum of success. A couple of novels, a memoir, two books of poems, a well regarded monograph-not to mention my latest masterpiece, “The Real Bush Diaries”!–as well as scores of essays and reviews in various, some prestigious publications. By some standards–by those of many less published writers–I’d have to count myself an enviable success. I’ve been lucky to enjoy the support of people I respect, sometimes their praise. My desires and expectations, though, keep insisting that nothing I’ve done so far is quite enough. There’s that recently-completed novel still sitting on the shelf. I haven’t even found an agent for it yet, let alone a publisher. And money? Ann Coulter has earned far more, I’m sure, for her trashy, vituperative venom than I’ll earn in a century of Sundays.

My bet is that the vast majority of creative people live their daily lives in the predicament I’ve just described. For them this is familiar territory. We are taught that, in order to respect ourselves and achieve the respect of others, we must be “professional,” and we feel some inner shame if we don’t perceive ourselves according to that specious standard. Some of us spend a good deal of time moping and groaning about the injustice of it all. Some of us grin and bear it, get a teaching job, get tighter inside over the years, and end up in our sixties, bitter, disappointed in ourselves, and envious of others. Some of us make the best of it, struggle with what talent we believe we have, and settle for less than the fulfillment of our youthful aspirations. And more than a few give up.

That’s the reality check, friends. But let’s not get discouraged. After all, we’re still WRITERS, no? And that’s a choice. No one is forcing us to do it.

So how do we live fulfilled lives as creators even as we fail to achieve that spurious notion of success? The question has been much on my mind in recent years, as I’ve worked with artists and writers in the midst of dealing with this predicament. I’ve evolved some coping strategies that work for me. These do not work all the time, and certainly not when I allow my vigilance to slip. That’s when the negative voices take over. The voices of bitterness and envy. The voice of the “editor,” who second-guesses every move I make. The voice of the “critic,” who sees nothing but dreck. But some of the time, at least, they do help. For what they’re worth, I offer them for consideration by anyone to whom this particular agony sounds familiar.

First, and perhaps most importantly, I try to be clear about my intentions and my sense of mission, and to revisit them periodically to be sure that I’m on track. The mission is a big one. I understand it to be no less than the reason for which I was granted this particular span of time on earth: What did I come here to do? It’s the one that puts everything else in perspective. If I get that straight, a lot of other things fall into place.

One part of the mission is the goal, the dream that may seem unattainable: to mediate harmony in the world, let’s say, as one example. It’s one that I have worked with, and found useful. The other part is the method. For a writer, this might have to do with individual creation: making work that clearly reflects my vision, for example. Finding the mission is a first step toward clarity and a sense of purpose. Once that is in place, intentions help to create short-term goals along this larger path, and to measure our progress along the way. Intention, as I see it, is a kind of focus, a way of paying concentrated attention to my work.

A next step for me is to detach myself from outcomes. No matter what my intentions, I might not get the result I was expecting or hoping for. This notion is borrowed from the Buddhist dharma, in which we learn that all attachment leads to suffering. If I write my essays attached to the outcome that they should be published in a major national magazine, for example, or sell for a million dollars, the process of the writing will already be tainted, and I’m already set up for disappointment. If I write my novel attached to my shabby need for fame, I will indubitably suffer sorely when the novel is not published or, once published, is reviewed dismissively by a critic. To detach myself from outcomes, then, is to open myself to the flow of spontaneous thought and action, and to involve myself healthily in the process rather than the product.

Important, too, is the need to keep pushing forward with the inner work, from which it all proceeds. Just showing up at the computer is half the battle, but showing up counts for nothing if I don’t bring with me the stuff I need to work with. Inner work can take a variety of forms. For myself, the most useful happens to be meditation. For others, it might be psychotherapy, discussion groups, or workshops. But whatever form it takes, it will involve going down inside to the places we might not normally want to visit, where our ingrained patterns of behavior and belief lurk in the shadows, manipulating our lives without our knowledge or consent. The more light we can bring to illuminate these shadows, I believe, the greater freedom we attain as writers and as human beings. This, to my mind, is the stuff of all creative work.

It is in one of these dark places that we store the conceit of the ego that somehow validates us as creative individuals. We have much vested in the sense of self that we create, project to others, and like to see reflected back to us from them. And yet–this is a very hard one–another part of the work I’m offering is precisely the letting go of ego. I’ve come to understand how much “Peter Clothier” stands in the way of my achieving the very success I’m striving for. He has, as I see it, so much baggage to carry around, to prove his identity and his worth, that he easily gets bogged down in the myth of who he is, or who he’d like to be, and loses sight of his infinite potential. To the degree that I can free myself of ego, I can pursue what is truest to me.

And finally, a way I’ve found to live my life more happily as a writer is a simple one: to keep talking. In the past few years, I have facilitated a number of different groups and am constantly amazed and awed by their powerful and empowering dynamic. In Buddhist thought, the “sangha,” or community, is seen as one of the three great refuges, where a person finds comfort from the vicissitudes of the world in the company of like-minded people. Meeting on a regular basis with a group of artists or writers to explore such issues as the ones outlined above can provide a forum in which we talk out whatever has come to challenge us at this moment; and, listening to others, find common ground with them. For me, talking is the important counterpoint to the silence of inner work, leading me into insights and inspirations even as it offers the comfort of not being alone.

