A Look at Weight Loss Infomercials

A Look at Weight Loss Infomercials

Word Count:
689

Summary:
Only in America could billions of dollars be made selling weight loss products to people who need to shed a few extra pounds. In a world full of starving people, Americans seem to have emerged as a nation of overfed, under exercised fatties who can't put down that bag of potato chips, stop eating that ice cream or refuse that second (or third?) helping of pasta.  America's weight problem – historically solved by eating less and exercising more – had now proliferated a dizzying array of products. Celebrities, nutritionists, doctors, herbologists, hucksters and former fatties have come up with thousands of products designed to melt fat, reduce cravings for bad foods, block carbs, sugar and fat, lose pounds while you sleep, and more..

Keywords:
Infomercials, Infomercials History, Infomercials and Direct Response, Exercise Infomercials

Article Body:
Only in America could billions of dollars be made selling weight loss products to people who need to shed a few extra pounds. In a world full of starving people, Americans seem to have emerged as a nation of overfed, under exercised fatties who can't put down that bag of potato chips, stop eating that ice cream or refuse that second (or third?) helping of pasta.  America's weight problem – historically solved by eating less and exercising more – had now proliferated a dizzying array of products. Celebrities, nutritionists, doctors, herbologists, hucksters and former fatties have come up with thousands of products designed to melt fat, reduce cravings for bad foods, block carbs, sugar and fat, lose pounds while you sleep, and more..

Many products claim that, as long as you take one of the pills, you can eat what you want and actually lose weight. There are diet plans, calorie counters, diet food cooked and delivered to your doorstep daily, dance and walk your way to weight loss, the hula weight loss program, the Brazilian weight loss program, the fat burning, belly reducing, balanced woman, unbalanced woman.  You name it and it's on a weight loss infomercial. In fact, weight loss programs (separate from fitness programs and equipment, which may result in weight loss but are sold as ways to improve your appearance) account for more than 50% of all revenue generated in today's infomercials.

One of the most successful weight loss infomercials ever produced featured a product called Bio Slim. Created by Doctor Josh Leightberg, Bio Slim was a science-driven, medically sound program consisting of several herbal pills which when combined with a diet plan also created by Dr. Leightberg resulted in a changed metabolism, an improved digestive system and a stronger anti-immune system, all of which ultimately led to a steady, healthy weight loss. Following the success of Bio Slim, a steady stream of niche players, knockoff artists and entrepreneurs took to the airways with their twist, their hook, their product designed to produce quicker, easier results. One of them was the well known and extremely successful Fen-Phen diet, which was a combination of two herbs known to doctors and other professionals in the industry as herbal speed. While still legal at the time, the pills killed the appetite completely, created a euphoric state in the user and led to many problems including heart attacks which led the FDA to ban the main substances from use in the USA.

Weight loss infomercials are so powerful and so successful that you have to be careful which products you choose to use. As with anything else in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There really is no magic pill or substance that is going to let you sit on the couch and eat huge quantities of bad foods and make you lose weight without paying some kind of terrible price. I mention Bio Slim as an example of a stellar product designed by a professional doctor whose goal was to improve people's lives and make money. You could call a number given out to anybody who ordered Bio Slim and speak directly with Dr. Leightberg if you had questions or concerns about his product. That should tell you something about the man and the product he's putting his name on.

Another thing to look out for in weight loss infomercials are the add-ons. Popular diets like the Atkins diet which were not sold on infomercials, but became successful through book sales, interviews and word of mouth led to the creation of a whole host of products you didn't need that were designed to help you stay on or perform better while on the Atkins plan. Low carb foods and low/no carb candy imitations, sometimes ten times more expensive than their higher carb counterparts, flooded the airwaves. Pills designed to reduce the difficulties associated with the Atkins diet surfaced in infomercials. These items are usually designed by less than professional individuals looking to cash in on a craze they had nothing to do with in the first place.

 

The Wondrous Benefits of Soy Protein

 

The Wondrous Benefits of Soy Protein

Word Count:
729

Summary:
Soy protein is emerging as one of the great alternative protein sources for human consumption. Health experts are all excited about how soy protein can change the face of nutrition. What's all the rage? Here are some great reasons to get with soy protein.

Keywords:
treadmill workouts, tread climber, treadmill exercises, hiit training, treadmill workout, treadmill training, treadmill incline, high intensity interval training, treadmill-dumbbell workout, treadmill faq, treadmill incline workouts, treadclimber, hiit mistakes

Article Body:
Soy protein is emerging as one of the great alternative protein sources for human consumption. Health experts are all excited about how soy protein can change the face of nutrition. What's all the rage? Here are some great reasons to get with soy protein.

Soy Protein is Plant Protein
Soy beans contain complete protein and have one of the best protein digestibilities among all protein sources. Soy beans also contain little or no fat and have virtually no cholesterol. Lactose intolerant ones will be pleased to know that soy beans contain no lactose.

Being a plant protein, soy is free from steroids and antibiotics animal protein contains. It is also free from the parasites that contaminate some of these products. They also contain none of the diseases one can contract from mean sources such as Mad Cow Disease, and Foot and Mouth Disease.

Vegetarians love this bean as it provides a comparable - if not better - source of protein as compared to its animal counterpart. It provides a protein that is better and easier to digest and is comparable to most protein supplements.

