Franklin P. Jones said: “Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.” I can think of no better permanent career, can you? I’ve always had dogs so I’m rather experienced, but if you’re new at dog ownership, you might want to check out a good resource for pet information .
BuyDogBeds
This website (a dot org, not dog com) is a good resource if a dog recently acquired you as its owner. You see, we don’t really own the dogs. They just let us think we do. In actuality, dogs, once brought into the household, rule the roost. I know mine always do. However, I’m a smart pet owner. I trained our dogs to sleep in their own beds.
Bed Or Wherever
A lot of people let dogs sleep anywhere they want, but this isn’t really a good idea. A dog should have his own space because dogs are territorial. Whichever room we’re in is where we place the dog bed. When company comes, after an initial Oh, boy! Company, our dog settles into her bed to keep a watchful eye on all of us.
When we go to bed at night, she expects her bed to be moved to the master bedroom, and it is. I swear sometimes she’s grinning when she jumps in and curls up for a good night’s sleep.
Whether you need to know about a dog’s body language, vaccinations, or habits of successful dog owners, this website gives you what you need to know to take care of your dog and to let your dog happily take care of you.
Takeaway Truth
I completely agree with Louis Sabin who said: “A dog doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, big or small, young or old. He doesn’t care if you’re not smart, not popular, not a good joke-teller, not the best athlete, nor the best-looking person. To your dog, you are the greatest, the smartest, the nicest human being who was ever born. You are his friend and protector.” So take good care of your canine friend.
Tags: dogs, pets
I’ve practiced smart frugality for years. If you’re a newly minted bargain hunter, then I have a tip for you: Geeks.com, one of the top 200 online retailers, according to the 2006 annual guide published by The Internet Retailer.
Whether the Internet made you a bargain shopper, like it did me, or it was the downward spiraling economy, ComputerGeeks.com, known familiarly as Geeks.com, is the place to find the best bargains in consumer electronics. You might say that their mission is to save consumers money, or at least it seems that way based on their prices.
Satisfied Customers
I’ve been shopping for a new laptop which means I check all the local stores, but I also check online. Take it from me, online retailers like Geeks.com have better prices, plus they’re reliable with great customer service. I mean, just look at the more than 6,000 Reviews on PriceGrabber.com. The number of positive reviews in itself is staggering, and to have the majority be overwhelmingly positive is amazing. That’s a lot of satisfied customers.
More Reviews
Want more proof/ Check out the more than 1800 reviews from customers on ResellerRatings.com. Same story. In fact, the staff of Geeks.com monitors this site and will jump in and give a personal comment or answer to a review.
Website Resource
Their McAfee Secure Site isn’t just a place to get bargains though of course they have those by the hundreds. They make online purchasing easy by accepting PayPal and all the major credit cards, but they also offer Volume Discounts and Gift Certificates for your tekkie friends and family, and you can Subscribe to get email discounts. You can contact them by email, phone, or fax.
Be sure and read their Customer Service FAQ which covers just about everything, and About Us gives their Policies regarding Sales and Returns. Once you’re a customer, you can take advantage of their Tech Support by filling out an online form with your problem or situation. They’ll get back to you with advice or instructions.
But Wait, There’s More
They are a company that prices their products aggressively because they know the appeal of a good deal. That’s good business on their part. They also give to the customers, like the Tech Support I mentioned above, but they also give a little extra in Tech Tips, a treasure trove of articles by geeks who know what they’re talking about. These articles cover hardware and software, electronics, networking, and more.
Takeaway Truth
Value, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, especially when you behold a good product at a good price and offered with good service.
Tags: consumer_electronics, geeks
Posted by WriteReeves on Jun 29, 2009 in
Business,
My Literary License 
If you want to sell or buy a house, you go to a real estate broker. They’re the pros who can help you with that business transaction. It follows then that if you want to sell or buy a business, you go to the professionals like the M&A brokers of The March Group.