In short, it takes constant work and vigilant attention to be a writer. It’s easy, by contrast, in a world which often seems alien or insensitive to our talent, to feel insulted and excluded by the world of the “successful,” and to end up feeling mightily sorry for ourselves. I catch myself doing this all too often. The trick, at such moments, is to see self-pity clearly for what it is, to acknowledge the truth of the feeling without self-judgment, and allow it to pass on, as feelings do. For me, in time, it never fails to dissipate, and leaves room, in its place, for the genuine pleasure of a little gratitude for the privilege of doing what I love best.

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Wrote Any Good Books Lately

Are you one of the nearly 8 out of 10 people who would like to write a book? It is not as easy as it sounds.

A recent survey showed that more than eighty percent of Americans want to write a book. This incredible statistic is somewhat puzzling considering that the National Endowment for the Arts estimates that only fifty-seven percent of Americans have read even 1 book in the last twelve months! How many books have you read in the past 12 months?

What is it that makes people, even non-readers, want to put pen to paper?

Perhaps it’s the desire for fame and fortune, the need to earn the respect of others, or maybe it’s just the wish to leave some mark on the future, a permanent record of a life lived. Whatever the reason, for those who actually complete a manuscript, the odds of seeing it published by a reputable firm are slim.

For the estimated 2 million manuscripts currently completed, there are only 64,000 publishers of record, and only a fraction of those are actively seeking new manuscripts.

So what are the millions of hopeful authors to do?

Well, the first step would be to ensure their manuscripts are the best they can be. This can be done by re-writing, editing, proofreading by an outside firm or even by a well-read and literate friend.

Even then, most of those two million books stand no chance of being accepted by a traditional publisher. Those authors that do make the cut are not necessarily the best writers, but rather are those who can sell themselves and their stories most convincingly.

Some authors, after rejections from the trade, will find themselves victims of vanity publishers, who take advantage of the hopes and aspirations of writers to extract an exorbitant fee to ‘publish’ their book.

Luckier will be the writers who publish through firms like iUniverse and Lulu, for although their books will likely never see wide distribution, at least their losses will be minimal.

And finally there are the select few who decide to become publishers themselves, even if it is only to self-publish their own book.

These publishers will find great obstacles, and a great deal of work in this route, but the challenge and reward of having one’s success or failure entirely in one’s own hands is a powerful feeling.

Whether they choose to publish electronically, or use short run printing service like Lightning Print, or even to go full boar with a print run of 1,000 or more, their success depends on how well they sell themselves and their story to others.

And so, if you are considering writing a book, educate yourself thoroughly about the industry. More learn to market yourself well. This skill will play a large role in determining how successful you will be.

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Outstanding Headline Reaps in Three Hundred Thousand Cash

Let me start by asking … “What did you think of the headline?” Well it must have been pretty enticing for you to be reading this article. True. Course it was! The key to writing a successful article is to first have someone actually read the article and you can only achieve that if your headline in enticing. If your article headline is boring or does not stand out then no one is going to want to read your article.

There are in fact three aspects of your article headline that you need to consider and they are -

1. The Headline Must Be Enticing

2. The Headline Must Be Descriptive

3. The Headline Must Be Believable

Aspect 1 – The Headline Must Be Enticing

Let me ask … “What was it that made that headline enticing to you?” Think about it really carefully. If we dissect this headline there are two components to it that would have attracted you. The first component was the fact that we are talking about a Headline that reaps $300,000 plus the added element of Cash.

The second element that would have attracted you as an article writer is that is says, “Outstanding Headline Reaps”. This particular headline I created was market focused because every professional article writer wants to write headlines for their articles that are going to get readers in and make them money.

When you are writing your own headlines, write five or six different versions of your headlines and get a few friends to pick which headline they are most likely to pickup and read. Further to that, the key to successful headline writing is to actually look at what other writers are using for their headlines and to learn from them. Look at what articles people are reading. Visit various Article Directories and find out what are the top viewed articles in the section you are writing for. Find out what their headlines are and what makes their headlines standout and then structure your own headlines along the same lines. NOTE: Do not copy their headlines though for two reasons. One is that you are breaching copyright laws which can lead you into a lot of legal trouble and two, people know when you are duplicating headlines and that devalues the quality of your article. People want to see unique articles and headlines not those ripped off from others. You are smart enough to create your own great headlines so do not steal from others.

Aspect 2 – The Headline Must Be Descriptive

The headline above could have been written in the following way “Headline Gets Lots of Business” or “Three Ways to make Your Headlines Effective.” Whilst each of those headlines would certainly get readers, the one above “Outstanding Headline Reaps In $300,000 Cash” will always pull in more simply because of its descriptive nature.