Soy Beans are Very Versatile
Soy beans are very versatile. Various cuisines, especially Asian ones recognize the value of the humble soy bean. A variety of naturally yummy delicacies are all soy based: tofu, soy pudding, Soya milk, and meat substitutes - not to mention condiments such as soy sauce, and hoi sin sauce.

To counter the problem of world hunger, the growing of soybeans has been suggested. Not only are soybeans easy to grow and harvest, they will grow pretty much anywhere and produces much in a little time. There have been farmers reported to have replaced their entire crop line with soy bean plants. These hardy little plants produce much per harvest, and, as said earlier, can grow in even the most trying terrain.

The Great Substitute
Soy is low in fat and can be used to substitute most protein sources. When cooking, you may use soy substitutes instead of flour for a low fat alternative. This makes it a great protein source for those that are looking to lose weight without compromising their protein requirements.

Bodybuilders are considering how this can make their jobs a lot easier. Without the fat and with all the protein goodness - easily digestible at that - bodybuilding has just received a great blessing of a food.

Although these bodybuilders are currently debating how soy can be a help to bodybuilders, it doesn't take away anything from what soy can contribute to the overall health of a person.

 It is very advisable to stick to natural protein rather than processes protein if possible, as processed foods typically have some risk attached to them. The best use of this food can be attributed to how it perfectly fits into anyone's low-fat, high-protein diet.

Soy products can be incorporated into shakes and drinks. And being lactose-free, lactose intolerant people will still be able to get their milkshake fix without having to suffer so.

Soy products are also a great source of other nutrients such as saponins, isoflavones, and phytosterol. Saponins help support a healthy immune system. It also combines with cholesterol to avoid increased absorption of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols also help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body in the same way saponins do.

Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and prevent the effects of free radicals in the body. They prevent many of the signs of aging and have been known to help prevent cancer. This alone makes soy a miracle protein source in its own right.

Isoflavones, along with vitamins A,C, and E are among the front liners in the fight against such disease - they also counter the effects of pollution, and stress.

How Much is Too Much
Unlike other protein sources, it is pretty safe to consume a wide amount of soy products. While allergies to soy products exist, cases are few and far between. When changing to a soy diet, however, it would be best to consult your physician or your nutritionist. Ask specifically if the soy interferes with any prescription drugs you are taking.

Soy can be great blessing for people who are looking for a great source of protein that does not entail the side effects of most of the other sources. It would be advisable for one to explore how it can improve one's diet.

 

About Astrology

About Astrology

Word Count:
451

Summary:
Astrology is the study of planetary position to determine the course of things ahead in life as well as event and details concerning past life or karma.

Keywords:
palm reader, horoscope, indian astrology, palmistry, numerology.

Article Body:
Astrology is the study of planetary position to determine the course of things ahead in life as well as event and details concerning past life or karma.  The earliest recording or sign of astrology was found in the 3rd millennium BC. Astrology has over the course of time, influenced culture, early astronomy and other disciplines.

Astrology uses two ways of predicting the future – one is astrological transits and the other is astrological progressions. It is important to understand how both play, in the way a horoscope is read out and predications made. Astrological transits look into the movement of planets and the impact of such movements in space and n personal horoscope. Astrological progressions use a set of methods to determine how a horoscope ha s moved forward in time.  Now-a-days, astrologers no longer predict actual events.  Instead what they do is bring out various general astrological events in order to have better results and give importance to arbitrary and unrelated events.

There are three main astrological traditions. These are Vedic astrology, Western astrology and Chinese astrology. Vedic and western astrology make use of an astrological chart or horoscope and make their prediction using the position of the Sun, Moon, and planets. However, the point of difference between Vedic and Western astrology is in the linking of zodiac signs to their original constellations, which while is a feature not present in western astrology, but is considered of paramount importance in Vedic astrology.  The chief characteristic of Vedic astrology is in it's use of nakshatras or lunar mansion and planetary periods known as dashas in future predictions.

Chinese astrology uses a means that is very different from Vedic and western astrology. Instead of diving zodiac signs according to the sky, they are divided according to the celestial equator. Every zodiac sign here stands for a year and the sign is combined with a system that uses the five elements of Chinese cosmology to give a 60 (12 x 5) year cycle. Chinese astrology is a method not just used in China, it is used in m many Asian countries.

Now, the question is – can the future be predicted by astrology? Yes to some extent. Astrology, though considered by many scientific thinkers as some sort of superstition, is actually a science because there is considerable study that goes into making each prediction. Reliable astrologers have been able to bring out future influences to accuracy, but accuracy also depends upon providing correct information and doing knowledgeable calculations. Of the many forms of astrological methods available nadi jyosiam is considered to be highly accurate as it is based on readings of past life taken from leave available in Videesvaran temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

 

7 Tips to Starting a Successful Small Business

 

7 Tips to Starting a Successful Small Business

Word Count:
401

Summary:
Getting a small business off the ground is challenging to say the least. Here are some quick tips which will prepare the ground for running a successful small business.

Keywords:
starting a small business, small business start up tips, tips for starting a small business

Article Body:
Getting a small business off the ground is challenging to say the least. Here are some tips which will prepare the ground for running a successful small business.