Background
This BBB Accredited business should be at the top of your list since they’re a leading private mergers and acquisitions firm who are specialists in middle-market businesses. They’ve been helping people just like you since 1986 with investment banking, consulting services, and financing. They’re not one of those behind the scenes businesses that give advice and little else. Their executive team and workshop professionals are there to educate you about every aspect of mergers and acquisitions as well as assisting you with everything from analyses of prospective businesses to worldwide networking to entrepreneurial financing.
Corporations4sale.com
In order to offer their clients more flexibility in analyzing possible acquisitions, they created this Corporations4Sale.com which allows clients to register as a buyer or a seller and to view confidential postings of corporations for sale. You not only can view listings online, but also you are matched with an appropriate broker to assist you with market analyses and more. The respective brokers will help you find the corporation that matches your requirements, not some generic business model, or will help you market your company to the right buyer.
At Your Service
The website is always open. Read their FAQ, contact them via the website, email, phone, or fax. Register for one of their workshops. They’re available in several locations nationwide. Search their listings by region or industry, and save your search along with your parameters on their website.
Takeaway Truth
Buying or selling a corporation is more demanding than buying and selling a house. Make sure you have the experts on your team.
Tags: Business, corporations_for_sale, mergers_acquisitions
I have to applaud the government of New Zealand because they’re being proactive in trying to get their citizens to sign up for a retirement plan. They’ve created KiwiSelect which allows customers to sign up online for a new retirement plan or to switch kiwisaver from one plan to another, quickly and easily.
Website Makes It Easy
The secure website makes it easy to see what you must do to have the funds you need when you retire. You start with a simple questionnaire: your age, your income, and your status i.e. are you an employer or self employed, etc. From there you progress to the next page which questions your attitude toward money and the implications your age may have. When saving, time is your biggest asset. The younger you start; the easier it is.
Simple Questions: Revealing Answers
By answering some simple questions, your attitude about money and risk can be used to match you with a fund that feels right to you. There are several KiwiSaver providers with each offering different funds. Some of these funds have virtually no risk. Their growth is consistent though slower than those with more volatility.
Some savers, particularly those who are older and with less time to earn, like to know that they’re not risking their nest egg. They don’t mind slow growth as long as it is steady. Other savers might be young enough that they can rebound if the high yield they want has a few valleys with the peaks.
By answering simple questions, KiwiSaver can match you with a compatible fund so you’re comfortable with your investing. You can pick from several providers with a range of funds, and they’ll all be consistent with your investment attitude.
Online Resource
KiwiSaver can be your online resource for learning more about investment funds, choosing the right fund for you, and even switching from one fund to the other without charge. They’re not owned by any of the investment providers so there’s no conflict of interest.
The entire website is free for you to use so take advantage and explore. Study the Ratings of the Recommended Funds so you’ll know what to look for. Read the FAQ. Contact them by free phone, email, or fax if you have any questions. They really are there to make investing for retirement easy and convenient. In fact, once a year, they will review your fund choice. If they spot anything, for instance, if your fund looks too high risk for your current age, they’ll notify you.
Takeaway Truth
Retirement is the biggest expense anyone will ever have. Now is the time to do something about it, not when you’re facing your senior years.
Tags: investment, new_zealand, Retirement, savings
A lot of people are worried about their jobs in this economy. Many have been laid off, and others fear this may happen. One way an employee can gain peace of mind, whether looking for a new position or concerned about hanging on to the one they’ve got, is to learn new skills in order to be ready to land a new job or to impress their current employer with new skills thus speaking of a commitment to the present job.
World Has Changed
Face it, the world isn’t the same as when your grandfather had a career encompassing 20 or 30 years with the same employer. It’s not uncommon now for someone to change positions every few years as businesses grow, decline, merge, or go under. The smart business person anticipates changes in the marketplace and positions him or herself to take advantage of these changes.
Handwriting On The Wall
Dr. Spencer Johnson wrote in the national bestseller Who Moved My Cheese? that there are seven rules about The Handwriting on the Wall. One rule is to “adapt to change quickly.” An effective way to do this is to take courses to increase your job readiness. Learn.com offers online courses that help you do this.