The first part of the headline, “Outstanding Headline” tells you that there is something special about the Headline. Because it did not tell you what the headline was, you are then intrigued to find out what the headline was. The word “Reaps” is really descriptive. When you imagine the word “reaps” you might think of Scrooge Mcduck sitting in his money vault as the money comes in and he is sitting on the mountain of cash throwing it up into the air. The last really descriptive word is “Cash”. When we think of bringing in three hundred thousand dollars worth of business that is not the same as brining in three hundred thousand dollars of cash. The word “Cash” implies that you already have the money in your hot little hand and you can go out and spend it.

Notice a key thing about this headline is that it really does play on your imagination and your perceptions. That is why using lots of descriptive words in a headline will help people relate to what you are talking about and get you to read. 90% of the battle in copywriting or article writing is actually getting the person past the headline. Once you have done that, it is much easier to get them to buy or read your article.

Aspect 3 – The Headline Must Be Believable

One of the biggest mistakes that all writers make is to make outrageously crazy claims. In fact the more outrageous the more unlikely people will read your article. I had a colleague a few years ago who wanted to prove this point. He simply put an advert in the paper saying we were going to give anybody who rang him $50 cash. How many calls do you think he got?

Absolutely None!

Why because nobody believed anyone would be silly enough just to give you $50 cash however his offer was legitimate.

Let me give you another experience of my own. I developed a computer training course that I new would get people employed. The course went over three weeks and I new with 100% certainty that everyone who attended and followed our process would get a job. I even backed it up with a guarantee. My guarantee basically said that if you did not get a job within 4 weeks of finishing our course and passing all the exams, I would guarantee to give you a full time job.

Now if you saw that guarantee what would you think? Well to my surprise, I actually had no takers. All I had was employment agencies asking me what jobs I needed full. They totally missed the point in our program. I should say I was genuine about our program but nobody took it up simply because they thought it was a scam.

The one thing I learnt is that even if you are absolutely 100% genuine with your offer, if the believability factor in your headline is low, then people will not read your article. I could have easily in the headline above made ridiculous claims like “Outstanding headline reaps $40 billion dollars cash”. What would your reaction have been then? Yeah Right! Or What A Load of Rubbish.

I have seen many claims in article headlines, the key to all successful headlines is that in the headline their must be a backup or supporting evidence. For example, how many times on the internet do you read articles that say, “We have the Cure For Cancer?” Way to many, would you believe that headline? Course not, your instant reaction would be this is a scam. However, if you wrote a headline that said “Cure for Cancer Proven By {Substitute name Of University} University” then I could pretty much guarantee everyone would read that article. Simply because your claim was believable and backed up by a reputable organization, It has that believability factor.

Note well, I want to give you a bit of friendly advice. If you cannot back up your claim that the named university did not support your claim, then expect a visit from law enforcement authorities and you will most likely find yourself in court.

One thing I have learnt is that there is no magical skill for writing Fantastic, Great and Outstanding Headlines, it simply requires testing and measuring and learning what stimulates the reader. One of the key things you need to consider is that once you have written your articles go back to the article directories and see how many people actually read your articles. This will tell you just how successful you have been.

I have written many articles where the Headline I thought was incredibly weak but actually pulled larger reader numbers than the one I planned to pull big numbers. The bottom line is to test and measure all of your headlines, do not just submit your articles to article directories and forget about them. Go back and see the comments people have left the number of visitors and any ratings they may have given you. This information will tell you how to improve and more importantly what people want.

Read more: Outstanding Headline Reaps in Three Hundred Thousand Cash

Writing Good Newspaper Articles

Many people say they know everything there is to know about writing a newspaper article, and they say they can teach you how to do it in a short period of time. And there are many Web tools for nearly any type of feature article you might want to write. However, unless you’re writing an article about something relatively simple, there really is no short cut in learning to write. There is much more involved with writing a newspaper article than you might think.

There is an art to writing, and like learning any art, you have to be dedicated and persistent to become proficient. And you can’t write a newspaper article without learning to write a good, solid sentence first. It’s surprising how many people will just write on and on when they could communicate what they want to say in just a few well-chosen words. If you want to get an article into a newspaper, you’ll have to avoid this run-on kind of writing because no editor in the world will accept your piece if it shows signs of rambling. Editors look for concise writing that uses as few words as possible to get the point across. Here’s a tip. Once you think you’ve finished your feature article, go back and cut out at least one-third of it. You’ll be surprised how many words you’ve written are unnecessary, and this approach will ensure that your article will be accepted the first time you submit it to the editor.

Newspaper writing is not the only kind of writing that might interest you, but all types of writing require skill. For example, you might think that writing advertising copy will be easy. However, you still need to apply the principles of good, solid writing to this field. If you want to write advertising copy, you still need to learn how to do it. You can’t just dive into it and expect to succeed when you don’t know what you’re doing.

Whatever you decide to write, there are some steps that you should always follow. First, take your time and make sure your writing is clear and concise. If you are writing for a newspaper, go back over your writing and cut it by one-third. When you’re finished, have someone that you trust read it over to check for spelling and grammar errors as well as to see if it flows well. Then you’ll have a better idea of whether or not your article is good.

