Put Audio & Video on Your Web Site

As a company that sells streaming media services for a living, we get questions everyday about what needs to be done to make an audio or video presentation that will stream well over the Internet. Most of these inquiries come from small businesses with limited budgets for marketing and advertising. They are always pleasantly surprised when we tell them that they can do it themselves!

Let's start with an audio only presentation:

• Write out your script first! Focus on two to three points that you feel are essential to explain your products or services. Keep the script simple. If your site offers a wide variety of goods or services, you might consider several different messages with each one keying in on one or two important areas.


• Have someone who is not familiar with your business review the script and your site. Be sure that they understand your message. If they don't, rewrite it!


• Practice reading the script until you feel completely familiar and comfortable with it. (You can hire professional voice talent for reasonable rates if you'd prefer not recording the audio yourself.)


• Use the best quality tape recorder available to you. A cassette recorder is fine.


• Use a high quality brand name audiotape.


• An external microphone that plugs into your recorder is preferable to the one that comes built-in. They are very inexpensive and produce a better recording.


• Do your recording in a quiet place with as little background noise as possible. (That one seems pretty obvious, doesn't it?)


• Speak naturally! It can help to have a friend or colleague act as an audience to give you focus.


• Record your presentation several times. Select the one that will sound the most natural and inviting to your site visitors.


• Send the tape to the encoding (streaming) vendor. They'll take it from there!

A video presentation takes a little more time and effort, but you really can do it yourself. Your home video camera will work just fine! All of the same rules you used to make your audiotape apply here including the use of an external microphone. Good quality videotape is essential. The following suggestions will help you prepare a video presentation for your site that should stream very well:

• Keep the camera steady! Put the camera on a tripod or brace it against something solid like a table or a wall. If you must pan or zoom, do it very slowly. (Too much motion can cause a "blurry" stream.)


• Simplify your frame. Think about where everything is going to be. People coming in and out of the frame can create movement that may cause confusion.


• Stay focused. A lot of auto-focus cameras can't focus properly if you are too close to your subject. Five or six feet away is a good distance. Don't try to shoot through a window; the camera will focus on the glass.


• Good lighting is essential. Try to light your scene from the front. Don't stand in front of a window; the backlighting will cause you to be in silhouette. Try shooting outside if possible.


• Use the fastest record speed. This will insure the best video quality.


• Record in a quiet place. Hold the mike close to your mouth to cut down on external noises.


• RELAX AND ENJOY YOURSELF! It really shows. Practice until you feel comfortable.

If you have additional questions or concerns, your streaming vendor should be ready and able to assist you.

Early adopters of Rich Media techniques, streaming being one of them, have already started to reap the rewards of higher click-through rates and increased conversion rates. If your message is meaningful and relevant to your site visitors, your streaming presentation will add to their enjoyment of visiting your site and encourage them not only to buy but also to return and buy again!

Ronni Rhodes is the owner of WBC Imaging, an Internet company that specializes in web site enhancement utilizing streaming media technology. With her husband, Don, a digital media engineer, they work with companies to incorporate streaming as part of successful and meaningful sales and marketing programs.

Please direct all questions and comments to: Ronni@wbcimaging.com 520-742-5780 http://www.wbcimaging.com

Gods To Do List - Get Specific!

I know eyebrows are probably raising about now, but let me tell you this works ! How does God know what we want or need if we don't get specific and let Him know ?

All you have to do and I do this on a monthly basis and update it accordingly is make a list. I make mine like a grocery list and put the title at the top of the list. My title is always "OK God ... This is what I need now ! and proceed to make the list. I make the list and leave the how this will manifest to God. That's His department.

An example of how mine might read for the month:

Rent ... fill in the exact amount

Electric ... fill in the exact amount

I list all my debts owing with the amounts when I know them. Things like groceries, gas, etc... that I don't quite know what the amount might be I still add.

I also add other things besides financial. I might need a business contact to help promote my services or information about something. I add it to the list.

Whatever I need I add to the list and keep it right beside my computer so it is within reach when I want to add additions. I check off each item as it is fulfilled and always, always say a big Thank You ! . Being grateful is an important part of this.

Leave the details to God on how this list is fulfilled and watch miracles happen !