Have Goals

This is where it all starts – the foundation for success. Know exactly where you are heading. What will the business 'look' like in the future? How will you know when your business is a success? When you wake up in the morning, do you know what actions you have to take to get you on the road to success?

Take Action

The difference between success and failure is down to the actions you take. The failures in life are the people who know what they have to do but never do it. The successful small business owners are people who take action on their ideas, ones who never say, "I wish I had done …"

Seek Feedback

There is a saying that feedback is the breakfast of champions. During the early days of your business you must continually seek feedback about all aspects of your business. What works? What doesn't work? What needs changing slightly? Speak to customers, suppliers, your bank manager, your accountant - anyone who can provide you with a fresh perspective.

Find Out What Do You Don't Know

You can't expect to know everything about running a business. Undertake your own skills analysis and find out your areas for development. Once you know your knowledge gaps seek out courses, books and advice, which will get you on track.

Be Focused

Let no one distract you from achievement of your goals. At the start of every day get yourself into the frame of mind that you will only do tasks which will get you closer to your goal – nothing else matters.

Take Risks!

You will never achieve anything if you're not prepared to jump off the cliff a few times! We're not talking about risks which will put the business in jeopardy; just risks which are planned and thought out, yet at the same time test the edge!

Think Positive

Yes, the oldest cliché in the book, but totally true. See the positive in everything. If something has not gone right train yourself to ask, "What good has come out of this?" Understand that in every problem there is potential for good.

 

Attitude Is A Really Big Thing

Attitude Is A Really Big Thing

Word Count:
427

Summary:
Regardless of your age, your place in life, your occupation, or the ways you choose to spend time, I can guarentee that your attitude is one of the most significant things that determines your happiness and contentment in life.

Attitude is so powerful because it is one of the few things that every single person has the ability to be in control of regardless of any other factors in life. When life is going well and we have no complaints we can choose what kind of attitude t...

Keywords:
attitude

Article Body:
Regardless of your age, your place in life, your occupation, or the ways you choose to spend time, I can guarentee that your attitude is one of the most significant things that determines your happiness and contentment in life.

Attitude is so powerful because it is one of the few things that every single person has the ability to be in control of regardless of any other factors in life. When life is going well and we have no complaints we can choose what kind of attitude to face each day with. Fortunately, when our lives seem like they couldn't get any worse we can also choose what kind of attitude we will have each day.

Can you think about a time in your life when your attitude made all the difference? Or, maybe think of an example from the life of someone you know. Can you think of a situation when all things looked grim and yet you or someone else's attitude made that situation better just by being positive?

You may be wondering why it is important to keep a good attitude regardless of other factors in your life. Good question. One thing I've learned about life is that it will not always go my way. It is highly unlikely that every single day for the rest of my life will be filled with joy, friendships, and peace. It is possible, but unlikely. It is much more likely that life will throw me things I wasn't expecting. Tragedies, sicknesses, and relationship trials will come my way and it will be my attitude that determines how those events affect me.

Keeping a good attitude in life allows us to remember that even in tough times we have much to be thankful for. Choose to let your attitude reflect this perspective rather than reflecting the fact that you are not getting exactly what you want at a moment in time. Let your attitude reflect all of the ways that your life has been blessed and all of the good things that have happened to you.

We have all heard it said that "attitude is a little thing that can make a big difference." I agree with whoever said those words wholeheartedly, but I'll even take it a step further and simply say that attitude is a big thing. Attitude is perhaps one of the biggest factors that determines the path and results we see in life. When we can look at the worst situations with hope and a right perspective, nothing will be too difficult to bear.

 

Astrology is what I like to believe in

Astrology is what I like to believe in

Word Count:
351

Summary:
If you checked out the statistics, mobile Operators in India seem to be raking in their moolah from.

Keywords:
trustworthy numerologist, astrologer, numerologist,  astropalmist.

Article Body:
If you checked out the statistics, mobile Operators in India seem to be raking in their moolah from. Value Added Services and guess which VAS ( Value Added Service) people are subscribing to on an increasing basis at a pace that is nothing less than Scorching? It is Astrology, mostly pertaining to daily, monthly and yearly horoscopes. The world over, scientists seem to be engrossed in their pedantic debates about the fact that Astrology isn't even a form of science directly opposing the traditional view which thinks otherwise, people in general really don't care much about it.

Astrology has humble and ancient roots and is has always believed to have an element of "occult" to it. Humans have, for a long time now, wanted to take a peek into the future, to know what is coming, to foresee things and Astrology seems to be the only thing that comes close to satiating this queer little need of ours.

Whether it is boxed into the "Science" category or a 'Pseudoscience" category, it so happens that it had never failed to enthrall people by its sheer power of looking ahead into the future. From the seemingly cute 'Romantic Matches', elaborate analysis on sun signs and some serious future gazing, Astrology was and still is something only the wise people who live in the mountains yonder deal with - the rest of us just ask for it.

The fact of the matter, substantiated by a number of surveys conducted over time, is that there has been a noted increase in the interest towards this subject generally and there could never be a solid conclusion as to the fact that Astrology almost borders on the lines of ridiculousness and is thought to be 'Dressed up' as some kind of science.