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Your Web Site Copy

When it comes to filling our web sites with words, we tend to lean towards what I like to call the “cocktail party approach to web site copy.” What do I mean by this? Well, let’s pretend you’re at a cocktail party, you’re huddled with a group of friends gabbing about everything under the sun, around you hundreds of other conversations are mingling with your own making the voices sound like a “hum” to anyone just observing this party. That’s what it’s like to a web site visitor when you’re cramming a whole bunch of cocktail party copy onto your home page. It’s confusing and it’s white noise and chances are good that it will result in a “click” signaling that the party’s over and your visitor is long gone.

Two of my personal pet peeves are 1) people who want to give me every piece of instruction under the sun on their site. I don’t care if I’m developing cold-fusion. If you give me more than 300 words of directives I’m outta there. And 2) don’t yell at me. That’s my mother’s job. When you use lots of CAPS OR EXCLAMATION POINTS (!!!)I feel like you’re yelling at me and frankly, lots of exclamation points scare me. I mean let’s be honest, no one can be that excited about anything. When I spoke to AME’s Internet expert, Nancy Hendrickson (she’s also one of the top copywriters in the country), she told me about the elements of good copy. “The Internet has made ‘brochure-style’ writing obsolete,” Hendrickson told me. “Studies have clearly shown that people do not read web sites – they skim them. That means your copy must be written to catch the eye – and keep the visitor on your site. How do you write scannable web site copy? By incorporating:

lots of white space

bullet points

highlighted and bolded words

images

In addition, your copy needs to use simple words, short sentences, and include the keywords your site visitor probably used to find your site in a search engine.

Writing Great Web Site Sales Copy

When it comes to the Net, “maybe’s” rule. Unlike storefront businesses you don’t have to get a “yes” or “no” answer, you can get a maybe and still make the sale. “Maybe I’ll sign up for the newsletter now and decide if I want the book later” or “Maybe I’ll just get one of the reports and come back later for the book.” On the Net you may be dealing with more maybe’s than you are yes’s or no’s, so your site (and your web copy) should reflect this sales strategy. We’ll go more into depth about selling on the Net in another issue, but for now start thinking about everything you could sell (besides your book) that will help address the “maybe” visitors out there. Before you put pen to paper to write your sales copy, be clear about your goals. While you may be building the site to sell your book, as you start to look at the broader reach of your message, your goals might change.

Regardless of these goals, one of the best things you can do for your site is add a means to capture a name and email address so you can market to your visitors again and again and again. At AME, our newsletter (the one you’re reading) goes out bi-weekly. While the newsletter may require a lot of time to write and create, it’s worth its weight in gold because it allows us to stay on the radar screen of our customers and web visitors. “Marketing wisdom,” offers Hendrickson, “shows us that your best customer is your current customer. That means if someone is interested enough to visit your site, they’re probably interested enough to learn more about your current book and your next book. How do you notify them? By capturing their e-mail address.”

When it comes to sales copy, the WIIFM (what’s in it for me) is more important than ever. Says Hendrickson: “People want to know what benefit they’ll receive from buying your book. Don’t be shy – tell them! Will they get an inscribed book plate, will they laugh for 6 hours, will they learn something fascinating, or will they be applauded at Christmas for all their cool book gifts? Although visitors want to know you, the person, sales copy is much more about telling them how their life will be better, safer, happier, funnier once they’ve bought your book.”

Once your sales copy is written, do NOT make your visitor search all over your site in order to buy your book! Put your BUY THE BOOK button in an obvious, easy-to-find space. You may be laughing now, but we’ve worked with authors who buried the BUY link so deep in the site it was impossible to find! The reality, of course, is that most authors don’t really like writing sales copy, and that’s okay. However, unless the world is filled with your relatives, you’re going to need sales copy to sell your book. So, if you feel you don’t have the skill or desire to write good sales copy, hire a professional and let them write the words that will help you strike web site copy gold.

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How to Make Money Selling on eBay – New Turbo Lister is Coming!

Those who know how to make money selling on eBay often use Turbo Lister. eBay Turbo Lister is a free listing tool that was designed to help sellers create auction listings, and then to upload those listings in bulk.

eBay Turbo Lister is soon to be replaced by the new eBay Turbo Lister. This next generation listing tool comes with many improvements. This includes improvements in both speed and reliability. The good news is that it’s still a free tool! Some of the other features of new eBay Turbo Lister include:
• Seller ability to edit items directly in the inventory grid
• New left navigation for easier access to information
• New create/edit process
• New database.

eBay new Turbo Lister also includes the same bulk listing benefits as were found in the original Turbo Lister.

With the new Turbo Lister, sellers who know how to make money selling on eBay should experience better reliability, improved application performance and streamlined listing. In other words, it should be better and faster. It looks different as well!

