Alarming Situation! Is United States Failing to Quit?

CDC reported that 45 million men and women were smokers in 2005 and the number was same as in 2004. Does that symbolize the weakness of human beings in front of tobacco?

The CDC reports that according to new statistics, the 8-year decline in smoking among adults in the United States might be freezing. The 2005 figures appeared in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Data were provided by a nationwide government survey of about 31,000 adults, 18 and older, who were interviewed in person. Current smokers were defined as those who said they had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and reported smoking every day or some days. Let me read out the CDC report to those who smoke;

• Kentucky claimed the prize as the smokiest state.
• The smokers who attempted to quit did not make it into the ranks of the 46.5 million Americans classified as former cigarette smokers in 2005.
• 36.5 million people smoked cigarettes daily in 2005
• About 8 million more smoked on some days, says the CDC.
• Men were more likely than women to smoke cigarettes;
• Young adults had the highest cigarette smoking rate of all age groups.
• Cigarette smoking was most common among people who hadn't finished high school, or who had a General Educational Development (GED) degree.

To control the situation, the CDC suggests strategies like raising prices for tobacco products, launching quit-smoking media campaigns, and cutting smokers' out-of-pocket costs for quit-smoking programs, therapies, and counseling.

But, the matter of fact remains a question?.why people are failing to quit smoking? Even when so many efforts are being put in anti-tobacco awareness and smoking cessation media campaigns? What the CDC is suggesting has already been tried and tested, isn?t it? But the outcome is clear as day light. So, what do we do now? when the fear of early death, cancer and various other life-threatening diseases are not able to stop the smokers from smoking?

We should delve deep into the problem to find out the root? After all why do we fail? Even alcohol abuse could be controlled, then why has cigarette emerged as such a big challenge today? What is the reason? Should we blame nicotine for it?but that?s what we have been doing so long?nicotine is the only reason behind addiction to cigarettes or any other tobacco product.

Blaming is not going to help; this is a situation of crisis because as per the CDC report ?Cigarette smoking was most common among people who hadn't finished high school, or who had a General Educational Development (GED) degree?, the future of next generation is at stake.

Smokers, you don?t care for your own life, that is understood and obvious?but what about your children? Do you wish them to die early suffering from cancer and other life threatening diseases? Think about it?

The author, Monalisa Hyden, addresses psychological and health related issues. If you wish to help yourself and your loved ones in quit smoking, you can log on to http://www.chantixhome.com for more information and advice.

TV Stars Really? They Started on the Legit Stage

Many times the general public associates an actor with a role they
play on a long-running television show, not realizing that often
that thespian had an active career on the stage first. Jerry Orbach
and Sam Waterston on Law and Order, Jason Alexander on
Seinfeld, and Patricia Heaton on Everybody Loves Raymond are a
few of the many actors who first trained for, cut their teeth on, and
professionally performed on the legitimate stage.

The fact is the technique most often taught to American stage
actors - some form of the Stanislavski Method - works very nicely
on both TV and film. Although there are adjustments to be made
going from the stage to television, a well-trained stage actor can
usually make those adjustments fairly quickly.

The biggest changes have to do with the subtlety employed by
those acting for the camera. Stage actors find that physically and
vocally less is more in front of the camera. Additionally, a good film
or television actor has a sound sense of how to use the camera
frame to their best advantage. An actor like Michael Caine is a
master at this.

For someone who has only done television or film, acting on the
stage can be difficult. The stage demands that actors sustain a
character for long periods of time, something the electronic media
does not do. Overall, stage performing also calls for bigger actions
than those needed for television and film. If someone has never
been trained for the theatre, this can be intimidating.

Of course the scariest thing about acting on stage is the fact that
you??re in front of a live audience and if you make a mistake, you
don??t get a Mulligan. Even when a television show is done in front
of a live audience, there??s less pressure for the actor to be
perfect. If they go up (that is, forget their lines), they can make a
joke and get a laugh while cut is called. They then get to try the
moment, action or scene again. There is no cut in a live stage
performance; there is only covering for a flubbed line, a missed
entrance, or a misplaced prop.

Here are a few actors that you??ve become familiar with on
television who first acted on the legitimate stage.

Jerry Orbach

Orbach, who passed away in 2004, was best known as the
wisecracking Detective Lennie Briscoe on Law and Order. As a
young man, he attended the University of Illinois and
Northwestern University where he studied drama. After going to
New York, he continued to study for the stage. He became closely
associated with musicals, creating the role of El Gallo and singing
the well-know opening number Try to Remember in the long-
running musical The Fantasticks. He won the Tony in 1969 for his
portrayal of Chuck Baxter in Promises, Promises; he sang the hit
song I??ll Never Fall in Love Again in that show. He also played
leads in Chicago (Billy Flynn) and Forty-Second Street (Julian
Marsh). Most Law and Order fans don??t realize that Orbach had a
beautiful, resonate singing voice.

Bebe Neuwirth

Beatrice Bebe Neuwirth has recently become a regular on Law
and Order, where she plays the role of Tracey Kibre. However, it
was on the sitcom Cheers that she found fame by playing Lilith
Sternin-Crane - a tough, tense psychiatrist and wife of Frasier
Crane. Neuwirth trained at the Julliard School and first made her
name as a dancer and actor in the national tour of A Chorus Line
(1980), where she played Cassie and Sheila. In 1982, she
appeared on Broadway in Dancin??, directed and choreographed by
the legendary Bob Fosse, and in the musical Little Me. She
cemented her reputation on the Great White Way by playing the
lead in Bob Fosse??s revival of the musical Sweet Charity (1986), for
which she won a Tony. Neuwirth is an amazing, charismatic musical
performer, who commands the stage with her voice and body.

Jason Alexander

Best know as Jerry Seinfeld??s obnoxious best friend George
Costanza in the sitcom Seinfeld, Alexander, who was born Jay
Greenspan in Newark, NJ, is another former Tony winner. While he
was an undergraduate at Boston College, Alexander was cast in
Stephen Soundheim??s Broadway musical Merrily We Roll Along. He
won the Best Actor in A Musical Tony for his role in Jerome Robbin??s
Broadway (1989). In the first few episodes of Seinfeld, he wasn??t
quite sure of how to play George Castanza so he imitated Woody
Allen.

Sam Waterston

On television he plays tough, no nonsense D.A. Jack McCoy in Law
and Order (1990), but originally Waterston was best known for his
stage roles. He went to Yale, where he did not study acting, but
did taking acting classes at the American Actors Workshop in Paris.
Waterston?played numerous roles in New York, including Jonathan
in Oh, Dad, Poor, Dad, Mama??s Hung You in the Closet and I??m
Feeling so Sad, Hamlet in Hamlet, and Signoir Benedick of Padua in
Much Ado About Nothing, for which he won the Drama desk award
for Best Actor. Prior to becoming associated with Law and Order,
he was best known for his work in straight plays, both new and
classic. On stage, Waterston perfected an elegant, refined style,
displaying an ability to make precise and subtle acting choices.

Barry Bostwick

On the Michael J. Fox sitcom Spin City, Bostwick played the
dimwitted mayor Randall M. Winston Jr. in 70 episodes. Since that
time, he??s appeared on numerous hit TV shows as a guest star,
including Scrubs, Cold Case and Law and Order. But Bostwick has
deep Broadway roots that include the creation of the role of Danny
Zuko in Grease, for which he received a Best Actor in a Musical
nomination, and the creation of the lead role of Jamie Lockhart in
the musical The Robber Bridegroom, for which he won the Tony.
Bostwick, who also played in numerous straight plays, was known
for his high energy and slapdash style. While performing in his
award winning run as Jamie Lockhart, Bostwick broke his arm
when he fell swinging across the stage on a rope. He proved he
was a trouper though when, after a short recuperative period, he
got back on stage with his arm in a cast and continued to play
Lockhart, rope swing and all.