Astrology, rests on the belief that one's life can be predicted by courting one's birth chart and that there are really a few levels pertaining to one's soul. The one that is real and that can be seen and scientifically explained and the other that is somewhat mysterious and a place where " mind and matter may reunite".

 

Astrology is mystical

Astrology is mystical

Word Count:
514

Summary:
As the time has elapsed, there has been more and more pressure to cope up with the adverse situation that might arrive in every ones life. There are a lot of incidents in a man's life that would look like a bolt from blue.

Keywords:
palm reader, horoscope, indian astrology, palmistry, numerology.

Article Body:
As the time has elapsed, there has been more and more pressure to cope up with the adverse situation that might arrive in every ones life. There are a lot of incidents in a man's life that would look like a bolt from blue. So, when it is unexpected, it ought to cause more problems. That is one of the reason as the majority of people are shifting to the idea of knowing as what are the circumstance which are about to happen? Well, the idea may seem weird but Astrology is certainly helping people out.

Astrology refers to the methods that are devised by the ancient people, although, there have been some changes that are the contribution of modern world, but still, basics are in tact. If you call it a science of stars, you won't be off the target at all. It basically describes the relationship of the stars with you and an effect is derived by the position of these stars at the time of your birth. That's the whole concept behind astrology, but it certainly is not as easy as it looks in these words. There are a lot more complications that are to be considered to give exact readings. Astrology has really been working wonders and in the modern world like today, it has not lost its shine.

The fact is that a proficient astrologer is quite capable of mentioning the times when you would be supposed to go through the bad times and it's quite obvious that if you know that, you would be in a better position to cope with the situation. However, the burning question is that if it really is possible to change your future with the help of astrology? Well, the answer is simple, astrology can't avoid those circumstances and in some cases can't actually point out the circumstances, however, it can mention the time period where you have to be cautious. Also, there are a lot of other uses as well, that one can consider.

For instance, you can easily get yourself benefited from astrological readings pertaining to relationship and marriage. You can easily get some of the reading predicting about the date of your wedding. For some people who are not really well aware of the dimensions that astrology has, it can really be so exciting to find out that they can get closer to their future.

However, an important fact is that you must go to an astrologer who would have some of the best knowledge an experience about this art. You must also understand that it is not something that everyone can learn, it requires some of the grueling efforts and you will also have to devote a lot of your time to get the art of astrology. Most of the people take years to understand the creation of a birth chart. However, as people are more curious to know about their future, there are more shamed astrologers who can really harm you, both mentally and financially, so you better stay away from them.

 

Astrology is extensive, so, blunders are bound to happen

Astrology is extensive, so, blunders are bound to happen

Word Count:
585

Summary:
How many of you are interested to get a glimpse of your future? There might be every one of you, yelling and screaming that you want to go first. That's a unanimously agreed fact that all of the humans are curious to see beyond boundaries. Everything that is hidden is sweet for them to make it unrobed.

Keywords:
trustworthy numerologist, astrologer, numerologist, astropalmist.

Article Body:
How many of you are interested to get a glimpse of your future? There might be every one of you, yelling and screaming that you want to go first. That's a unanimously agreed fact that all of the humans are curious to see beyond boundaries. Everything that is hidden is sweet for them to make it unrobed. Perhaps that is one of the reasons that Astrology and other such arts are fast becoming popular among the people from all backgrounds and nationalities. But can astrology really take you to your future? Well, when you will meet some of the trained and skilled astrologer, you will be compelled to believe that it works.

 However, most of the people are of the view that palmistry itself is not something that can make every one to look into the future, but it is actually the proficiency of the practitioner and the astrologer who can derive certain results. It means every one who claims that he knows palmistry can not be taken as he will make the right forecasting. Also, another important fact is that there are numerous types and forms of astrology which are origin specific. For instance, you might see some of the changes in the way the Indian goes about the astrology, especially when you will compare it to that of a Chinese astrology. So, there might be different approaches but the reason and the objective is quite simple and that is to learn about the future happenings.

A skilled astrologer can tell you a lot about your personality and the things that you might never have shared with someone. It can get to very root of your personality and these astrologers can make predictions by creating a birth chart that might tell them the positioning of the stars at the time of your birth, they will then compare it to the present standing of these stars to draw certain conclusions. A worth mentioning fact about these birth charts is that in some countries, especially in India, it is considered to be obligatory for the people to have a compatible birth chart at the time when they would  be getting married.

This compatibility is checked by an astrologer; however, there have been a lot of malice involved in this practice, as most of the girls may not be able to married based on the theory that they are manglik. In Indian astrology, you will come across signs and houses and manglik refers to a situation where you find mars to be rested in 1, 4, 7,8,12 houses. In astrology, all of the stars have their characteristic and the houses are also refer to specific characteristics, for instance hoses are associated with wealth, travel, marriage, and so on. It is actually the combination of those characteristics that houses and stars depict, that make those astrologers to forecast.

 For instance, for people who are supposed to be manglik are considered to be under the effect of mars which posses the qualities to be self respect and ego, so, when it is in the specific houses, people are not considered well for the marriage as they can be brutal in their relationship.

Seventh house is of spouses and if the Mars is in it, you ought to find couples to quarrel with each other. That is the reason why birth charts are to be checked before marriage. So, all in all, astrology has a great impact on people, but, there are also some unproductive practices which are to be tackled appropriately.