The good news for those who have grown accustomed to the old version of eBay Turbo Lister is that you can continue to use the old version for awhile longer. In fact, the previous version of Turbo Lister will be temporarily supported. However, the new Turbo Lister and the original version of Turbo Lister cannot both be opened at the same time.

Do you want to now how to make money selling on eBay? Give new Turbo Lister a try!

To Your eBay Success!

Read more: How to Make Money Selling on eBay – New Turbo Lister is Coming!

Your Guide To Writing A Memorable Eulogy

A eulogy is one of the most difficult things you will ever have to write. Like a speech, it has to be written well and have an impact upon the audience, but the subject matter is all about someone who has died recently. A eulogy does not have to be formal, nor does it have to be dark and depressing. In your eulogy you should be sure to always put a positive spin on the person you are writing the eulogy for.

1. What Makes A Good Eulogy?

In order to write a good eulogy, you will want to start by thinking about what it is that you want to say. Chances are, if you have been tasked with writing the eulogy you were very close to the deceased and know them very well. Some people suggest that you should make the eulogy as personal as possible while still maintaining some generalizations to make sure that even those that didnt know the deceaced will be moved by the speech.

2. Add Style To Your Eulogy

If you want you can give your eulogy a unified theme, for example, you could make it on a serious note or you could be more jovial. Be sure to recount any very significant events in the life of the person who died. Never include any content that might be questionably disrespectful to the dearly departed or those in attendance at the funeral.

3. Appeal To The Audience

The most essential part of writing a eulogy is to touch upon the life of the deceaced. It isn’t just about how the person has affected you but what that person did to affect others. Try and see if you can work your speech to help those feeling a loss in their lives move on a little easier.

4. Make Sure Your Ideas Connect Logically

One secret to writing sucessful eulogies is to, conversely, make sure the eulogy meets the most basic criteria. Your eulogy should, at the very least, go over some ideas and memories about the deceaced as well as presenting that information in a way that is coherent.

5. Make Sure It Is Perfect

When finishing up writing the eulogy you will want to ensure that your paragraphs connect in a logical fashion. It will sound odd if you are talking about something one minute and then move on to a completely different topic the next. Also, be sure to practice reading your eulogy aloud.

Read more: Your Guide To Writing A Memorable Eulogy

Dot Net Component CLR and Com – Decom

Dot Net have an important component that is CLR. No my point of view its not component, I think it provides runtime environment infrastructure to application. Lets take some overview of it.

First of all we need some source code that needed by CLS. It must be in CLS – complaint languages. Now the next step that comes is, CLS compiles the source code generate the Intermediate code (MSIL) and Meta Data.

The MSIL (Microsoft Intermediate Language) contains some instructions that relates to C.P.U. Just like how to load, store, initialize and call methods on objects. In MSIL instructions are also there just like perform arithmetic and logical operations, memory directly access, flow of execution, handle exception. Because before execution MSIL we need CPU specific instructions. And to execute the code, the runtime requires information about the code that is in metadata.

The Meta Data contains the types and references to other type which is helpful for our applications.

Both of these files located in a PE File(Portable Executable File). When we execute the P.E file the class loader loads the MSIL code and metadata from P.E file to runtime memory. Now works for code manager is covers in existence it call the entry point method. This is any of these three.

. Main
. WinMain
. DLLMain

Entry point is first method that is to be executed first. When entry point is execution code manages helps object to places him in memory and controls the execution in the program. Now garbage collector performs periodic checks on the heap to identity the object, type checker performs types checking. Type checker raise error if any occur. CLR controls the code at runtime. Now security engine performs restriction application. Now Managing Multithreading , Com Marshels performs there roles. Now JIT compiles perform there role and convert all thing to native code.

Read more: Dot Net Component CLR and Com – Decom

Man, the Microcosm; Part 7

The subject of Rays is abstruse and complex. With our limited minds and consciousness we can only perceive and comprehend a general picture. Consciousness play a role in unfolding the knowledge we have of ourselves, or rather SELF. It is for this reason that spirituality is equated with the expansion of consciousness, for the more conscious we are, the more divine our expression; the more we apprehend Cosmic purpose, the more responsive we are to sentient contiguity. The inner differences between one kingdom and another is the quality of the consciousness. Those interested in delving more on the subject of Rays ought to study the works of Alice Bailey.

Now we will discuss the interesting subject of consciousness. Consciousness can be considered as a stream of energy limited in its awareness in the lower planes because of the sheaths that it occupies. This limitation causes an illusory, dualistic sense of fragmentation–of separation from the other elements of the Omniverse. This thread of Ariadne, or the stream of consciousness, is never disconnected or severed as the waking consciousness would have us believe. It is in reality a continuum. There is only one divine consciousness functioning at various levels. These levels are:

1) Waking Consciousness–both the objective and subjective aspect

2) Subconsciousness

3) Superconsciousness or Christ Consciousness

4) Cosmic Consciousness

In Hindu philosophy they correspond to:

1) Jagrat

2) Swapna

3) Sushupti

4) Turiya

The first two classifications are the consciousness levels of the Personality; superconsciousness is the state of awareness of the Ego. Turiya is the consciousness-state of the Monad–Buddhism call it Adi Buddha or Alaya Vijnana. Sushupti is the Christ-state that we are immediately concerned with. We are all striving to acquire this state by spiritual living. It is the intermediate state prior to the attainment of Cosmic Consciousness. Sushupti is the “dreamless state,” the Christ Consciousness that we are told to form within us by St. Paul:

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you . . . ” (Ga 4:19)

To possess Egoic Consciousness is to dwell in the secret place of the Most High. This secret place is Munsalvaesche, or Mt. Salvation in the Grail Mysteries. Initiates of the Huna teachings of Hawaii, the “Kahunas,” refer to superconsciousness as, “Aumakua.” Expansion of the consciousness causes a parallel development in the brain, its structure changes to conform to the quality of the operating consciousness.

Swapna, the “dream-state,” is our subconsciousness. It is the storehouse of unprocessed impulses that we create and record in the waking state, such as our phobias. Our instincts have their source here too. The subconsciousness is also the channel for psychic contact with other intelligences–disembodied and embodied. Impulses of this “Id,” as Freud calls it, often emerge in the form of dreams when the waking consciousness is quiescent. Sometimes it erupts in the waking consciousness, and thus we have the interesting phenomenon of hallucinations, which may occur through the auditory or visual faculty. The subconsciousness runs our involuntary functions such as the pulsations of the heart, the peristaltic movement of the bowels, and the pumping of the lungs. The Swapna-state is very receptive to suggestion. It carries-out commands given to it by the waking mind without question–that is, to a certain degree. Hypnotism is a practice that reaches the subconsciousness by bypassing the awareness of the waking consciousness.

Our waking consciousness is dual in nature: it is objective, and it is subjective. Objective consciousness is the result of external stimuli, the perception of vibrations emanating from the world around us. Our subjective consciousness is related to psychic processes occurring inside the psyche and are within voluntary control, such as reasoning, visualization, and imagination. Here inside the subjective consciousness lies most of the tools of Transcendental Magic. Quantum physics is beginning to realize the principle that consciousness affects that which it observes. This is evident in the atomic level. Occultists have long known of this law and have applied it in the art of transmutation.

Mantras are useful tools in producing an altered state of consciousness. Every initiatic tradition employs its use to further Man’s spiritual unfoldment. It is interesting to note that strong emotions such as fear causes an abrupt change and orientation of one’s consciousness state. For instance, when a person is in a state of fear or shock, he often faints. the consciousness shifts from Jagrat to Swapna. This occurs similarly, although in reverse, when one experiences fright in the dream state. One is often jolted back into waking consciousness. Between the various levels of consciousness are what we call the borderline state. We are most familiar with the borderline between Jagrat and Swapna. In this state, psychic manifestations occur more readily. Psychology calls the interesting images seen in this consciousness-level “hypnogogic.” What really occurs in this state is the thinning of certain etheric webs which facilitates the entrance of impulses and vibrations emanating from the etheric and astral planes.

The brain of man produces waves of electromagnetic energies, and these are recorded in EEG machines. Four primary types of brain waves are recognized and they represent his state of consciousness. These waves are called Alpha, Beta, Theta, and Delta.

In an esoteric sense, the classification of humanity into the caste system by the lawgiver Manu symbolizes the levels of consciousness of Man as he evolves and expands his awareness. Jagrat corresponds to the Sudras–the laborers, the lowest class among mankind. Vaishas are the skilled workers and the merchants–they correspond to Swapna. Ksatriyas, or the ruling class are of the Sushupti-state; while the Brahmans are of Turiya. By evolving his consciousness, Man progresses from one state to the next.

Man’s Purpose on Earth

Ever since the fires of the mind began to grow, several profound questions have vexed Mankind, such as , where and how did we originate? who are we? why are we here? Such questions caused Man to formulate hundreds of philosophies and dogmas designed to provide him with a meaning to his existence. Sometimes Man experiences pain, suffering, and struggle in his life–and then asks “why.” If one’s philosophy does not adequately answer the query or offer solace, then the philosophy itself has to be looked into as to what intrinsic value it contains, and whether it is wise to hold on to it, to modify or to replace it altogether.

The subject of Man’s origin and true nature has been discussed previously in a succinct manner; and although our presentation was just the tip of the iceberg, they do provide food for thought. In this section we will concentrate on Man’s purpose here on earth, for this gives us some insight on Man’s collective destiny.

There is a clue to man’s purpose here on earth if we consider what Man takes along with him at the time of so-called death; for if we acknowledge the existence of the higher worlds and the continuity of consciousness through the change called death, then Man’s descent into this physical plane of coarse matter has a definite purpose which is normally forgotten as soon as incarnation takes place. A newly-developed brain does not contain the soul-knowledge acquired in previous lives and in heavenly planes. It is only by the attunement and alignment of brain-consciousness with the Soul that will bring this state of knowingness to the fore-consciousness.