Patricia Heaton

For 70 episodes, Heaton played Debra Barone, Ray Romano??s wife
on the very popular sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. As a young
woman, she focused on theatre arts at Ohio State University and
then went to New York where she studied with William Esper. She
made her debut in the Broadway gospel musical Don??t Get God
Started, but overall during her career in New York she was
relegated to small roles. With a few acting buddies, she started a
theatre company called Stage Three, which produced new works in
NYC. In 1989 they took their successful production of The
Johnstown Vindicator to Los Angeles, where casting directors saw
and liked Heaton. Slowly her TV career started to take off. But
Heaton has long acknowledged that despite the fact that she
never made it big on Broadway, her stage training has been
instrumental to her success on television.

James Gandolfini

Gandolfini continues his run as the cold-hearted, insecure,
narcissistic Tony Soprano on HBO??s hit series The Sopranos. After
receiving a degree in Communications from Rutgers University,
Gandolfini went on to study acting in the late 1980??s at the
prestigious Actors Studio in New York City. After making his
professional stage debut in Big El's Best Friend, he appeared in
many New York productions. He made his Broadway debut in 1992
as Steve Hubbell in the revival of Tennessee Williams?? A Streetcar
Named Desire, which starred Alex Baldwin and Jessica Lang. Other
New York credits included On the Waterfront, One Day Wonder and
Tarantulas Dancing. The same year he first appeared on
Broadway, he also landed his first screen role, which was in Sidney
Lumet's A Stranger Among Us. Since 1992, he??s appeared in over
20 films. He??s been Tony Soprano in over 70 episodes.

Other actors, who have either made their name or learned
invaluable acting lessons in the theatre before becoming part of
the electronic entertainment industry, include Martin Sheen,
Stockard Channing, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Duvall, Meryl Streep,
and Swoosie Kurtz. These actors have labored hard to learn their
craft on what was the first acting platform available to humankind -
the live stage.

Movies are a little over 100 years old and television is about 75
years old. The formal theatre goes back over 2,500 years! It??s the
true learning and testing ground for acting technique, stamina, and
skill that, once honed, can then be transferred to any other venue.

Go to a Broadway show or a professional theatre near you - you
may catch a performance by someone you??ll see break through on
the tube in the next few years. One night, you??ll be sitting in your
den or living room watching the next big hit drama or sitcom and
say, Hey, didn??t we see that actor on the stage? Yeah, you did,
before they were famous. Very cool.

About the Author

This article was written by Paul Mroczka sponsored by http://www.stubhub.com/. If you're looking for tickets for the next Broadway show, look no further than Stubhub.com where fans buy and sell the hottest Broadway tickets.

Which Mac is Right for Me?

Now that you have decided that you are going to get a Mac, it's time to figure out which Mac is the right one for you. There really isn't a wrong choice here, it's more a matter of getting the best use out of your money and not over or under-spending your hard earned cash.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help narrow it down 1. Do you need portability? 2. What are you going to use your Mac for? 3. What is your Budget? 4. Intel or Power PC?

Starting with Question number 1. Do you need portability? This is fairly straight forward but I think you should really take some time to consider this question rather then just jump into it, for example here is a list of Pros and Cons for each choice.

• Laptops are ultra portable, great for the person on the move or even just carrying it around the house. Why not surf the Web from your couch?
• Laptops take up very little space and are great for small work areas or even people who want to use them on a boat, motor-home or maybe a dorm-room situation.
• Laptops require no setup, everything is built-in and ready to go.
• Laptops generally cost more then Desktops and can sometime have less raw power, speed, space compared to their Desktop equivalent.
• Laptops are generally harder and more expensive to upgrade because of all the miniaturized components that go into them.

Desktops have the most raw power and performance for the money.

• Desktops can be upgraded easier and usually for less then a Laptop.
• Desktops take up more space and usually require a bit of setup like keyboards, mice, speakers and monitors to plugin.
• Desktops always require household power, no power-no computer.

Question 2. What are you going to use your Mac for? It's important that you match your computer to your needs or requirements. Higher end Macs have more then just enhanced specifications, they tend to have more feature geared towards the professional user.

For example:

• PowerBooks and MacBook Pros have PC Card slots for even more connectivity.
• PowerBooks and MacBooks support the Apple 30 inch Dual-Port DVI monitor.
• They also have high end video cards capable of supporting multiple monitors each with their own desktop.
• Another cool feature is the ability to plugin a USB keyboard to a PowerBook or MacBook with the lid closed and use an external monitor saving your Laptops built- in monitor life-span and at the same time giving you a home Desktop experience with your Laptop.
• A PowerMac Desktop is also setup for ultimate performance, It has the most upgradability of any Mac, the fastest processors, tons of room for ram and hard drives, support for multiple Dual-port DVI monitors, PCI slots for audio and video cards, faster ports, buses and drives.
• An iBook, Mac mini and iMac may not share all of these features so make sure to decide what you need and don't need for your computing needs.

Question 3. What is your Budget? If money was no object who wouldn't pickup a new MacBook Pro? The reality is money is usually the first thing we consider when making a purchase, well at least for me it does.

Don't worry Apple has some excellent entry level products that include everything that most people are looking for and then some! For example, even iBooks ship with DVD burners, Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, tons of connectivity ports and host of software that will put a Windows PC to shame.

If you are going to be using your new Mac for basic uses like email, Web-surfing, Word-porcessing and other basic picture, music, video and Web uses then really any new Mac will be more then adequate.

Question 4. Intel or Power PC? At this time Apple is going through a significant processor architecture change. Apple has made the commitment to change all of its G4 and G5 computers from the Power PC Chip architecture to Intel's X86 Chip PC based architecture over the course of this year. You might ask why Apple is making this change? PC based Chips have experienced leaps and bounds as far as performance goes so it only makes sense for Apple to ensure they are not limiting performance by solely using Power PC Chips. Now that Apple is supporting the PC based Chip architecture, they have the ability to use any Chip they want and at this time the Intel Chip seems to be the best solution.

What does this all mean? In a nutshell it means that not all programs written for OSX will run on an Intel based Mac at this time. Only programs that have been updated to support both Power PC and X86 chip-sets will run natively on all Macs, this type of program is called a Universal application. To help ease the transition Apple has created a piece of software called Rosetta that is designed to work transparently translating program code from Power PC to the new Intel language. The downside to this is that not all Power PC programs will run in Rosetta and those that do run lack the performance of the Universal applications.

More and more programs are getting updated to Universal everyday, just make sure that if you are planning on getting a New Intel Mac then also make sure the programs you need to run will at least run with Rosetta support.

One other new and interesting advantage to getting an Intel based Mac is the possibility of running Windows just as if you where suing a PC. This could be a big plus for anyone who needs to run Windows applications.

Apple is always outdoing themselves making better and faster machines. My personal opinion is that any relatively new Mac with a G4, G5 or Intel Chip is going to be a great investment, I would even go so far as saying that given the choice of an outdated Mac or a top of the line PC, I would go for the Mac any day!!

Now that you know some of the basics on what to consider when deciding which Mac is right for you, I would suggest you go down to your local Mac dealer and take some for a test drive...

Author - Michael Kaye
Founder of http://www.SwitchingToMac.com
once you go Mac - you never go back

How to Hire Domestic Help

Are you absolutely certain that your cleaning service company or private maid is trustworthy? According to Mark Roselli of The Mang Insurance Group, a national survey of insurance companies concluded that 44.6% of all theft claims are derived from domestic cleaning services. In addition, Mr. Roselli states that most cleaning service companies are underinsured - protecting themselves from theft and/or damage of company property but not covering their customers. He also stated that criminal background checks are not required in order to purchase bonding insurance. These staggering facts should be of great concern to anyone hiring domestic help. Before you agree to let a stranger into your home, whether you are hiring a private maid or a cleaning service company, you must be assured that you are not putting yourself at risk.