? 2005 Sharae Taylor

Sharae Taylor is a well known Intuitive Angel Artist whose paintings are in world wide collections and her works have been exhibited with other well known Angel Artists Andy Lakey ,Donna Terody Sheratan,Gary Markowitz, past art editor of "Angel Times" magazine and K. Martin Kuri, Angel Artist and Author. Sharae has also participated in many Angel Expos and Angel Conferences with other well known Angel Authors like Alma Daniels author of "Ask Your Angels". Her Angel paintings are featured in the newly released "Angels" DVD by Llewellyn and New World Music and was featured in the February 2005 issue of Planetlightworker.com. Sharae is a published author in magazines and ezines. To view Sharae's Angelic art and for further information visit her website at:http://www.angelsbysharae.com

Do You Know When You Are Being Sold To?

Britney Spears has recently caused controversy with suggestions that the ad campaign for her new fragrance range uses subliminal or hidden messages in its efforts to convince potential buyers. Advertisers have long been aware of the power of appealing to our subsoncious minds, so what methods exactly do they employ, and how widespread is the practise?

Broadly speaking, there are three methods in common use - Product Endorsement, Product Placement, and Hidden (Subliminal) Imagery.

Why do advertisers use these methods?

As consumers, we tend to make buying decisions based on emotion rather than logic. When see a product, we make up our minds very quickly about whether we want it or not, based purely on the way the product is presented to us. Any accompanying sales pitch is merely there to help us justify the purchase to our more logical selves. Advertisers know this of course, so they spend huge amounts of time and money marketing their products in ways that appeal to our emotions and subconscious mind.

So how do the three methods work?

Taking each in turn:

Product Endorsement

This is possibly the most up-front and honest method. Quite simply, a product is endorsed by a well known figure ? a celebrity or sports person perhaps - or a singer! Nike are big users of this technique, with major sporting stars regularly featuring in their commercials. Whilst they might not spell it out, the message is always the same ? "If our product is good enough for Mr x, then it's certainly good enough for you".

Product Placement

This is the slightly sneakier derivative of product endorsement, and involves well known figures (often fictional) endorsing products or services outside of a clearly labelled commercial environment. The technique is frequently used in sitcoms and soap operas. For example, you settle down to watch an episode of Fraser, your all time hero, and happen to notice that he drinks a certain brand of coffee ("brand X"). You may not consciously notice this, but your subconscious mind is taking in every detail. Because you have such respect for the famous Dr Craine, you naturally trust his judgement when it comes to coffee. Hence the next time you are in the supermarket and you spot "brand X" on the shelf, you are much more likely to choose it over the rest of the selection on offer.

Product placement is a particularly potent form of subliminal advertising because it catches us off guard. When we see a commercial break on the television, we know we are being sold to and so have our defences up ? we take what we are told with the due level of cynicism. But when the ads are over and we return to the TV show, we mentally relax that guard, and become much more open to suggestion. It's not just consumer goods that are marketed this way; awareness groups and even political campaigners use the same subliminal techniques to subtly get their message across.

Hidden (Subliminal) Imagery

This is perhaps, the most devious technique in the advertisers armoury. It involves embedding images or words into a standard advertisement. One of the most effective uses of hidden messages in mainstream advertising is the "sexual connection". Sex conjures up strong emotions of power, pleasure, and well-being, and so if a advertiser can tap into those at will he has a powerful tool indeed - no pun intended! Examples of subliminal messages of a sexual nature being used in advertising are numerous; Ritz crackers have the word "sex" spelled out on them in the tiny dots; many drinks ads manipulate the ice cubes in their photos by embedding images or words on them. Next time you see a print ad ? study it carefully for hidden images or words, you may be surprised!

About The Author

Joanna Ferndale is an advertising executive and freelance writer. You can find more information on hidden subliminal and subliminal messages at http://www.subliminal-messages.info

Recessions Dont Last Forever!

It could, but what if it doesn't?

Will you be prepared?

Will those key external audiences of yours, whose behaviors REALLY affect you, look favorably at you and your business?

Because, once the economy emerges from recession, if they don't, you'll have one arm tied behind your back.

Don't let that happen. Instead, decide now which groups of people outside your organization can help or hurt you the most. For our purposes, that #1 group is your key target audience.

What's going through the minds of members of that audience? You and your people must monitor those perceptions by interacting with these important folks, and asking questions. Yes, that takes time, but you must do it!

Take this approach when you actually meet those members. Start with questions. What do you think of our operation, products or services? Stay alert for wrong thinking, misconceptions and inaccuracies that can hurt. Watch for rumors or beliefs that can lead to behaviors that will pain you. And be especially sensitive to negative conversational tone. Does it suggest that a problem may be on the horizon?