It is evident when we look at the great change called “death” that Man is unable to carry his earthly goods or material things along with him when he passes away from this earthly scene; what he does reap and is able to take along with him from his earthly sojourn are immaterial treasures–things which are often considered valueless by the materialist and in most cases only realized as of great worth in the higher worlds when a greater perspective of life is perceived. The apostle Paul said:

“For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (II Cor 4:18)

As we analyze the situation, we can only conclude that the immaterial essence, the “things which are not seen” that Man benefits from being in this world and takes along with him when the mortal body is shed, are the practical experiences that he gains from manipulating matter and the conditions of space and time; also his relating to sentient beings while encumbered in a form made out of clay. The resistence of matter tries the mettle of the soul. It is this resistance of matter that evolves soul-consciousness. The interaction between consciousness and dense matter creates the illusion of time and space. these factors, although unreal, play a part in the evolution of Man’s consciousness. As we can see from this, spiritual evolution is expressively the main purpose of Man’s presence here on Earth.

Evolution can be said to be the law of the expansion of consciousness of a life-unit. It is the principle of becoming aware–aware of the All, of the total expression and essence of the Cosmos. From another point of view, it is simply to be–to be our True SELF. This is a state that transcends space and time. Abiding in the SELF is the perception of God “face to face.” In case someone of a Christian persuasion thinks this as impossible just refer to the incident where Jacob wrestled with some force and ended up by saying:

” . . . for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Gen 32:30)

An individual who lives in such a spiritual condition constantly, no longer lives as a Personality, or Soul, but lives as Spirit. St. Paul knew of this higher state of Be-ness. He wrote concerning it in one of his epistles:

“The first Man Adam, was made a living soul, the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” (I Cor 15:45)

Evolution is the process of manifesting the qualities of God inherent within the consciousness. Heretofore, evolution was worked upon Man by external agencies; now, at our present evolutionary stage of self-consciousness, we are to participate in our own soul-progress. It is said in Genesis, in the Pentateuch, that God rested on the seventh day. The “seventh day” is a symbolical term expressing the inception of Man’s personal involvement with his own soul culture, for where God’s works ends, Man’s labour begins. The twelve tasks of Hercules are the tasks of the soul as it acquires the immortal qualities of the signs of the zodiac. Mortal concepts and behaviour caused the fall of Man. So long as our belief-structure contains ideations and feelings of unworthiness and mortality, we will continue to live in the abyss and not feel the light of the Sun. As Man climbs the steep slopes of the abyss, he learns more and more of the laws of the Cosmos governing his being. Obedience to those laws aligns Man with the Tao.

At each step of the way, evolving Man earns certain symbolical appellations which indicate his spiritual status. In ancient writings these stages of Man’s unfolding consciousness are described as “the darkened spark,” the “flickering light,” and “the radiant son of God.” Relating these stages to the rays, we may say that each stage is influenced by one of the Rays of the triune aspect of Man’s being; for instance, the individual with a “darkened spark,” may be said to be ruled by the Personality Ray; one who is spiritually awakened, who is described as a “flickering light”–such a person is ruled by the Ray of the Ego; and so it goes with the monadic Ray and the person of the third classification. Oriental mystics have their own unique manner of describing these stages based on the condition of discipleship. Buddhism classifies them in the following:

1) Srotopati–”he who has entered the stream.”

2) Sakridagamin–”he who will receive birth only once more.”

3) Anagamin–”he who will be reincarnated no more.”

4) Arhat–”he who sees Nirvana during his life.”

There are higher classifications based on the bhumis of the Bodhisattva.

The steps in the growth of Man’s consciousness are also delineated in that esoteric “book” called the tarot. Each card of the major arcana denotes a certain stage of Man’s spiritual unfoldment. Evolution is God’s Plan. The formulation of this divine idea had its inception in archetypal worlds–in Kether, the first emanation of Ain Soph in the Qaballistic “Tree of Life.” According to this magickal system, to evolve, Man has to balance and embrace the polarities, the various opposites that we experience in life such as, love/hate, wealth/poverty, thinking/feeling, etc. These dualities are symbolised by Boaz and Jachin, the two pillars in King Solomon’s Temple. Man is pulled into entirely different directions by these two conditions; it is Man’s task to harmonize them and walk the central path. The middle way is the Royal Road home.

Conclusion

Man is endowed with several different faculties that assist him in determining and in creating his destiny and reality. Reason, imagination, free-will, are all tools that should be used to realize the true nature of things, the essence of life. Man’s belief-framework determines to a large extent his reality–the environment is a reflection of the contents of the mind and emotions. Replacement of beliefs with a direct knowing of the Spirit liberates man from all conditions that binds and limits divine expression. The Orphics of ancient Greece called the body “the prison house of the soul”–and Man can only free himself from such a dungeon by widening the cracks that emit light. In order for Man to know eternal verities and manifestations of Cosmic life in celestial spheres he would have to develop the necessary apparatuses, the spiritual mechanisms that would aid in the reception of impressions and cognizance of higher vibratory activity. “As above so below” is a truism that Man has to prove for himself; for if the macrocosm creates, and is limitless in its nature and creativity, so likewise is the microcosmic being of Man. At present humanity is patterning and expressing very little of what lies above in the Kingdom of Souls. The potentiality to manifest God’s Kingdom is present, however. Mastery of the elements of our being leads us to management of the cosmos.