As the owner of a cleaning service company since 1989, and as a consultant for residential cleaning companies since 2004, I have heard about many experiences. Aside from underinsured companies who may have criminals on staff, there are less dire concerns to consider. One woman came home from a month in the hospital to find her private maid had not only moved in, but brought her family of five with her. Another hired a franchise service that apparently came in only to pick up her check each time they were supposed to clean her home. I've been told about another franchise service that sent a team of three cleaning ladies to perform a cleaning, but the customer could not communicate with them because none of the three spoke English.

To ensure that you have an acceptable experience you must do your research before hiring a cleaning company. My recommendations are:

1. Remember that the fee alone should not determine who you hire.


2. Ask for proof of insurance to be sent directly from the insurance company so that you will have a document on hand should an incident occur. (Insist that the insurance certificate is sent to you by the insurance company, not the cleaning company.) Here are some coverage guidelines:


*Bonding insurance can be as low as $1,000 and protects you against theft ONLY if it is a Third Party Bond. Proper coverage would be a minimum of a $25,000 third party bond.


*Liability coverage insures that any accident will not be charged to your homeowners' policy ONLY if it is Third Party Coverage. A minimum of $1,000,000 is desirable for liability coverage.


*Worker's compensation insures that any personal injury occurring on your property is not charged to your home owner's policy.


3. Be certain that you feel comfortable with the owner of the cleaning company, as they will be your contact should there be any problems with the service. Inquire about company policies regarding inadequate service, problems with employees and insurance claims. How long will it be before you are reimbursed for damaged or missing items? Will you be reimbursed for inadequate cleaning, or will a team be sent to reclean your home, and how long will this take?


4. Ask if the cleaning company checks employment and criminal records. From one hundred applications reviewed we can invite an average of ten for interviews because of a lack of stability in work history and residence. Out of the ten applicants invited for an interview, nine are eliminated because of poor work ethics, excessive residences and/or criminal records. Although my company would bring in more immediate income if I carelessly hired anyone who applied, I assure you that repeat business would suffer tremendously and my customers would feel violated.


5. How far back does the company check criminal records? A ten year background check is the legal maximum in some states; however a twenty year check is more desirable. I have seen applicants who appeared to be upstanding citizens but had criminal records reminiscent of infamous outlaws of the Wild West. One young woman who had applied to be a maid had six pages of offenses and had served time for safe cracking! Another mild mannered applicant had served time for armed robbery. Although these are extreme cases they serve to make a point -- if your cleaning service does not check criminal records then you may be inviting a felon into your home. Most often the criminal records of applicants are clean; however ten percent include assault, disturbing the peace and serious traffic violations. These are the records of applicants whose applications were above average -- can you imagine who will be sent to your home if the company you hire does not enforce the most stringent hiring policies?


6. If you prefer to hire a private maid then be certain that you perform a criminal record check. Remember that appearances can be deceiving and references can be falsified.

In most situations your greatest concern will be getting value for your investment. If you invest $120 to have your home cleaned and are unhappy with the results, then you have the opportunity to see first hand how the internal policies of the company work. Does the company have policies, procedures and resources which allow them to handle your complaint professionally and with diplomacy? Do they offer immediate remedies to correct any problem? Not only should you be assured that the company you have invited to be such an important part of your life will clean your home properly and without incident, but that they will take your concerns seriously.

The labor intensity of the residential cleaning industry is equally rivaled by the communication and management intensity. If the cleaning company does not utilize proper management techniques, your overall experience will not be desirable.

In conclusion, as with any important decision you should educate yourself before making a final choice on which company you'll allow to clean your home. Make inquires by phone, in person, online, speak to friends and neighbors about their experiences with local cleaning companies. Bottom line - you are getting ready to invite people into your home, for many their most private and prized possession. Be certain that your decision is an educated and prudent one, not solely based upon price. Like so many of our customers you may find that a decade later the same friendly faces and good service are a refreshing and very necessary part of your life.

Copyright ? 2004 MaidDocs? ~ All rights reserved.
About the Author

Walter L. Gibson established the cleaning company Maid in North Carolina in 1989 and gained a copyright for his business system in 2004, creating MaidDocs.com. MaidDocs offers documents and forms, custom forms packages or a complete cleaning business system for residential cleaning service companies. Visit http://www.MaidDocs.com/shop for complete information.

Apple Useful In Combating Diarrhea

Apple information and how it is used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems such as stomach cramps, cancer and diabetes.

Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.

Botanical Classification: Family Rosaceae

Genus and specie: Malus sylvestris or Pyrus malus.

Description of the herb apple:

This commonplace tree can grow up to 40 feet high and more than 300 varieties are found.

Parts used:

The fruits and leaves are used.

Properties:

The fruit varies and taste and texture range from crisp to mealy and can be sweet or sour, depending on the variety. The fruits have great anti-diarrhea and laxative properties, and although it sounds like a contradiction, both of these conditions can be helped with apples.

Therapeutic uses:

Internal use:

The pectin in apples is transformed into a soothing coating for the intestines by intestinal bacteria, which eases stomach cramps.

Pectin adds bulk to stools and is useful in combating diarrhea.

A study that appeared in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute hints that pectin may stop cancer spreading through the body, and that pectin binds certain carcinogenic compounds in the colon, speeding their elimination from the body.

A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that apple pectin helps to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Apple pectin reportedly helps retain cholesterol in the stomach, binding cholesterol to itself and carrying it through the digestive tract to be eliminated and is also reported to help the body rid itself of
. lead
. mercury
. and other heavy metals prevalent in modern water, food, and air.

External use:

Apple leaves contain phloretin, which is a natural antibiotic.

Crushed clean apple leaves may be applied to minor wounds and scratches as a temporary treatment until the wounds can be cleaned and bandaged.

Aromatherapy and essential oil use:

None noted.

Safety precautions and warnings:

An apple seed contains a high level of cyanide - so much so that ingesting massive amounts of apple seeds can be fatal, and it is not advisable to eat great amounts of apple seeds.

People with weak stomachs, prone to diarrhea or constipation must eat apples in moderation, as it can precipitate either of the conditions in susceptible individuals.

Large amounts of apple pectin could delay the absorption of most drugs if taken at the same time.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: www.12234455.co.za

What Are You Doing In Front Of Your Children?

Copyright Jan Tincher - All Rights reserved
http://www.tameyourbrain.com


What are you doing in front of your children? Kids mimic their
parents, even if they don't understand what is going on.


Do you get angry? What do you do when you are angry? Do you let that anger show, regardless of the consequences?


And what are the consequences? This, perhaps? You have company. The children are playing. Your child gets angry and hurts another child.


Will those children be allowed to play together once the parents of the other kids see that happening *once too many* times?


What has happened here? Friends are very important to children.


Do you cheat? Do you cheat, regardless of the consequences?


And what are the consequences? This, perhaps? You have company. The children are playing. Your child cheats at a game and all the kids get upset.


Will those children be allowed to play together once the parents of the other kids see that happening *once too many* times?


What has happened here? Friends are very important to children.


Do you want to be spontaneous in the act of making love, and does that mean in front of the kids? Regardless of the consequences?


And what are the consequences? This, perhaps? You have company. The children are playing. Your little boy mimics his father's actions to the doll on the floor, duplicating the actions as *he* perceives them.


Will those children be allowed to play together once the parents of the other kids see that happening *once too many* times?


What has happened here? Friends are very important to children.


And, since friends are very important to children, shouldn't they be very important to you?


What are we telling -- doing in front of -- our kids? We need to tell and show them what is acceptable. Making love is great, but not for little people AND not in front of little people who are learning life and who have no idea what is going on. Some say, *But they are going to learn it somewhere, sometime.* Do you let them swear? Punch someone in the nose? Urinate over the bushes downtown? *They may not have learned it downtown, but that's where they'll probably try it out.*


They learn MORE from people they love and respect. They learn FASTER from people they love and respect. They MODEL people they love and respect.