The answers you gather will let you create a corrective public relations goal. It may call for straightening out a damaging misconception about your service quality, or it may seek to replace an inaccurate perception with the truth. Sometimes, your public relations goal will zero in on a particularly hurtful rumor with plans to lay it to rest. For that matter, even a less than positive overall impression of your organization can be targeted for improvement by your public relations goal

How do you achieve that goal? You select a strategy that shows you how to get there. There are only three choices. Create opinion (perceptions) where none exist, change existing opinion, or reinforce it. Select the one that obviously fits your public relations goal.

Now, we think message. What are we going to say to your target audience?

First, your message must aim at correcting the misconception, inaccuracy, rumor, even a lukewarm enthusiasm for your organization. But it must be persuasive, and compelling with its meaning as clear as possible. It must also prevent any further misunderstanding. Try it out on a test sampling of members of your target audience, then adjust the content if needed.

How will you get your message to the attention of that key external audience? "Beasts of burden," that's how! Better known as communications tactics that will carry that message to the right eyes and ears.

And there are many tactics awaiting you. Personal contact, radio interviews, newsletters and open houses. Or contests, news conferences, emails and press releases. There are literally scores available.

So, after two or three months of aggressive communications between you and your key audience, are you making any progress?

Only way to find out is to monitor once again what members of your key audience are thinking. Same questions as the first set of interviews, but now what you want to see are perceptions altered in your direction.

For example, you want to know if that inaccurate belief has been successfully neutralized. Or that misconception cleared up. Or that rumor effectively killed.

Certainly, if you discover little progress in those areas, you will revisit your message and evaluate whether it offers believable facts, figures and rationale. In particular, you should revet it for clarity.

And, because there are so many communications tactics available to you, selecting higher-impact tactics, then applying them with greater frequency, will probably be the ticket for the second round.

However, as the day arrives when answers to your remonitoring questions show clear, consistent improvement, you may be excused for concluding that your public relations effort is, at long last, taking advantage of an economy emerging from recession.

About The Author

Bob Kelly counsels, writes and speaks about the fundamental premise of public relations. He has been DPR, Pepsi-Cola Co.; AGM-PR, Texaco Inc.; VP-PR, Olin Corp.; VP-PR, Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co.; director of communications, U.S. Department of the Interior, and deputy assistant press secretary, The White House. mailto:bobkelly@TNI.net Visit: http://www.prcommentary.com

Children, Entitlement and God

"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know that!" Those were my adolescent thoughts every weekend when my parents forced me to church. "I can get more out of my headphones and the Beatles." It was this way as far back as I can remember. Early Sunday school, then later Bible studies, liturgies in another language, all culminating in a weekly teen rebellion against God and my parents. I really hated my parents (especially my Mother) for forcing religion on me. "Besides, I don't think the Smothers Brothers forced their kids, and they are political giants!" I would brood the entire hour's drive to church just to make my parents as miserable as I felt. It never changed in all those years.

I look back thirty-five years to those times now and bless my parents in every prayer I pray for the gift they gave me. I no longer practice their religion, but I live with every pore in my body believing in something greater than myself. My faith is as easy as a breath in, and during times of great challenge, I don't have to search for God or strength. Everything I need is already there and will always be.

I have seen my peers dedicate themselves to never raising a child that way. "I will never force my child into religion the way my parents did," became a mantra. "I will wait until they are old enough and let them choose for themselves." Those choices, along with the "feel good" experiments of the seventies, have been a dismal failure. The result is an ever increasing growth of what I call "entitlement fixated" people. It is so pervasive that, had I the power, I would make it a new personality disorder designation.

When children are raised to never know failure, they can't savior the delicacy of success nor can they appreciate the hunger that second place instills. If they don't learn that we must, at times, do things we abhor for a greater good, they don't learn self-discipline. If we don't instill empathy early on, they don't ever know the complete joy in giving. And if we neglect their spiritual natures, they may never truly trust God.

I see behind me a generation largely of lost souls looking for God under every rock and crystal believing they are so special that all of life's challenges are someone else's fault and someone else's duty to resolve. They are spoiled, arrogant and have no sense of healthy boundaries or respectfulness. How can they when they themselves have replaced God as the center of all worlds? This is the legacy we have given them. We have absolved them of all failures, and endowed them with unlimited special ness and therefore, tragically, they cannot arrive at the simple truth that there is something greater than themselves.

My early spiritual training was a little "rough around the edges". Yet, at least there was something there - something to offer me a foundation on which to build my spiritual life. I was given s sense of divinity and an eye for all things sacred. I am not the center, but rather, a necessary part of a great whole. My participation in goodness and love and acting on what is right furthers my sense of self and God more than all the awards, accolades and accomplishments I could ever accumulate in a lifetime.