 

Assertiveness Top Ten Tips

Assertiveness Top Ten Tips

Word Count:
401

Summary:
Assertiveness is a life skill; useful both inside and outside work. However, the reactions and behaviors we employ now are the result of years of fine tuning. Being assertive doesn't happen overnight, but the more practice you get, the more skilled you become.

Keywords:
Assertiveness training courses, Assertiveness tips

Article Body:
Assertiveness is a life skill; useful both inside and outside work. However, the reactions and behaviors we employ now are the result of years of fine tuning. Being assertive doesn't happen overnight, but the more practice you get, the more skilled you become. And while you may not always get what you want, you will always know you gave it your best. So here are the top ten tips for improving your assertive behavior:

1. Believe in yourself more - always think positively and feed yourself with positive inner dialogue. Stand in front of a mirror, look yourself in the eye, and tell yourself how wonderful you are!

2. Recognize that you can never change other people. You can only change what you do; and that a change in your behavior will afford others the opportunity to behave differently towards you.

3. Learn to respond, not react. Start choosing how to behave, based on admitting and accepting the consequences. Accept that you – and only you – have made that choice: nobody has forced you into it.

4. Stop beating yourself up for your decisions and behaviors. Instead, turn every situation into a positive learning opportunity for future behavior change.

5. Watch your body language. Make sure it matches your words: people tend to believe what they see rather than what they hear.

6. Use the green cross code: Stop Look Listen - then think about how you want to respond. This will ensure you stay in control of you and the situation, and afford others the opportunity to do so as well.

7. Aim for situation resolution, not self defence. Concentrate on the situation rather than your own feelings, and recognize that the other person is most probably angry about the situation - not with you.

8. Consider and choose your words. Lose the words that signal "I'm a pushover" such as "I'm terribly sorry", or "I'm afraid", or "Could you possibly…?" or "Can I just …?". Substitute big "I" statements followed by factual descriptions instead of judgments or exaggerations. This will encourage the other person to do the same.

9. Say "no" when you want to. Don't forget to afford yourself all of the rights you allow everyone else to have. And if it helps, remember that you are not refusing them personally, you are refusing their request.

10. Take a "can do" attitude. Believe that things don't just happen to you – but that you can make them happen.

 

As I Lay Me Down To Sleep …

As I Lay Me Down To Sleep …

Word Count:
580

Summary:
Discover how you can use your sleep time to your benefit to solve problems, get new information, and access your inner resources.

Keywords:
success, motivation, living motivation, goals, goal setting, achievement, jason johns

Article Body:
What do you do before you go to sleep at night?

I don't mean brush your teeth and change into your nice blue pyjamas with the little white sheep on.

I mean what do you do in your head?

Do you think about anything specific? The next day? The day you've just got through?

Or do you tap into an incredibly powerful part of you and set it to work, so that it gets the whole night to work on things for you so when you wake up you have answers to questions you asked?

I bet you'd like to know how to do that wouldn't you?

Well, the good news is, it's simple, so easy, even I can do it!

Ok, I'll tell you … here's the secret.

When you go to sleep at night, it is only your conscious mind that sleeps.  Your sub-conscious mind keeps on working.  If it went to sleep, you'd have a few problems as it controls important things like your breathing and heart!  So naturally, it keeps working and is "awake" all night long.

Now your sub-conscious mind just happens to be rather good at processing information and connecting random dots to make works of art.

So when you go to sleep, focus your mind on the things that are bothering you and ask your sub-conscious mind to help.

Naturally, I decided I was going to experiment with this on myself and see what it would do. For a number of weeks I used to say this to myself every single night when I put my head on the pillow, before I went to sleep.

"I ask my sub-conscious mind to work on all of my issues and challenges in life and replace them with positive, empowering programs."

I did this for a couple of days and to be honest, I didn't really feel much.

I decided to keep it up because I was curious what would happen if I did and if it really would be effective.

Anyway, about day 3 or 4 I started to feel a bit perkier than normal.  I found myself feeling a bit more positive, more bouncy and I started to do things that I had been putting off for ages (and by ages, I mean months!).

I didn't really think anything of it, but kept my experiment up.  About a week after I started I was feeling really good and very bouncy and full of life.

Again, I thought nothing of it, not connecting my pre-bedtime intention with this change.

Then one day a friend happened to ask me if I'd been taking happy pills because I was annoyingly positive and then it hit me.

Every night for the last ten days or so I had been setting this intention and gradually I had been feeling better and better.  It wasn't a massive change all of a sudden, just a series of small changes.

I smiled at my friend and jumped around very excitedly sharing with her what I had been doing and the results it was having for me.

Of course, she was really excited and has been doing exactly the same every night since and is still shocked by how such a little thing is having such a big difference.

So, when you go to sleep at night as you set your alarm clock, set your intention too, and wake up and feel the difference!

 

Artists Biographies on Film: Top Movies about Visual Artists

Artists Biographies on Film: Top Movies about Visual Artists

Word Count:
591

Summary:
Here is a guide to the best movies that describes the life of visual artists.