The next time you say or do something in front of your children, or any children for that matter, look at what you are doing and make sure it is something you want or can accept being repeated -- right in front of your eyes.


*** NOTE: All is not lost if you do see something you don't like repeated right in front of your eyes. Let your mind go back over your actions and see if YOU were the one who taught them to do that. If so, the next time you are doing it in front of them say something like, *Oh! I shouldn't have done that. I'm sorry. I won't do that again, OK?* We all make mistakes. Apologizing is VERY acceptable behavior. Show it to children all the time.


Children live what they've learned. What are you teaching them?


If you like this technique, pass it on to a friend. Watch as their life changes for the better.


Thanks for reading.

Jan


~~~~~~~~~

Copyright 2004, Jan Tincher, All Rights Reserved Worldwide


DISCLAIMER: Jan Tincher and/or *Tame Your Brain!* do not guarantee or warrant that the techniques and strategies portrayed will work for everyone. The techniques and strategies are general in nature and may not apply to everyone. The techniques and strategies are not intended to substitute for obtaining medical advice from the medical profession. Always consult your own professionals before making any life-changing decisions.


~~~~~~~~~


Are you a Red Hat Lady? Drop in and see what's happening for the ladies over 50! Articles on growing older gracefully will amuse and enlighten you, learn how to make a purple boa, and find products that make your life easier! Http://www.red-hat-ladies-society.com


==>Publishers, you are welcome to reprint this article in its entirety provided you retain the above resource box and include this notice, plus notify us of the day(s) you will be running it.
About the author:

Jan Tincher, nationally recognized expert in Hypnotherapy & Neuro-Linguistic Programming, teaches strategies and techniques to help you live a better, happier life! She studied under Richard Bandler and Anthony Robbins, and has a successful practice in Forest City, Iowa. She is an award winning author, and you can read many of her articles at http://www.tameyourbrain.com/articles.htm. You can read what people say about her at http://www.tameyourbrain.com/testimonials.htm


Give the Gift of a LifetimeVan DayGiving that special someone a special gift can be very difficult. Depending on the situation and occasion, it can be a very tricky thing. You want to do the right thing, but if youre not careful, it can backfire. As many have found out, you need to give this some considerable thought.

But everyone wants to give the ight gift. What makes up a great gift?

In my experience, a great gift:

Is truly unique, personal and creative;

Demonstrates to the recipient the thoughtfulness and caring that went into securing the gift;

Evokes emotions from the recipient whenever it is used, seen or thought about;
and

Makes the recipient truly feel special.

A great gift doesn't necessarily have to cost hundreds or thousands of dollars to be great. But also understand that getting a gift that is cheap can show how much you don't care. Before you start to shop and buy, also consider the following:

1.Who is the recipient? Is it your spouse, significant other, sibling, parents, relative, close friends, neighbor or business associate?

2.Next, what is the occasion? Holiday, birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, engagement, promotion, a just because occasion, or I-need-to-get-out-of-the-doghouse-occasion?

3.Be yourself. The gift is from you, so make sure it shows it. But be appropriate, and be sure the gift is something that the recipient will relate to and enjoy.

4.Try to avoid excessiveness. Simple gifts tend to also be very well received.

5.Don't wait until the last minute. It only gives you too little time to get a great gift, and also shows how much you don't care.

Being creative is a fantastic way to ensure getting the right gift. People love it when it's obvious their gift required some imagination and creativity. So as youre going through the what do I get them process, remember that a little bit of creativity, uniqueness and personalization will go a long, long way!

The true measure of a great gift will be seen in the eyes of the recipient when they get it. Youll know it, youll feel it, and youll feel great yourself when youve given the Great Gift!

About the author:

Van Day is a renowned pianist and musician, and creator of Piano Music 4 You.com Piano Music 4 You specializes in creating personalized, custom and unique CDs of piano music, created especially for each customer and all occasions. He can be reached at vanday@pianomusic4you.com or http://www.pianomusic4you.com.



Jesus Has Power Over The Storm Angelique WatkinsWhen the storm arose on the Sea of Galilee, it often came without warning. In Mark 4:35-41 and Matthew 8:23-27 there are Biblical Words of Comfort and Promises.

A little history on The Book Gospel of Mark: The Gospel was written under the sanction of Peter. He scarely refers to the Old Testament and the word law does not once occur. In some reference books it is stated that this Gospel was meant for for use amongst Gentiles. It was written about 30 years after the death of Jesus Christ. It is the history of the war of Jesus against sin and evil in the world during the time that he dwelt as a Man among men.

Jesus Disciples went with HIM in taking a ship ride to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus goes below deck and goes to sleep. A Storm comes up right away and HIS Disciples were threatened. HIS Disciples let a panic attack take them over and called out to Jesus, Teacher do you not care that we are perishing? Jesus arises from sleep and speaks to the wind and sea, Peace, Be Still!

THE PROMISE: Safety From ALL Harm & Danger
Mark 4:40...And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

Mark 4:35-41

verse 35...And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

verse 36...And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

Jesus Ministry, Jesus Travels & Sojournings, The Next 2 Years of Jesus Ministry, Again in Galilee

verse 37...And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

Ships & navigations - storms

verse 38...And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

verse 39...And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

verse 40...And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

verse 41...And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

MIRACLES - In The Upper Regions & In The Atomosphere - Tempest Stilled

Mark 6:45-51

verse 45...And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.

Jesus Christ, Christ Ministry, Jesus Travels & Sojournings, The Next 2 Years of Jesus Ministry, Again in Galilee

verse 46...And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

Christ's Retirement & Solitude

verse 47...And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

Ships & Navigation, Working Ship

verse 48...And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

MIRACLES In Water, Sinking Miraculously Prevented, Ships & Navigation, Working Ship

verse 49...But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

verse 50...For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I: be not afraid.

MIRACLES In Water, Sinking Miraculously Prevented

verse 51...And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measures, and wondered.

MIRACLES In The Upper Regions, & In The Atmospher. Tempest Stilled

A little history on The Book Gospel of Matthew was written by the Apostle in Hebrew and in Palestine in the first century. It was written for Jewish converts, to show them in Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah of the Old Testament whom they expected. It is pervaded by one priniciple, the fulfillment of the Law and of the Messianic prophecies in the person of Jesus.

The Power of Almighty God worked in Jesus and still does today. Even today, Jesus is upholding all things by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3).

If Jesus is with us and we are with Him, then we have no reason to be gripped by fear. He is powerful enough and wise enough to handle any situation we may be facing. Like Paul, we should be able to declare, I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me (Phillippians 4:13).

A Sudden Storm comes up. While all of this was taking place, Jesus was asleep. The boat was tossing widly, and the waves were splashing water.

Mark 8:23: And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

Mark 8:24: And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

The disciples realized that such a storm as this they felt a little in danger. Yes, Jesus could turn water into wine, HE could heal all kinds of diseases, HE could expel demons from people and all would be made whole. The disciples hope was in Jesus, so they went to Jesus to wake HIM up.

Mark 8:25: And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

Mark 8:26: And he said unto them. Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and th sea; and there was a great calm.

No manner of man could command the winds and sea to obey. Only God Almighty can do this. The disciples little faith was being molded into learning even greater truth about Jesus and HIS Power Over Storms, Demons and Human Nature.

Matthew 8:27: But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

Scripture text-history-reference:

Crusade @ Bible Publishers, Inc. 1970, Mt. Juliet, Tn, USA, 37122

The Precious Promise Bible KJV, International, Copyright 1915/1908 By The J C Winston Co., Entered 1915/1908 At Stationer's Hall, ALL Rights Reserved, Printed in USA

New Devotional KJV & Explanatory Bible, Old & New Testaments, Apocrypha, Concordance, & Psalms in Metre; Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by J R Jones, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington



About the author:

.