Those who are entitlement fixated are trapped in lonely, fearful, winning-is-everything world. Their sense of self is so exaggerated that true intimacy and love are replaced by control and manipulation. I can't even imagine the aloneness of a "self only" existence. Arrogance replaces confidence and expectations replace caring. All sense of community is buried in an extreme need for gratification that can never be satisfied for more than a few fleeting moments. And, this personality can be either flagrantly overt, or seductively, manipulatively, covert. But the goal is always the same: to fulfill the needs of the self, first and always. This differs from narcissism in that all empathic responses and attempts at spiritual connection are based on an outcome, rather than an open heart. A true narcissist is capable of empathy and connection so long as they are not momentarily threatened. A person with entitlement fixation doesn't ever experience the feelings though they will often vehemently deny this.

I feel tremendous compassion for the entitlement-fixated souls on our world. They must be among the loneliest and the most unsure. I have given great thought to the antidote for this affliction and I believe that the answer lies partly in one simple concept: humility.

Humility is a forgotten lesson. We have confused humility with humiliation and have fought hard to protect our young from its pain. Humility is the concept Mother Theresa tried to convey when she said, "I am just God's little pencil." It is an exquisite feeling of surrender and openness all in one glorious, spiritual moment. I am humbled when enveloped in a magenta sunset, or when caught in seizures of belly laughs. I feel humbled by the unswerving loyalty and joyous antics of my dogs. I am humbled by the amount of overwhelming talent in my small town and in the awesome devotion of all the volunteers to service I meet. I live my life in an unassuming, understated kind of way. I am inspired by the vastness and intimate knowledge of all things greater than I, yet I am confident and competent in meeting the challenges of my life.

Children need to know that the knowledge gained in failure can outweigh the feelings of being first. There can be true rejoicing in another's success. Being a part of something greater is better than being noticed. Giving is it's own peace. God is not a concept, but a sense that needs to be nurtured and developed before it can be experienced. It is our humility that allows us to be happy for others and foster their highest good. My parents were clumsy, at times, in their lessons and they didn't dote on me. Instead, they gave me something I can cherish.

Don't neglect your child's spiritual development. Any foundation is better than none. The lessons of self-discipline, humility, community, and God are all worth any resistance you may encounter. This is our job as parents and role models. This legacy is our best.

About The Author

Erika J. Chopich, Ph.D.is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process and the best-selling co-author of "Healing Your Aloneness" and "The Healing Your Aloneness Workbook." Visit her web site for a FREE Inner Bonding course: http://www.innerbonding.com or mailto:erika@innerbonding.com

Is That Your Cell Phone Ringing or Mine?

The newest technology is incredible and getting better. The newest 3G technologies have the ability now to find your exact position and with a little work and multiple sites with in a region can also figure your speed in real time. This could be good for catching those who might harm our troops. Or it could assist you and alert you that there is a Starbucks nearby and then give you directions and then charge you for your favorite drink? Seriously and also charge your toll so you do not need an Express Card or stop at the toll booths;

http://www.newscientist.com/hottopics/phon...p?id=ns99993818

There has even been speculation that cell phones can help with health issues and Some say the cell phones cause brain tumors. others say that they help? The good thing about 3G technology is that it has much less power in the handset, longer battery life and less microwaves entering your cranial area. The Wireless revolution is here and those of us who are sensitive to frequencies bands will find it difficult to have quality of life in those areas. A study by three Dutch government ministry research scientists found that radio signals for the next generation of mobile phone services can cause headaches and nausea and of course all this too is debated.

In this particular study they compared the effects of radiation from base stations used for the current mobile telephone network with the radiation effects of base stations of 3G networks. The study found that the test group exposed to third generation base station signals felt tingling sensations, got headaches, and felt nauseous. Cognitive functions such as memory and response times were actually boosted by both 3G signals and the current signals. This is interesting and I have found this to be true when I used lots of minutes on my cell phone, I had more brain activity.

Other studies have recently come out and said that small does of microwave are actually good for you. And I have found that significant does of caffeine during periods of high cell phone use increased and stimulated brain activity to higher levels of thinking. The ramifications of the study to WiFi networks is clear: previous research into the health effects of radio frequency radiation always measured the impact of cell phones, which are held close to the head and cause high fields of radiation close to the ear and warming of the brain. I have found that it heated up the back of the brain or cerebellum and thus stimulated the brain, but also could cause headaches, until which time the brain got use to that frequency. And then it enjoyed the stimuli and was even able to pick up that signal. Meaning, just seconds before the phone rang the brain felt stimulated, in other words the brain was in fact picking up the signal. And this even worked when the phone was in the next room.