Keywords:
visual artists biographies, Vincent Van Gogh biography,art,arts,entertainment

Article Body:
Visual artists biographies is a popular theme in the movie world. Moviemakers have always been fascinated by visual artists biographies, especially if it includes struggle with insanity, drug addiction or social conventions. In addition, it gives them an opportunity to depict original or resurrected artworks on the big screen.
Here you can read about some of the most interesting movies about visual artists biographies.
Lust for Life directed by Vincente Minnelli in 1952 

Vincent Van Gogh biography had gained several cinematic adaptations. Lust for Life with Kirk Douglas as the struggling artist is one of the most notable. The movie is based on a best selling book by Irving Stone, who also authored The Agony and the Ecstasy about Michelangelo, which also had appeared on the silver screen.

If you are a fan of Van Gogh artwork, you would enjoy watching Last for Life, which features almost 200 of Van Goghs original paintings. However, if you are familiar with Kirk Douglas previous filmographic, seeing him as a tortured Dutch painter might take a little adjustment. Another recommended film about Van Gogh is Robert Altmans Vincent and Theo from 1990.

Surviving Picasso directed by James Ivory in 1996

Like Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso image made him an iconic figure outside the artistic circles. While Van Gogh symbolizes the self destructive, manic depressive artist who achieves success only after his death, Picasso represents the misanthropic and womanizer artist. Picasso infamous relationship with women is the focus of this Merchant and Ivory film. The story is told from the eyes of Picasso mistress Francoise Gilot and features only reproductions of Picasso works. With Anthony Hopkins talent and his physical resemblance to Picasso, Surviving Picasso manages to create an unflattering portrait of an artist as a cruel, self centered genius.

Girl with Pearl Earring directed by Peter Webber in 2003

Comparing to Van Gogh and Picasso, Vermeers biography is less known and less controversial. Therefore Girl with Pearl Earring is much more restrained and delicate. The movie focuses on a short period in Vermeers life in which he was painting the portrait of his young low class maid. Although Girl with Pearl Earring does not avoid filmic conventions by over dramatizing Vermeers painting process, the movie is worth watching if only for its artistic design, which success in evoking Vermeers perception of light and color.

Basquiat directed by Julian Schnabel in 1996

The most common critique against movies that deals with visual arts is the way they depict the creation process. Therefore, there were big expectations from Basquiat, which was directed by the celebrated painter Julian Schnabel. Schnabel did well in depicting Jean Michelle Basquiat rise and fall story in less the predictable manner we have seen millions time before. However, the only reason to watch Basquiat is David Bowie plays the role of Andy Warhol.

Frida directed by Julie Taymor in 2002

Like most of the visual artists who had their life story appear on the silver screen, Frida Kahlo carried an unusual biography, which includes bus accident, problematic marriage, and an affair with Leon Trotsky. Like Van Gogh, Picasso and Jackson Pollock, who was the subject of a biopic from 2000, Frida Kahlo was an icon long before Frida was released, but the 123 minutes film did help to strength her position as a feminist idol and probably the most famous woman painter of the 20 century. Frida tries its best to integrate Frida Kahlo life story with her painting and the result is very colorful and pleasant, but still does not stay far enough from the conventions of depicting artists on film.

 

Art Theft: Most Famous Cases in History

Art Theft: Most Famous Cases in History

Word Count:
669

Summary:
Review of the most famous cases of art thefts in history including the stealing of the Mona Lisa and The Scream.

Keywords:
art theft,art thefts,art fakers,art,Mona Lisa,Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum,art thieves,Edvard Munch,The Scream,arts,painting,paintings,drawing

Article Body:
Art theft is an ancient and complicated crime. When you look at the some of the most famous cases of art thefts in history, you see thoroughly planned operations that involve art dealers, art fakers, mobsters, ransoms, and millions of dollars. Here you can read about some of the most famous cases of art theft in the history.

The First Theft:
The first documented case of art theft was in 1473, when two panels of altarpiece of the Last Judgment by the Dutch painter Hans Memling were stolen. While the triptych was being transported by ship from the Netherlands to Florence, the ship was attacked by pirates who took it to the Gdansk cathedral in Poland. Nowadays, the piece is shown at the National Museum in Gdansk where it was recently moved from the Basilica of the Assumption.

The Most Famous Theft:
The most famous story of art theft involves one of the most famous paintings in the world and one of the most famous artists in history as a suspect. In the night of August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen out of the Louver. Soon after, Pablo Picasso was arrested and questioned by the police, but was released quickly.

It took about two years until the mystery was solved by the Parisian police. It turned out that the 30×21 inch painting was taken by one of the museum employees by the name of Vincenzo Peruggia, who simply carried it hidden under his coat. Nevertheless, Peruggia did not work alone. The crime was carefully conducted by a notorious con man, Eduardo de Valfierno, who was sent by an art faker who intended to make copies and sell them as if they were the original painting.

While Yves Chaudron, the art faker, was busy creating copies for the famous masterpiece, Mona Lisa was still hidden at Peruggias apartment. After two years in which Peruggia did not hear from Chaudron, he tried to make the best out of his stolen good. Eventually, Peruggia was caught by the police while trying to sell the painting to an art dealer from Florence, Italy. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louver in 1913.