Marriage Problem; Is Your Marriage Problem Severe Enough To Warrant Getting A Divorce?Karl AugustineHaving a marriage problem can be agonizing especially if you're trying to do all you can to make your marriage work. Depending on how your marriage was prior to thinking that you had a marriage problem, you could be in for a hurtful time if you don't take a step back and look at your marriage problem from a helicopter viewpoint. To do that, you're going to need to try to limit your emotional stake in the situation which admittedly is a difficult thing to do.

The first step in getting over a marriage problem is to remember that you aren't alone, lots of couples have marriage problems that stem from all kinds of different types of behavior.

Here's a partial list of marriage problems that you may or may not be experiencing:

Marriage problem 1: Lack of sexual intimacy - a serious issue that you must work through in my opinion if your going to work it out.

Marriage problem 2: Exploding during an argument, getting too emotional and letting your temper get the best of you - you need to learn to work together and you can't do that if one of you is getting too heated.

Marriage problem 3: Being selfish - eventually this will catch up to you. You should always think of your partner when you think of yourself.

Marriage problem 4: Being dishonest - another serious issue. If you cannot be 100% honest and open with your mate, you're marriage is most likely doomed or at the very least unhappy.

Marriage problem 5: Teasing too much - generally the husband does this but it could go either way. If there's a little bit of truth to the teasing or there's a greater marriage problem that incites the teasing, you could be in for a long road to recovery together. Chances are that you'll have a lot more work to do to correct this marriage problem.

Marriage problem 6: Not respecting your spouse - this marriage problem can result in all types of other problems. If you are experiencing this you must get to the root of this and figure out why the disrespect is present. If you aren't getting the every day respect that you deserve, make it a priority to not let this go on another day.

Marriage problem 7: Not being attentive to your spouse or not listening to your spouse - men are usually guilty of this marriage problem but is isn't exclusive to the weaker gender by any means. Really listening doesn't mean obeying, it means understanding what's important to your spouse and acting accordingly.

Obviously there are many other things that could be labeled a marriage problem, you have to decide what those are as they pertain to your situation.

So, how do you figure out if a marriage problem or problems are severe enough to warrant a divorce?

You should first examine what your marriage problem actually is and decide if it is exclusively a problem for you or if it is something that you both consider to be a marriage problem. If you are the only one who sees the said action as a marriage problem, you have to decide whether or not that specific marriage problem is being caused by you or whether it is truly a problem brought on by your spouse. If the marriage problem is unique to you, seek some help from a counselor and do yourself the courtesy of trying to correct the problem before you believe that you need to run right out and get a divorce. You'll be a better person for it because you will have fixed something within yourself.

However, if you truly believe that the marriage problem is caused and prolonged by your spouse, sit down with yourself first and examine what you believe to be the root cause of the behavior that creates the marriage problem. Make sure that you are being logical when you identify the behavior that you feel is causing the marriage problem and try to recall if the traits or behavior that you've identified in your spouse are 'fixable' in your mind...assuming of course, that your spouse will agree that you are right.

Next, approach your spouse with the information that you've reflected on and try to talk through the cause of the marriage problem. Hopefully your spouse will be open to constructive discussion regarding the marriage problem so you can work through it together. If you cannot do work on the marriage problem together, seek the help of a mediator or marriage counselor so you can actually talk out the marriage problem logically. If you cannot work it out after counseling, deep self-reflection and discussions, you should be able to decide whether or not the marriage problem warrants a divorce or not.

Of course, no one can decide this but you.
About the author:

Karl Augustine

Author of A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce, the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.

Proven Actions Items to help you decide!

http://www.deciding-on-divorce.com

Marriage Problem


Reasons You Aren't Starting the Decision Making Process About Whether To Get a Divorce Or Stay MarriedKarl AugustineAlong with any tough decision comes reluctance, especially when that decision involves an actual process and might potentially involve emotional pain or anguish. Deciding whether or not to get a divorce or stay married can be a frightening time for most people, even if they know deep inside themselves that they have to actually make a decision, one way or another.

People are reluctant to embark on an 'emotionally driven' decision making process because they fear that it will be uncomfortable or painful for them. The irony here is obvious...if they need to make this decision, their life or a portion if it, is already uncomfortable. One thing is for certain, deciding whether to get a divorce or stay married is indeed a process.

This process, like any other, includes key elementselements that need to be examined. The elements of this process are self-revealing and can only come from within the person making the decision. The decision making process is comprised of stages and viewpoints about those stages. Stages are smaller pieces of the overall process and the viewpoints of each of those stages are only defined by the person making the decision. If you're trying to decide whether or not you should get a divorce or stay married, you must look at the stage of life you are currently in, and understand how you feel about it by clearly defining your viewpoint about it.


Are you completely unhappy?

Relatively unhappy?

Partially unhappy?

Do you feel that your marriage is unhealthy enough that you intend to do something about it?

Etc.

You can look back in the past and reflect on other stages of your life and examine how you felt about those stages if they contributed to your problem as you view it now. Reflecting on the past can be an effective way to identify key occurrences that may have shaped the way your viewpoint is currently. Reflecting also can help you to identify trends in behavior that may have contributed to your viewpoint. But in the end, the viewpoint and stage that matters most is the current one and that's the one that you need to define and assess most.

It is human tendency to reflect on the past and hold onto thoughts and feelings that were once good, but doing this might keep you in a stale mate if you dwell on the past too much. You have to look at the present time and actually decide to decide so to speak. Once you do realize that you need to decide whether or not to get a divorce, there will be things that will creep up that will actually keep you from taking action and deciding.


Here are 5 reasons you might not be deciding to take action when it comes to deciding whether you should get a divorce or stay married:

1. You know that the severity of divorce is something not to be taken lightly so you avoid that potential outcome by doing nothing.

I assure you, if you realize that divorce is serious, you're ahead of the game because it means that you will do what it takes to change your situation!

2. You haven't decided to take action because you think you actually do want a divorce, and you think that divorce can create emotional scars that take a long time to heal.

3. You know that, whatever the outcome, you're really not ready to face a potentially painful end result, so you avoid the situation all together.

4. You are just flat out scared to make a decision about divorce because you know that making this difficult decision will involve profound change and deep self-examination. And, like most of us, you want to avoid the pain and discomfort that goes with that.

5. You just don't know where to start because you are confused due to the emotional complexities of the situation. You really don't know how you feel.

All are these are valid points, but they are really just excuses to do nothing.

And, if you do nothing, the problem will still remain. And that problem is indecision.

You haven't committed to decide. If any of these things are keeping you from making a decision about whether to stay married, you're doing more harm to yourself than good. In fact, by doing nothing, you are only compounding your problem. You are contributing to your own unhappiness by not taking action and that is just flat out unhealthy!

The first stage to going through the process of deciding whether or not to get a divorce, is to overcome your fear of the potential outcome and embrace this 'emotionally driven' process. Defining your fears and identifying why you aren't making the decision, or at least starting the decision making process about getting a divorce or staying married, is the only way you will be able to reach your ultimate goalmaking a final decision to either get divorced or try to work it out.
About the author:

Karl Augustine

Author of A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce, the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.

Proven Actions Items to help you decide!

http://www.deciding-on-divorce.com

divorce reason


Extramarital Affair: Should You Get A Divorce Just Because One Of You Had An Extramarital Affair?Karl AugustineHaving to deal with an extramarital affair can be a life-changing event, regardless of whether you stay married or not. Inescapable feelings can come over both people that will never be forgotten by either of them. The person who actually had the extramarital affair can have feelings of guilt, loneliness, confusion and misdirection along with many other feelings. The 'partner' who did not have the extramarital affair can have these feelings as well, but the lack of confidence that can come as a result of the other person having an extramarital affair can be one of the toughest parts to deal with.