So these studies are correct and the 3D technology and the cognitive enhancement, I can vouch for is real. VERY REAL. The Dutch study, on the other hand, used lower a dose of radiation to mimic base station signals rather than handsets. Handsets emit stronger radiation when they are used, while base stations transmit more constant levels of radio signals, exposing everyone within range. I therefore propose this:

http://www.parthe.net/_cwg0803/0000005b.htm

Some are doing this for safety, we are studying this to increase the world knowledge and better the human race. And realize that we will soon be able to use this data along with other significant research like this to connect the brain to machine, increase our capacity and create artificial life with a soul being a frequency wave of RF, VLF, ELF or microwave. Connecting Man to computer or putting computers in man is almost here:

http://www.parthe.net/_cwg0803/00000033.htm

The Europeans, have been way ahead of us in these studies, for instance this study in Belfast at the University, but just because you have a hands free unit does not mean that the power in the wire is not also going to your brain and if you are wearing your cell phone on your belt, your reproductive organs are there, which might be more important to the future of the human race than your personal brain? Think about it. Some say it could in fact help with population control although that is not so funny when you think about it. In any species, the job of the individual is to be born, procreate and then die, thus continuing the cycle and the species. Don't mess it up? Look at the picture there. And the WHO, no not the band, the WHO-World Health Organization says it finds issues with the use of cell phones and of course they are not the only ones studying this the National Radiological Protection Board also is now involved in a big way among their other important studies on the effects of these things.

There is another interesting use of the 3G technology, if you phone is with you and you are speeding between cell towers you may receive a ticket in the mail? Bummer, the cell phone, which allows you mobility will be the reason you get charged a fine.

There are pros and cons to the newest 3G Cell Phone Technology, but best of all you will be able to here whoever you are calling almost anywhere in the world very soon.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

A Guide to Debt Consolidation Loans

Should you find yourself overcome by debt, you might want to consider debt consolidation loans. These loans are designed with the person in debt beyond their means in mind, allowing for repayment of the outstanding debts while combining multiple payments into a single affordable monthly payment. Debt consolidation loans can be applied for at most banks or lending institutions, with some even specializing in debt relief and consolidation.

Debt consolidation loans consist of a loan that is equal to the either the total amount of your outstanding debt or to a significant portion of it, and allow you to pay off that debt so that you have only a single debt remaining? the loan itself.

Collateral and considerations

Since applying for debt consolidation loans means that you have some amount of debts that you wish to consolidate, there's a good chance that your credit is less than perfect. If this is the case then you're probably going to need some form of collateral, or property that you put up against the loan that the lender will be able to sell to get their money back in case you don't pay the money back. Collateral for debt consolidation loans can be a clear automobile title, the deed to a house or other real estate, or other forms of valuable property (though cars and houses are the most common forms of collateral.)

When applying for debt consolidation loans, you should first decide exactly how much money you need to borrow? usually, this will either be the total sum of your debts or the sum of the biggest debts that you have. The amount that you need will help to determine what sort of collateral is appropriate for your loan, and will also be a major factor in determining the interest rate and monthly payment that you'll get in order to pay the loan back.

Limitations of debt consolidation

Different lenders have different rules for debt consolidation loans? some have a minimum amount that you can borrow, and almost all have maximum amounts (which are usually based upon the value of your collateral.) Many lenders that specialize in people with less-than-perfect credit will offer very flexible terms for debt consolidation loans, since that's where they get a lot of their business. Unfortunately, you often tend to have a slightly higher interest rate when dealing with these flexible terms.

In the end, debt consolidation loans can be a godsend to those who may have felt that there was no way out of their financial problems. The loans can get your debt under control so that you have a single payment to make, and might even help you avoid bankruptcy? a place that no one ever wants to go. Thanks to the ease of consolidating your debts with debt consolidation loans, you won't have to.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Getting Unstuck

According to the Buddhists, between January 29 and February 12 is the worst time of the year. "Don't start anything new during this ending period," they advise. "It won't last." February, however, can be a great time to meditate on new beginnings. But what if you have no direction? What if you are STUCK?

You are probably in good company. Psychic or not, sometimes my own future is indefinable. I just don't know. Or that's what I tell myself anyway. Some hidden fear may be lurking in my unconscious mind and creating a smokescreen.