The Biggest Theft in the USA:
The biggest art theft in United States took place at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. On the night of March 18, 1990, a group of thieves wearing police uniforms broke into the museum and took thirteen paintings whose collective value was estimated at around 300 million dollars. The thieves took two paintings and one print by Rembrandt, and works of Vermeer, Manet, Degas, Govaert Flinck, as well as a French and a Chinese artifact.    

As of yet, none of the paintings have been found and the case is still unsolved. According to recent rumors, the FBI are investigating the possibility that the Boston Mob along with French art dealers are connected to the crime.

The Scream:
The painting by Edvard Munchs, The Scream, is probably the most sought after painting by art thieves in history. It has been stolen twice and was only recently recovered. In 1994, during the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, The Scream was stolen from an Oslo gallery by two thieves who broke through an open window, set off the alarm and left a note saying: thanks for the poor security.

Three months later, the holders of the painting approached the Norwegian Government with an offer: 1 million dollars ransom for Edvard Munchs The Scream. The Government turned down the offer, but the Norwegian police collaborated with the British Police and the Getty Museum to organize a sting operation that brought back the painting to where it belongs.

Ten years later, The Scream was stolen again from the Munch Museum. This time, the robbers used a gun and took another of Munchs painting with them. While Museum officials waiting for the thieves to request ransom money, rumors claimed that both paintings were burned to conceal evidence. Eventually, the Norwegian police discovered the two paintings on August 31, 2006 but the facts on how they were recovered are not known yet.

 

Arguments Steal Mind Power

Arguments Steal Mind Power

Word Count:
350

Summary:
Have you ever caught yourself arguing just to argue? It's a great way to hone your debating skills - and diminish your mind power!

Keywords:
arguments,arguing,debating,mind power,listening,mind

Article Body:
Have you ever noticed that arguments are rarely "won?" Even if you think you won an argument, what did you win? If there really is a loser, he at least learned something, right? What did you get? Ego satisfaction, debating practice, and diminished mind power.

Arguing Diminishes Mind Power?

There are times when things need to be debated, but most of the time, it really isn't productive. Do you want to argue the point? What do you get from a useless debate, and more importantly, what do you lose?

One thing is certain. A person listening to arguments can learn something from both sides, but what about the participants? If your opponent makes a really good point, do you say, "Hey, you're right!" or do you more often just look for a better argument?

Arguing too much gets you in the habit of looking for arguments more than for truth. You also get deeper into your thinking ruts the more you defend a position. In a rut and ignoring the truth? If that doesn't sound like it's good for mind power, it's because it isn't.

Mind Power From Listening

If you say the moon is closer, and I say the sun is, one of us has to be right. If you say nurture is more important, and I say nature is, we're both right. The first argument has clearly defined terms. This isn't common, and even here, what's the point of arguing?

In the second example, our arguments have to do with values and experiences. We've seen different things in life, and we could spend a lifetime defining "important," or I could shut up and listen. My mind becomes more powerful with the addition of your ideas and knowledge. Listening is the better way.

To break the habit of arguing, purposely ask for peoples opinions, and listen without saying anything. You can ask them to clarify, but don't offer one contrary idea. Do this enough, and you'll be surprized how much you learn. Some of us are also surprized by how difficult this simple technique can be, but it works.

 

Arguing

Arguing

Word Count:
441

Summary:
Arguing just to argue is a great way to hone your debating skills - and diminish your brain power!

Keywords:
arguing, debating, brain power

Article Body:
Arguing - what's it good for? Arguments are rarely "won." When you think you won an argument, what did you win? The "loser" at least learned something, right? But what did you get? Debating practice, ego satisfaction, and diminished brain power.

Arguing Diminishes Brain Power?

At times things need to be debated, but most of the time, it just isn't productive. You may want to argue the point, but what do you get from a useless debate, and more importantly, what do you lose? I say you lose effective brain power.

There is at least one thing we can probably agree on. That is that a person listening to arguments can learn something from both sides. Now what about the participants? When your opponent makes a really good point, do you say, "Hey, you're right!" and learn something, or do you more often just look for a better argument?

You see, arguing too much gets you in the habit of looking for arguments more than for truth. You get deeper into a rut the more you defend a position, because any hint of opposing evidence is pushed away as a threat to your "victory" or correctness. Ii being in a rut and ignoring the truth doesn't sound like it's good for brain power, it's because it isn't.

Brain Power From Listening

Say the moon is closer, and if I say the sun is, one of us has to be right. On the other hand, if you say nurture is more important, and I say nature is, we're both sort of right. That's because the first argument has clearly defined terms. This isn't common in most arguments (and what's the point of arguing with someone who thinks the sun is closer?).

The second argument has to do with values, experiences, and poorly defined terms. We've seen different things in life, and we could spend a lifetime arguing the definition of "important." Alternately, I could shut up and listen. In this case my mind becomes more powerful with the addition of your ideas and knowledge. Listening is the better way.

How do you break the habit of arguing? Start by purposely asking for people's opinions, and listen without saying anything. Ask them to clarify, but don't offer one contrary idea. If you do this enough, you'll be surprised at how much you learn. You may also be surprised by how difficult this simple technique can be, but it works. Tell me I'm wrong, and I may just listen to what you say without arguing.

 

Are You Trapped By Old Beliefs?