Life is a Mystery School. Each day Man faces trials and tribulations–the overcoming of which gives him a greater strength and understanding. Man’s manifold experiences disciplines his mind, body, and soul. Man’s philosophy and attitudes towards life are tested as to their wholesomeness and truthfulness. Revisions to his philosophy are made when they fail to provide him with the peace and energy to grow through life. The search for one’s SELF is the search for enlightenment that is already part of the Spirit. Vajrayana Buddhism teaches the practice of knowing, feeling and imagining that the enlightened state were a part of the consciousness level in the “now,” in the eternal present. This they call the divine pride of being a Buddha. The whole subject of Man can be complex in its simplicity, or simple in its complexity. It all depends upon our understanding and the perspective that we hold, whether we desire to “become” or just “to be,” or perhaps both?

[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

Read more: Man, the Microcosm; Part 7

The Conflict with Diamonds

Back in the year 2000, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the role of diamonds in fuelling conflict. In taking up this agenda item, the General Assembly formally recognized that the illicit diamond trade plays a significant role in armed conflict, especially in the case of Sierra Leone.

Conflict diamonds are diamonds that are sold to fund the activities of rebel, military, and terrorist groups. The countries most affected by the illegal diamond trade are Sierra Leone, Angola, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are all places where citizens have been terrorized, mutilated, and killed by groups in control of the local diamond trade.

“The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme” is an international effort to rid the world of conflict diamonds. The goals of the process are to document and track all rough diamonds entering a country, while ensuring that shippers transport their diamonds in tamper-proof containers and provide proper documentation to ensure that the diamonds in question do not originate in conflict zones.

The Canadian government has also made some advances in identifying diamonds originating in its mines. “The Voluntary Code of Conduct for Authenticating Canadian Diamond Claims” is a program that aims to identify and document Canadian diamonds. The program is voluntary, but serves as a viable model for the governments of other nations to emulate.

As a consumer, you can do your part to ensure that you are not supporting regimes that terrorize their citizens. You can demand that your jewelry retailer provide you with documentation regarding the origins of the diamond in question. If the diamond originates from a questionable source, shop elsewhere. That very simple act can send a very powerful message!

How would your wife-to-be feel knowing that the diamond in the engagement ring you gave her originated in a war-torn nation? How would she react to the prospect of people having suffered immensely over the diamonds in her ring? My guess is that she would not be very happy to know that the thing that brings her so much joy brought so many others so much sorrow. Change begins with you. Follow your heart when buying diamonds for the ones you love.

Read more: The Conflict with Diamonds

Tips To Avoid Typos and Spelling Errors in Your Articles

Typos and spelling errors give writers a constant headache. Not only it makes the reading unpleasant but also it puts a doubt on your credibility.

Readers are too harsh when it comes to judging an author. They can overlook the content to some extent but typos and spelling errors are unpardonable. Unfortunately every body is a victim of these errors and sometimes these are realized after your work is published.

You have written a great article and are very happy with the content and language you have used. You submit that to various directories and on line article submission services.

You go for a review and there it stands out like a thorn. Jutting out of the rest of the article it makes you feel embarrassed. Oh God! How could I miss that! It is so ovbious.

But the situation is out of control now. It cannot be undone now. And everytime you have a look at that typo or spelling error, you will feel the twinge.

It is best to prevent them. Here are few tips to avoid and minimize your typos and spelling errors.

1. As for as possible write your article in an html editor. If you use word processor then turn the smart tags and quotes off. It is because most of the article directories publish the articles in text. When presented with smart quotes the browser converts them into some special characters like #@ or similar which irritates the reader. After you finish your article do run it through a spell checker. But do not trust this software completely. It is also limited by its input and programming. It will catch only those errors which it knows. It may miss the terms used in specialized fields. So concentrate on that aspect.

Moreover the spell checker will not understand the need of the words in a particular sentence. It will not differentiate between hear and hare because both are correct words in their own right. Your spell checker will not tell you anything wrong in the sentence whereas only one of them will fit the need of your sentence in a particular line.

2. Read yourself aloud articulating each word when you scan the article to find and correct the errors. If you just scan it silently you might miss you few errors.

3. After above two steps are done, print your articles and read the article in print. It is easier to catch the typos and spelling errors while you read a printed document.

4. Finally ask another person to proofread your article. It could be your spouse or your friend. He or she will catch some mistakes which you might have missed.

5. Put aside your article away for some time. Come back later and scan once more.

Your chances of letting a typo or spelling error to pass becomes quite minimal.

It is well known that eyes catch only what mind knows. No matter how much we know it is not too much to learn some more. Read regularly to keep your language and spellings fresh.

Good Luck.

Read more: Tips To Avoid Typos and Spelling Errors in Your Articles