Metaphorically, energy or "chi" is like a flowing river. When we feel stuck, the flow of that river is caught in an eddy. Our chi is going around and around in circles and being sucked down into a bottomless vortex.

Remember, though, this is only your mind telling you that you are stuck. Energy by its very definition means motion and, therefore, cannot stay still. "Stuckness" is just an illusion and sometimes, merely a judgment of where you have not yet arrived. Your ego mind, your conscious waking-state chatters at you, berating you constantly with "I should be doing. . . " or "what's wrong with me?" or "I don't know?" et al.

But stuckness does not have to be suffered. It can be celebrated.

The good news is that feeling stuck is part of the human process and, believe it or not, serves a purpose. Stuckness is about standing still for a while and allowing us to take stock. In our Western culture and our headlong rush towards success and then death, (not always in that order) we do not allow ourselves permission to not know our destination. And if you resist your stuckness, it will only expand.

So just for today, give yourself permission to see your situation differently. Sit down, put your feet up, take a load off and read the following ten tips to honoring stuckness.

Accept what is now. Everything is in perfect divine right order. Therefore, you are not stuck, just resting.

Let your life unfold naturally. If you are unable to make a decision, it means you do not have all the information yet. Wait and trust. Ask for help. Consult your psychic, coach, counselor, spirit guides or angels. Be open to a different perspective.

Throw an "idea party." Brainstorm, exchange ideas, give and receive support.

Invite someone you admire to be your mentor. (Most people love to give advice!)

Recognize that you are not stuck, merely regrouping and preparing for a new life. Be thankful for the pause and know that what is yours will come to you.

Decide to see your life as a movie and write your dreams into your script. Be honest with yourself. What do you really, really want? Pursue the most exciting and/or scary options.

9. Feel the fear and, even if you are you terrified of success or happiness, do it anyway. That's the time when you will feel really ALIVE!

10. Take one action every day towards that bigger picture. No matter how small the deed, you are still moving forward.

And you are no longer stuck.

Natasha J. Rosewood is a Psychic Coach, Facilitator and Author of Aaagh! I Think I'm Psychic (And You Can Be Too). For details about her services, to purchase her book or subscribe to her newsletter visit: http://www.natashapsychic.com.

A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques

Introduction

Many of the people about to take one of my guided trips don't believe that Catfish feed as aggressively as other game fish. People are used to throwing out their bait and letting it set while they wait. Some days this works and they don't have to wait very long, but some days we all know that the wait can be very long. This waiting is what encouraged me to try to catch Blue Cats using other methods. Some techniques are passed down from generation to generation and these tried and true methods have caught Catfish since people have fished for them. I have used these methods most of my life and it was the way I was taught to catch Catfish. On the opposite end of the Cat-fishing spectrum, however, are two newer methods that I have been using to consistently catch Catfish, as well.

Fishing for Catfish

Ah, the American Catfish! The big three: Blues, Channel Cats and Flatheads; aren't they a wonderful species of fish? Each one has its own outstanding features to thrill Catfishermen and women throughout the United States and even worldwide. Flatheads, with their big, wide heads and flat tails, have my vote as the hardest pulling fish pound-for-pound in fresh water. No Catfisherman can talk very long without telling their favorite Channel Cat story.

Channel Cats live almost anywhere in fresh water and eat an enormous variety of baits, from prepared stink baits to live baits. I believe these whisker fish are the most versatile and adaptive members of the Catfish family. The next Catfish member, the Blue Cat, also commonly called a White Cat, gets my pick for the best all around, year-round Catfish. This is also the fish I target with my non-typical Cat-fishing techniques. Although Channel Cats and Flatheads are caught using these techniques, Blue Cats remain the king in mass numbers. These dudes grow big and fast and will strike your bait with a vengeance. Plus, they pull hard in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

The Blue Catfish

The Blue Cat is truly an amazing fish. I have caught these fish as deep as 96 feet at the bottom of a river channel in cold water conditions. I have also seen them come right up to the top and smash a school of shad just as a Striper or White Bass would do in warm water conditions. As far as I can tell, these fish feed aggressive all year, which in my opinion sets them apart from Flatheads and Channel Cats. Reports of Blues falling for lead spoons, jigs, crank baits, and many other artificial lures are not uncommon any time of the year. The other Blue Cat bonus is their size, growing much larger than Channel Cats and a smidge larger than Flatheads. That makes your chances of catching a Blue Cat over 20 pounds a big time reality. Fish over 50 pounds are not that hard to find in reservoirs and rivers that have had time to produce that size of Catfish.