The feelings that come as a result of one or both parties having an extramarital affair are natural but can also be extensions of something much deeper. Of course, if someone has an extramarital affair, both people in that marriage will have feelings that will be surface level only at first. Arguments can occur, denial may set in, and/or tempers can flare due to the extramarital affair. While these things are only natural and to be expected, if your going to actually survive an extramarital affair, you must look at the deeper issues and get down to the real cause of the affair and what to do about it.

People in marriages don't often look at having extramarital affairs lightly, and they realize most times what affects their actions will have on their marriage. If someone has an extramarital affair and doesn't think that it will have an affect on their marriage, surely they are either in denial or their definition of marriage leans strongly towards the open side. For the rest of the married crowd who don't subscribe to an open marriage and who have to deal with an extramarital affair, things can get a bit more complex.

Complexity can be interesting no doubt, but it can also add to the confusion of someone having an extramarital affair, especially if the couple or one party in that couple wants to look deeper at the situation and figure out two very important things:

1. Why did the extramarital affair happen?

2. Does the fact that there was an extramarital affair in the marriage really warrant getting a divorce when both people agree upon the reason that the extramarital affair happened in the first place?

If the couple really wants to save their marriage in spite of the extramarital affair, then finding out why the extramarital affair happened and agreeing on that reason is the first step in the healing process. If you are currently trying to save your marriage and one of you had an extramarital affair, try to limit your pain that you feel and talk things out with your spouse so you can clearly define and agree upon exactly why the extramarital affair took place. If you cannot do this, chances are you will never get over the extramarital affair and your marriage most likely won't survive...or at least you won't have a healthy marriage after the extramarital affair.

After you have defined and agreed upon the reason that the extramarital affair took place, you must decide whether that reasons (or reasons) warrant actually going through a painful divorce. At this point you have 2 choices...either decide in your own or decide with your spouse. The latter is optimal for a variety of reasons but the main reason is that you may actually save your marriage if you decide together. Deciding together whether the real reason an extramarital affair took place indicates that you're both really reaching out for something, something you most likely didn't have prior to the extramarital affair...togetherness.

So, should you get a divorce just because one of you had an extramarital affair?
No, not necessarily. Depending on how collaborative you can be with your spouse, how 'detective-like' you can act, and how much soul searching you can do, you may just become stronger together because of an extramarital affair. It may sound odd, but that's the truth. Of course, it is entirely possible (and probable) that if you both don't define and agree on why the extramarital affair took place and work to address that reason or reasons, your marriage won't ever be healthy again and you'll never be able to healthily survive the extramarital affair.

About the author:

Karl Augustine

Author of A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce, the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.

Proven Actions Items to help you decide!
deciding on divorce
extramarital affair


Sexless Marriage : Does Your Sexless Marriage Have You Thinking About Divorce?Karl AugustineIf you are in a sexless marriage and are unhappy because of it, don't worry, it isn't unrecoverable but it is serious cause for concern. You may even be thinking that you need a divorce because of your sexless marriage, that's only natural. But, in order to really decide what to do, some thinking needs to be done so you feel good about your decision, regardless if you stay married or not.

Being stuck in a sexless marriage can have you feeling a wide range of feelings from loneliness, listlessness, confusion, unconfident, etc. These feelings come about for a variety of reasons and they can be overcome if you just figure out why you're in a sexless marriage. You need to get to the root of the problem and uncover the real reasons that you and your spouse are no longer sexually active assuming of course, you once were!

To get to the heart of the causes for a sexless marriage will take some time. On the surface, you may be thinking that the cause of your sexless marriage may include one or more of the following scenarios:

Sexless Marriage: We both work too much!:
You both work extremely hard and there just never seems to be enough time to get together, your schedules are skewed. This is true a lot nowadays with the 'new' economy, lots of couples are married but just live together like roommates if both parties have 'time-consuming' careers. If not managed properly, it is unfortunate but common for people in this type of lifestyle to end up in a sexless marriage.

Sexless Marriage: You work, I stay home with the kid/s!:
One of you works very hard with your career and one of you stays home to raise the children (child), which is equally as hard as any career! This situation can lead to a sexless marriage in many cases because of the seemingly disparate priority base of each party. The spouse with the career may need to work after hours, travel, or attend post work functions and the spouse who stays home raising the children (child) may not have any other outlet for relaxation away from the home front. This situation can easily lead to a sexless marriage because there may be underlying feelings from both sides that contribute to an already tough situation based on personal and work related schedules.

The spouse with the career may say at times, Why do you think I work so hard? I do it for you, the kids, our family, etc.. The spouse who stays home with the children (child) may say at times, You have another release, you have social interaction daily with the outside world. I feel stuck here sometimes, I need to get out and have time for myself.. If the spouse that stays home feels like the spouse with the career enjoys being out and working more than being home, that calls for a whole different and escalated level of concern! Chances are the sexless marriage was bound to be that way before the current situation even arose.


Sexless Marriage: I don't know why...there's just no spark left, you don't pay enough attention to me and our sex life and I guess I don't either!:
This is a common sexless marriage situation and it can be caused by a variety of things including emotional scars, bad experiences, boredom, laziness, etc. In this situation, there is deep cause for concern from both parties because both parties aren't happy sexually but don't really know why it ended up this way. Both parties have just let things go and didn't place a high enough priority on their sex life with their spouse, which in and of itself is very concerning.

Why would either or both parties let things get this way when love making is so important?

Sometimes there's a feeling of being taken for granted that can occur in this type of sexless marriage, and both parties should realize that sex is a basic human need and should take priority over other things at the right time. It takes work to get out of this type of sexless marriage, you need to sit down and figure out why your marital love life has dwindled. If you both really want to rekindle things, you can do so, but you both need to take equal responsibility for correcting the problem.

Whatever type of sexless marriage you are in (there's certainly more types than listed here), remember that it is not unrecoverable. If you're to the point of thinking about getting a divorce because of your sexless marriage, take the time to sit down and figure out how it got to be the way it is now.

If you've lost interest in your spouse from a sexual point of view, you need to define exactly why that occurred. If you don't know right off hand, you need to think back to a time when you did 'have the spark' and recall what you both were doing, feeling, thinking, etc. From that point, identify what has changed, why it has changed, and what you can do about it. When you get that portion figured out, you may well on your way to taking the first step of recovering from your sexless marriage. Remember, if you really want to rekindle your relationship, you can.
About the author:

Author of A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce, the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.

Proven Actions Items to help you decide!
deciding on divorce.com
sexless marriage


Divorce Advice: Getting Divorce Advice From the Right SourceKarl AugustineGetting the right type of divorce advice depends on what type of divorce advice you want and what you want to use it for. When looking for advice about divorce, it is smart to clearly define what you are seeking the advice for so you can be sure to look in the right places.

Seems simple enough right?

Yes, but...lots of people who are deciding about divorce and seeking divorce advice lump the categories of divorce advice into one, and that's a big mistake. You should seek divorce advice from different types of places for the different types of advice that you need. Certainly there's more types of divorce advice categories, but here's a partial list:

Divorce advice type 1: Legal advice for getting a divorce when you are sure that you want a divorce, no matter how tough it will be to get that divorce. When asking for this type of divorce advice while meeting with an attorney, you may be asked if you're certain that you actually do want a divorceif you do, don't waver, stick to your decision. It makes sense to have a good idea of all of the parts of your life, family and materials, that could be affected or sought after. You want to have your facts, account names, timelines, etc., in mind when meeting with the attorney so that your discussion is maximized.

Divorce advice type 2: Legal advice for getting a divorce when you are almost sure that you want a divorce, but want to make sure that the financial considerations are in order or that health of your children won't suffer in the long run. When asking for this type of divorce advice, you may want to consider seeking the advice of an attorney or financial planner for the financial considerations and a counselor experienced in family matters for the impact that a divorce might have on your children. The point is, split the two concerns up so that you get the chance to speak to 2 different people who specialize in each area so that you will get the appropriate divorce advice.