Are You Trapped By Old Beliefs?

Word Count:
377

Summary:
If you have ever wondered what kinds of beliefs you have stored away in your unconscious that silently influence your choices, take a good look at your life, including your friends, your loved ones, your job, and even your health.

The life you currently live is a reflection of your beliefs about what you are willing to accept and tolerate. This is the vital difference that separates people who live abundant happy lives from those who don't.

For instance, people who cont...

Keywords:
belief, ccomfort zones, success, failure

Article Body:
If you have ever wondered what kinds of beliefs you have stored away in your unconscious that silently influence your choices, take a good look at your life, including your friends, your loved ones, your job, and even your health.

The life you currently live is a reflection of your beliefs about what you are willing to accept and tolerate. This is the vital difference that separates people who live abundant happy lives from those who don't.

For instance, people who continue to stay in abusive relationships, work at jobs they don't enjoy, or struggle financially, do so as a result of the beliefs they hold.

Yet there are individuals in society who will never ever accept being unjustly treated, living just above the poverty line, or working in professions that do not make full use of their gifts.

These individuals are those who stand out in the crowd: the entrepreneurs, pioneers, and leaders who refuse to allow the opinions of others to dictate how they live their lives.

They do this not because they are better or more gifted than everyone else, but simply because their beliefs do not allow them to do otherwise.

It is important to remember that we all play an active role in the creation of our belief systems, even if this occurs when we are vulnerable to the influence of others.

Once these beliefs are impressed on our unconscious mind, they become the rulebook that controls the direction of our lives.

All your successes and failures, then, are in some way influenced by this unconscious set of rules you have written. Whatever it is you wish to achieve, whether it be a skill you're attempting to master, a subject you wish to learn or an illness you are struggling to overcome, your success will be determined by a single factor: the unconscious beliefs that make up your book of rules.

Much of the struggle you experience in life relates to the inner turmoil you feel when you make a new choice that conflicts with the set of rules you have created about life and simply forgotten.

To end this struggle and become the master of your own destiny, you must therefore master the unconscious beliefs that control you.

 

Are you ready to retire? You sure?

Are you ready to retire? You sure?

Word Count:
722

Summary:
In order to retire well, without worrying about running out of money, you must figure out how much you really need. The financial industry people will tell you a lot of stuff, but we must remember that they increase their profits by selling more financial products.

Keywords:
internet marketing, building wealth, self-help, e-business, affiliate marketing, web design, internet business, success, home business

Article Body:
"Too little money makes people desperate; too much money makes people greedy" – Aristotle

In order to retire well, without worrying about running out of money, you must figure out how much you really need. The financial industry people will tell you a lot of stuff, but we must remember that they increase their profits by selling more financial products. These can include mutual funds, GIC's, IRA, RRSP's,  bonds, stocks, IPO's. life insurance and a range of other products. In many instances you will be asked to save as much as possible for as long as possible regardless of how much you need. But only you can answer that – what kind of lifestyle do you want?

There is a cool story that illustrates this.

A few years ago, a very rich businessman decides to take a vacation to a small tropical island in the South Pacific. He has worked hard all his life and has decided that now is the time to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He is excited about visiting the island because he's heard that there is incredible fishing there. He loved fishing as a young boy, but hasn't gone in years because he has been so busy working to save for his retirement.

So on the first day, he has his breakfast and heads to the beach. It's around 9:30 am. There he spots a fisherman coming in with a large bucket full of fish! "How long did you fish for?" he asks. The fisherman looks at the businessman with a wide grin across his face and explains that the fishes for about three hours every day. The businessman then asks him why he returned so quickly. He's worried that all the fish are gone.

"Don't worry", says the fisherman, "There's still plenty of fish out there."

Dumbfounded, the businessman asks the fisherman why he didn't continue catching more fish. The fisherman patiently explains that what he caught is all he needs.

"I'll spend the rest of the day playing with my family, talking with my friends and maybe drinking a little wine. After that I'll relax on the beach.

Now the rich businessman figures he needs to teach this peasant fisherman a thing or two. So he explains to him that he should stay out all day and catch more fish. Then he could save up the extra money he makes and buy and even bigger boast to catch even more fish. The he could keep reinvesting his profits in even more boast and hire many other fisherman to work for him. If he works really hard, in 20 or 30 years he'll be a very rich man indeed.

The businessman feels pleased that he's helped teach this simple fellow how to become rich. Then the fisherman looks at the businessman with a puzzled look on his face and asks what he'll do after he becomes very rich. The businessman responds quickly "you can spend time with your family, talk with your friends, and maybe drink a little wine. Or you could just relax on the beach."

It's a simple story, but depending on the lifestyle you want – you may be closer to retirement than you think. It's easy to say money is not important but having been in the position of wondering how you are going to eat, I understand that having money is better than not. How much money is another questions but having the power to pursue your dreams comfortably is bliss.

Here is a basic formula you can use to help you calculate how much you really need to retire:

Total current income (your salary) – taxes – work expenses – all debt interest (be debt free before you retire!) + New lower tax expenses (investment tax vs. earned income tax) + costs of your hobbies and desired lifestyle = How much you need ever year after taxes.

Figure this out then come check out ways you can start making this figure consistently.

Thanks for reading,