These fish grow to be over 100 pounds - it's the exception and not the rule, but it does happen. That's the beauty in setting up and fishing for Blue Cats: your next fish might be 1 pound, 51 pounds, or 101 pounds.

Make sure to read Part 2 and 3 of this article to learn about Capt. Jeff's non-typical techniques!

Copyright ? 2002-2005 Jeff Williams

You have permission to publish this article free of charge as long as you are not selling it and that you include the author bylines immediately visible with the article and, if published in an electronic medium such as on a web site, you provide a link back to www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com in the author bylines, both where the web address is listed as well as well as with the text "Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service"...

Jeff Williams runs a Truman Lake Hybrid Bass and Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service offering lodging and guided trips in Missouri. To book a trip, learn more tips, or find out how Capt. Jeff would fish your own local waters, call 1-866-HOOKSET or visit http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com today!

Credit Card Benefits and Drawbacks

Credit cards have both benefits and drawbacks. It is wise to consider both before applying for a credit card. While they can be very useful, credit cards can also be risky. Even people who are usually good with their money get into trouble with credit cards. A credit card can be useful, but may also end up putting you in a difficult financial situation if misused.

Here are some of the benefits of credit cards:

Withdraw cash 24 hours a day, anywhere in the world.

Buy online. It is the quickest and easiest way, and you are protected against credit card fraud.

Repay in regular instalments. Typically, these incur interest.

Usually, there is an interest-free repayment period, which you can use to repay your debt in full, interest-free.

One of the main benefits of using a credit card rather than a debit card is the protection provided by the Consumer Credit Act. This says that if you have problems with goods or services you can get your money back from the card issuer if you can't get it back from the supplier.

Some cards provide purchase protection insurance, which pays out if something you have bought with the card is lost, damaged, or stolen within ninety days of the date of purchase.

A credit card can cost nothing - if you pick a card that doesn't charge an annual fee and you always pay the bill in full every month.

A credit card can save you money if you choose one that earns you cash every time you buy something. How much cash you get back is calculated as a small percentage of the amount you have spent on the card. Some cards offer incentives other than cash - Air Miles or shopping vouchers, for instance.

Even if you do not pay your monthly bill in full, a credit card can be cheaper than running an overdraft on your current account, especially if your bank charges a monthly fee as well as interest when you overdraw.

Using a credit card can work out cheaper than using traveller's cheques or foreign currency to pay for things abroad. This is because the exchange rate used by card companies to convert foreign spending into sterling is better than normal tourist rates. However, because of credit card charges for cash withdrawals, a debit card is better if you want to use plastic to buy currency, whether over the counter or from a foreign cash-machine.

You can give to charity for free if you sign up for a charity credit card.

Credit cards are often cheaper than loans for short-term borrowing. You pay interest on the remaining debt, not the full amount - and there are no early redemption penalties.

Credit cards offer flexibility to match uneven income and expenditure patterns: you choose what to pay off each month, between the minimum and the total outstanding.

Their consolidated accounting enables one cheque to settle multiple transactions ? while all appear neatly on one pre-prepared statement each month.

There is an automatic 'interest free' period per statement period.

Credit cards enable remote purchasing via the internet, by telephone or mail order.

Credit cards can include additional benefits like insurance cover on purchases, cash-back, AirMiles, Nectar or Reward points, and holiday discounts.

Here are some of the drawbacks of using a credit card:

Credit cards can be unnecessarily costly.

Credit cards may be expensive for cash withdrawals

Credit cards may be expensive for foreign currency purchases.

Their credit limits can be insufficient for your requirements.

They encourage a 'pay now, worry later' mentality and make it too easy to get into debt.

Credit cards are very open to fraudulent use.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author's biography remains intact:

About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Trademark Issues in the Mobil Auto Business

There have always been trademark issues and lawsuits in the mobile auto service business. I know this because I own several such businesses. We first noticed a competitor in the Mobile Auto Detailing Business, which had a name "Mobile Auto Services" another "Mobile Oil Change" and still another "Mobile Car Care". Mobil Oil Company was marketing at the time their Gas Station Service Centers as "Mobil Auto-Services" "Mobil Car Care" and "Mobil Auto Care."

Mobile Oil even filed one case against a company in Mobile Alabama, which used the name Mobile in its Auto Service Business. These cases occur more often than you think. Many times infringers do it on purpose to get easier name recognition, while at other times it is just coincidence, either way as the World gets closer together you can bet the problem will become more prevalent and more serious.