Divorce advice type 3: Legal advice for getting a divorce in a case that is relatively simple and will be a clean break, no financial or other family considerations to take into account for the divorce. This is perhaps the easiest type of divorce advice to get because it infers that you have already made the decision from an emotional standpoint and really don't have any other considerations of deep concern. When seeking this type of divorce advice, you most likely have limited financial considerations, a prenuptial agreement, or the situation itself as amenable to everyone and you just need someone to do the paperwork.

Divorce advice type 4: Legal and/or counseling advice regarding whether or not divorce is right for you from a psychological, emotional and financial perspective. When asking for this type of divorce advice, you may want to consider seeking the advice of an attorney or financial planner for the financial considerations and a counselor experienced in Clinical Psychology and personal-life coaching for the impact that a divorce might have on you. Again, the point is, split the two concerns up so that you get a chance to speak to 2 different people who specialize in each area so that you will get the appropriate divorce advice.

Divorce advice type 5: Counseling for emotional support when deciding whether or not you really want a divorce or are just unhappy in your marriage. This type of divorce advice is crucial to your happiness because when you're in an emotional state, it is tough to make lucid and rational decisions. And, if you're wrestling with deciding whether or not to get a divorce (purely from an emotional perspective), you should do all you can to make a logical decision because how you approach this decision and the affects afterwards can be long lasting and far reaching. If you're are struggling with finding divorce advice, you may want to talk to friends, counselors, even other family members.

But, my divorce advice to you is, do it yourself.

I'm not saying don't talk with friends, counselors, and possibly family. What I am suggesting is that you reach the final decision of whether to get a divorce on your own, you have to live with it, no one else. The answer is inside you, you just have to get it out in a logical manner.

Whatever type of divorce advice you need, be sure that you're directing your energies in the right direction. If you don't separate the emotional aspects from the legal aspects of divorce advice, you might end up confused and unable to get the most out of any meeting you may have with an attorney or marriage counselor. At the end of the day, you should control your own destiny and make a smart decision based on logic, controlled emotion, and forward thinking.


About the author:

Karl Augustine

Author of A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce, the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.

Proven Actions Items to help you decide!

deciding on divorce
divorce advice


Is Your Marriage Problem Severe Enough To Warrant Getting A Divorce?Karl AugustineHaving a marriage problem can be agonizing especially if you're trying to do all you can to make your marriage work. Depending on how your marriage was prior to thinking that you had a marriage problem, you could be in for a hurtful time if you don't take a step back and look at your marriage problem from a helicopter viewpoint. To do that, you're going to need to try to limit your emotional stake in the situation which admittedly is a difficult thing to do.

The first step in getting over a marriage problem is to remember that you aren't alone, lots of couples have marriage problems that stem from all kinds of different types of behavior.

Here's a partial list of marriage problems that you may or may not be experiencing:

Marriage problem 1: Lack of sexual intimacy - a serious issue that you must work through in my opinion if your going to work it out.

Marriage problem 2: Exploding during an argument, getting too emotional and letting your temper get the best of you - you need to learn to work together and you can't do that if one of you is getting too heated.

Marriage problem 3: Being selfish - eventually this will catch up to you. You should always think of your partner when you think of yourself.

Marriage problem 4: Being dishonest - another serious issue. If you cannot be 100% honest and open with your mate, you're marriage is most likely doomed or at the very least unhappy.

Marriage problem 5: Teasing too much - generally the husband does this but it could go either way. If there's a little bit of truth to the teasing or there's a greater marriage problem that incites the teasing, you could be in for a long road to recovery together. Chances are that you'll have a lot more work to do to correct this marriage problem.

Marriage problem 6: Not respecting your spouse - this marriage problem can result in all types of other problems. If you are experiencing this you must get to the root of this and figure out why the disrespect is present. If you aren't getting the every day respect that you deserve, make it a priority to not let this go on another day.

Marriage problem 7: Not being attentive to your spouse or not listening to your spouse - men are usually guilty of this marriage problem but is isn't exclusive to the weaker gender by any means. Really listening doesn't mean obeying, it means understanding what's important to your spouse and acting accordingly.

Obviously there are many other things that could be labeled a marriage problem, you have to decide what those are as they pertain to your situation.

So, how do you figure out if a marriage problem or problems are severe enough to warrant a divorce?

You should first examine what your marriage problem actually is and decide if it is exclusively a problem for you or if it is something that you both consider to be a marriage problem. If you are the only one who sees the said action as a marriage problem, you have to decide whether or not that specific marriage problem is being caused by you or whether it is truly a problem brought on by your spouse. If the marriage problem is unique to you, seek some help from a counselor and do yourself the courtesy of trying to correct the problem before you believe that you need to run right out and get a divorce. You'll be a better person for it because you will have fixed something within yourself.

However, if you truly believe that the marriage problem is caused and prolonged by your spouse, sit down with yourself first and examine what you believe to be the root cause of the behavior that creates the marriage problem. Make sure that you are being logical when you identify the behavior that you feel is causing the marriage problem and try to recall if the traits or behavior that you've identified in your spouse are 'fixable' in your mind...assuming of course, that your spouse will agree that you are right.

Next, approach your spouse with the information that you've reflected on and try to talk through the cause of the marriage problem. Hopefully your spouse will be open to constructive discussion regarding the marriage problem so you can work through it together. If you cannot do work on the marriage problem together, seek the help of a mediator or marriage counselor so you can actually talk out the marriage problem logically. If you cannot work it out after counseling, deep self-reflection and discussions, you should be able to decide whether or not the marriage problem warrants a divorce or not.

Of course, no one can decide this but you.

About the author:

Author of A Practical Guide To
Deciding Whether Or Not To Get A
Divorce, the eBook recommended by
counselors to thier clients.
Proven Actions Items to help you decide!
http://www.deciding-on-divorce.com
http://www.deciding-on-divorce.com/marriage-problem.htm

Itching Treatment with Herbs and Ayurvedic Remedies

Itching is a symptom of several conditions of the skin such as eczema, scabies, ringworm, allergies, etc. When the skin is inflamed, the nerves in it become hyperactive. This increases the irritation at the region, which we try to remove by itching. Several times itching is mild and the sensation goes away after a while. But if the itching is due to a skin disease, then it could become very severe, leading to bleeding, pus formation and further complications.

Most itching is caused in the body due to problems that are associated with the vata dosha, i.e. the dosha that governs the air element of the human body. This dosha is aggravated not just by the body itself, but also due to external factors such as climate. This is the reason why itching is more severe in the winter season than in the summer. At the same time, itching could be due to internal impurities in the blood, or due to the accumulation of bacteria on the skin. Thus, there are many internal as well as external factors that contribute to itching.

(1)Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Itching

1.Babul (Acacia arabica)
The bark of the babul is effective in controlling skin problems. It is most beneficial in the treatment of itching caused due to eczema.

2.Butea (Butea monosperma)
The seeds of the butea have excellent effects in controlling itching caused due to a variety of skin diseases such as ringworm, scabies and eczema. It can also cure boils, pimples and swellings that itch. For better results, these seeds are ground and mixed with lemon juice and used as an external application on the affected part.

3.Cassia (Cassia fistula)
Cassia leaves are used for treating all kinds of irritations of the skin. In case of severe itches from ringworm, its juice or paste is applied as a dressing on the affected part.

4.Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Holy basil leaves are very effective in the treatment of itching due to ringworm. Its properties have also been found in other kinds of itching.

5.Linseed (Linum usitassimum)
Linseed is a good household remedy for itching. A hot poultice of its seeds is applied on the affected part.

6.Madhuca (Madhuca indica)
Madhuca is an indigenous Indian herb that has been traditionally used for the cure of itching. It is used in various forms for the treatment. A paste of its bark can be applied to the affected region. Alternatively, the oil of its leaves can also be applied. If the itching is due to eczema, then the leaves are smeared with sesame oil and are used as a bandage on the affected region. The bandage needs to be changed after every three to four hours.