If you don't think this is an issue, check out this case with Kellogg's "Tony the Tiger" and Mobil Oil Company's "Tiger Mart." I guess you have to ask yourself "Whoooose Great"

http://www.eura.com/steffen/jura/aktuelles/texte/tony_kellogs_vs_exxon_tiger.htm

Whether or not you agree with the verdicts in these trademark infringement cases, the company with the greatest dollars often is victorious. Speaking of Victorious...Victor's Secrets, an adult store, has won a case where Victoria Secret, a 4 Billion Dollar a year marketer of lingerie, was not entitled to seek a cease and desist from the Proprietor of Victor's Secret, whose real name was Bob or something like that.

In the case of McDonalds, they sue just about everyone with anything even closely resembling their name and they have so much case law now that they usually win everything, you might beat them but it would cost you $190,000 +, as was the most recent case where it went to a very high court and McDonalds won anyway.

We have seen previously in California where Oil Max was taken by a San Diego company and the former Oil Max mobile oil change company changed their name to Oil Maxx, with two X's; unfortunate, but true. In a Trademark case at the Federal Level this would not even be possible, first use has rights, but even a federal trademark must be defended otherwise you lose certain rights to it's use.

Now we see again Where Pitts Stop Mobile Oil Change is using a similar paint scheme to the Pitts Stop for this major C-Store Chain where some offices also have Oil Changing. If they are ever going to be in the same market one company will have to yield if both companies cannot agree, problem being that there is a good chance they will be direct competitors, in which case there could easily be a lawsuit. One company he fixed sites are based in Las Vegas and the other is based in Riverside CA that is fairly close and so far neither company is so big that it matters. In franchising such as in Mobil Service Stations, Brand Name means a lot. So to will it in the future as one or more of these companies might make it to a point where there is a confusion. In a down economy there is also a potential for one or more companies to go out of business thus abandoning any use of such a mark therefore making such an example of this type very irrelevant.

Before you go into an auto business or any business for that matter, check on the use of the names and pay attention, these issues are easy to fix before you start, but once you grow large the costs in loss of brand name recognition if you have to change the name could be in the millions, think about it. I know you will.

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

How to Make a Fortune from Unique Resistance-free Advertising

One of the most powerful offers you can use in your advertising is the word Free.

But, you may well ask? how can I make a profit giving my products and services away without charging for them?

Which is the exact reason why you need to understand the 'LVC Formula' which stands for the Lifetime Value of a Client!

Here's how it works. Let's imagine for a moment you own a beauty salon. Now if you get a new customer, they may pay you $80 for their first treatment.

But how much is this $80 client really worth?

After all, most clients will continue to buy off you for many years to come.

For instance, let's imagine your average client returns for a beauty treatment 8 times a year? and remains a client for 2 years.

$80 (price of consultation) x 8 (purchases a year) x 2 (number of years)

Now if you have a calculator handy, you'll work out the value of this client as $1280.00.

And if your profit margin is 40% this calculates to a $512 profit per client.

Let's imagine we sent a letter to all the nearby businesses offering women a free manicure valued at $30.00 (I'm not a beauty therapist, so please forgive me if all these figures are way out).

And if the manicure costs you $7 in products and 30 minutes of your time (which if you're not busy? you'd just be sitting on your butt anyway!)

So effectively the $7 investment could have just made you $512 in profit.

And how easy is it to give away a free manicure?

Or for other industries?

?A free car service
?A free dancing lesson
?A free consultation
?A free ice cream
?A free report of some sort

The secret lies in giving away something which has a high perceived value, but actually costs you very little to produce.

Why does it work so well?

Using the word 'Free' in your advertising STOPS inertia. You see, people are happy with their current hairdresser? or their mechanic.

But when they get an opportunity to trial a product or service for FREE ? there's something irresistible and risk free about it, isn't there?

A word of warning though. Make sure you offer the best possible service? otherwise people will not come back, and you'll get a bad name very quickly.

And of course, where possible, make sure you collect a database? and measure your results.

What could you offer for FREE? Write down a few ideas now? and start implementing this stuff.

It could have an almost overnight effect on your sales.

Scott Bywater
Copywriting That SELLS
Level 12 / 418a Elizabeth Street
Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
1300 88 21 91 / + 61 2 9282 6445

Scott Bywater is a professional direct response copywriter and the author of Cash-Flow Advertising. To get a complimentary copy of his special report '7 Ways To Increase Your Turnover... No Matter What The State Of The Economy' (valued at $29.95) and a free subscription to his "Copywriting Selling Secrets" ezine where you'll discover how to write ads and sales letters that make people line up and practically beg you to do business with them visit his web site at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au