(2)Dietary Treatments for Itching

There are no specific dietary indications for controlling itching. However, oily foods must be avoided. Spicy foods and salt are also not good for itchy skin.

(3)Ayurvedic Treatments for Itching

First and foremost, the cause of the itching must be ascertained. Without knowing this, no treatment would be efficient. Based on the cause, the following Ayurvedic medicines can be prescribed:-

1.Seasonal rashes and prickly heats are due to pitta constitution of the body. This can be treated using Pravala pishti in small doses.

2.If the itching is due to eczema, then Ayurvedic doctors will prescribe Paradadi balm to be applied locally on the skin. For severe eczema, there is Rasa manikya that can be used. Shuddha gandhaka is an internal medicine complementary with the external agents.

3.For ringworm treatment, Paradadi balm is applied locally. Instead Dadrughna lepa can also be used. Shuddha gandhaka is used for internal administration.

(4)Home Remedies for Itching

a.Boil about 25 grams of babul and mango barks each in one liter of water. Allow a fomentation of these vapors directly onto the affected part of the skin. When the fomentation is done, dab the region with ghee. The itchiness will slowly disappear.

b.Mix linseed oil in equal parts of lemon juice. Apply this on the region where itching is severe. This remedy works for treating almost all types of itching.

c.Mix the juice of a fresh coconut and a tomato. Massage this on the itchy region. The itchiness will fade away.

d.If the itchiness is spreading all over the body, then you may try out the following recipe. Mix some ground red gram (arhar ki daal) in curds. Apply this on the skin for three to four days. The itching will stop spreading and will slowly disappear within a few days.

e.Grind sandalwood and black pepper to a fine paste. Mix them in ghee. Apply them with a rough cloth onto the itchy skin. Then expose the skin to sunlight. This is a quick method for reducing the itching sensation, but it may be a temporary relief.

f.Simply applying the juices of the root of bitter gourd (karela) on the skin also relieves itching to a great extent.

g.Itching that is caused due to dryness of the skin can be reduced by applying the cream of milk onto the whole skin and massaging it. This acts like a natural moisturizer for the skin.

Read More on cure itching and itching home remedies by Ayurveda at http://www.ayushveda.com
Read more about Ayurveda at World's Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies: Ayushveda.com - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia

Will Your Marriage Shelter You From The Storm?

Living near Galveston, we are very much aware that another hurricane season has begun. Our family spent the last few months consuming the unused food and water in our 72-hour preparedness kit from last years hurricane season.

We have begun organizing our new supply and making a few adjustments to our preparedness plan using the lessons we learned when we evacuated for hurricane Rita.

There are 3 major things we do to shelter and be prepared for the storm. First, we have a plan on preparing the house for the storm. Second, we have a 72-hour kit that we can use if we shelter in place or evacuate. Third, we have an evacuation plan that goes into affect if it's a category 3 or greater hurricane.

As I was going through the process, for yet another year, of making sure our home and family will be safe in a major storm, it caused me to consider something else. What are we doing to take shelter from the storms of the world that are boiling around our marriage and family?

It's important to have a plan to protect us or shelter us from these storms that may not be so obvious. I see that there are 3 types of storms that we need to prepare for as well.

The Storm Of Infidelity

The average person thinks of an extramarital affair when they hear of infidelity. An affair may be categorized as having an intimate, sexual relationship with someone other than your spouse.

However, have you ever considered that infidelity occurs whether a sexual event occurs or not? How so you may ask. Well, if you share intimate feelings, thoughts and gestures with another, aren't you walking down the road to a sexual event as well?

It's not the sexual event that is the infidelity; it's the process of being intimate with someone other than your spouse.

With that definition, how many of us walk a dangerous line with our friends and associates as we fail to reserve those intimate moments for only our beloved spouse?

Some not so obvious steps, yet steps none the less, would be developing a pattern of going out to lunch with a work associate of the opposite sex. So would you be wise in preparing for this storm, by not even going to that lunch unless others are present?

How about regular emails with a member of the opposite sex? Can you see how this could lead down a path that you may have never intended to go?

I have a dear friend from high school that I went to the prom with. However, our emails are exchanged via our home emails rather than our work emails, then both of our spouses can follow our discussion at anytime. Sound kind of silly? Well, I don't want to leave a door open for any problem with my husband and I when it comes to trust.

One final area of grave concern in the storm of infidelity is the internet. I'm very grateful for the many wonderful things we have now that we're connected to all kinds of amazing things online. Let me tell you, homework at our house has now meant less trips to the library and more googling online.

However, with the internet also has come chat rooms of questionable character, a hail storm of spam offering all kinds of illicit things, plus easy access to pornography. Can you see how involvement in these things really is leading you down a path of infidelity?

With all this said, please realize that a plan that is well thought out, and implemented will save so much heartache in the end and keep you out of the storm of infidelity.

The Storm Of Selfishness

Another storm that has become as powerful as a hurricane is the storm of selfishness. We are in a time that instant gratification is the rule rather than the exception. A time where many people look at their own needs before those of another.

In our homes and families do we consider the needs of those we love before we focus on our needs? Do we realize in a disagreement that being right may not be consistent with doing what's right? Are we willing to compromise; honestly listen to the view point of another and go out of our way for the comfort of our spouse or children?

If the answer to any of these is no, then it is time to create a plan to help shelter from the storm of selfishness.

As I nurture my garden with water, miracle grow and weed removal I receive baskets full of rewards or fruit for my labors.

The same is true with our spouse and family. As we nurture kindness, consideration, sacrifice and pluck out the weeds of selfishness, our relationship baskets will be overflowing with the sweet fruit of strengthened relationships.

The Storm of Misunderstanding

Do we take the time to truly listen and try to understand what those we love are trying to tell us? Do we try and see things from their view point, or are we stubborn and convinced that we are right and don't even listen?

The storm of misunderstanding is such a simple storm to avoid, but it takes time and effort to truly listen and understand another.

I recall reading a story about a village where not one member was lost to the tsunami that hit back in December 2004 in the Indian Ocean. The people of the village were saved because the elders of the village had passed down to each generation an understanding of the things to be aware of in their changing sea.

On the day of the tsunami, one elder noticed the water receded much further than was normal for low tide. To him this was a warning of a dangerous wave to come. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't convince anyone of the younger generation that there was an impending danger.

Thankfully, he never gave up, and was finally able to convince members of his village to move to higher ground...eventually everyone in village moved to higher ground.

When the tsunami came, their entire village was destroyed, yet not one life was lost.

Just as the younger generation finally had to trust that the elder may have an insight they are lacking, we too need to trust that others may have an insight that may be better than the direction we were heading.

Remember, even if their idea wasn't better, or they weren't right, the fact that you listened and understood is what will protect you from the storm of misunderstanding.

They That Are With Us

There is no doubt about it that many storms rage in the world that can destroy or devastate our families and marriages. Many days it may seem hopeless or impossible to overcome or shelter from these many storms. Yet don't loose hope, for you may not realize the forces for good that are working to counter those storms

I am reminded of the words of an ancient Old Testament prophet, Elisha, who, as he look out at the approaching Syrian army, and what appeared to be certain destruction, advised his nervous companion, hey that be with us are more than they that be with them. (2 Kings 6:16)

Elisha didn't see 2 men against an entire army, he saw the angels of God surrounding them, and they were indeed protected.

So what army surrounds us as we face the storms of life? These armies or forces include caring family members, friends, religious leaders, community leaders, and public education. If we allow their influence in our life and family, we too will discover the insight of Elisha, They that be with us are more than they that be with them.

So keep planning, preparing and applying your storm plans and you will be sheltered from the storms of the world.
About the Author

Beth Young is An Senior Editor With SendOutCards and Is One Of SendOutCards Top Distributors.