Different Levels Of Courses
They offer different levels of courses. Some like Business, IT, Healthcare and more are created by the management and staff of Learn.com. Others are Member Created Courses in the areas of Professional and Personal Development, Science, Math, Health, Travel, and others. Accredited Courses are designed to help you gain certifications in the areas of Business Management and Administration, Finance, Law, Public Safety and Security. They truly have something for everyone.
Learn.com Personal Edition
In June of this year, they debuted the Learn.com Personal Edition, a system designed to assist anyone who wants to improve skills for specific job profiles and thus receive a job Skill Score numerical rank. This numerical ranking gives employers an additional tool, along with a resume, to evaluate job seekers.
Website Resource
Visit their comprehensive website, and you’ll discover Learn.com has been used by government and Fortune 500 companies for years. Check out the many different courses offered. You can even suggest a course you’d like to see. I’ve been thinking about suggesting a professional etiquette course because so many job seekers don’t seem to know the proper way to conduct their communications with potential employers. You can even call them at the number posted on the site.
Takeaway Truth
Change is a part of your personal and professional life. The happiest people evolve and grow, embracing change.
Tags: Business, economy, job_seekers, job_skills, skill_certification, skill_learning
Posted by WriteReeves on Jun 26, 2009 in
Consumerism,
Guest Bloggers,
My Literary License 
This morning I welcome another Guest Blogger, Capitol Awnings, known on the web as CapAwning.com.
I have awnings on one of my rental houses on the back which faces west. These awnings block the intense heat from the Texas sun and make a tremendous difference in air conditioning that house by decreasing the heat gain from the windows on that side. I think awnings are an excellent product and enhance the appearance of a home or business.
Take it away, CapAwning!
Just Around the Corner
Just because you don’t live or work in Richmond doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the leading Richmond awnings company. Capitol Awning is also the leading Charlottesville awnings provider for both homes and business. With a huge selection of retractable commercial awnings for businesses and retractable residential awnings for patios, decks, and porches, Capitol Awning can help you with all your needs. When you’re ready to add an awning to your home or business, give Capitol Awning a call and let them help you pick out the perfect awning for your needs - you’ll be glad you did.
Tags: awnings, home_design, home_improvement
Posted by WriteReeves on Jun 26, 2009 in
Consumerism,
My Literary License,
Pop Culture 
The great Arnold Palmer said: “What other people may find in poetry or art museums, I find in the flight of a good drive.” When you drive that little white ball off the tee isn’t anything to inspire thoughts of poetry or art, maybe you need to work with a good instructor. Of course, most of us can’t afford too many lessons with a pro, but we can afford a golf instruction video.
PracticeLikeAPro.com
Fortunately, you don’t have to sit around and hope Hank Haney drops by to offer to teach you golf. He’s too busy with Charles Barkley at the moment. Take action now. Cruise on over to PracticeLikeAPro.com and check out the golf video series you’ve seen advertised on TV.
Practice Like a Pro® is a set of 4 video instructions, with a bonus fifth DVD, all designed to help you mentally and physically play the game to your best ability. You get to hear what Tour Pros like Padraig Harrington, Stewart Cink, and Tom Kite consider the secrets to a great golf game as well as hearing sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella’s take on the subject.
What You Get
Disc 1 is Keys to the Short Game. This is where you learn the fundamentals of the short game with interesting commentary from some of the top PGA Tour professionals. You’ve got to have command of the short game to win whether you’re in a tournament or playing your best friend.
Disc 2 is The Scoring Clubs. It starts with the wedges to teach you distance control. You’ll also learn the mental strategies you need along with some invaluable tips. This DVD will put the fun back in your game.
Disc 3 is Putting and 20 Min. Routine. This is packed with drills and games. If you’ve ever watched Tiger Woods warm up, he goes through the same drill tournament after tournament. It’s one he adapted from Jack Nicklaus. So practice like a pro and adopt this 20 minute routine. Putting practice will improve your ability to make those important putts when it’s crunch time.
Disc 4 is A Conversation with Dr. Bob Rotella, the noted sports psychologist and best selling author of golf books.
But Wait, There’s More
You’ll also get a Bonus DVD: Drills and Games, with a laminated Games Chart. You can take the chart to the range and check your progress every time you play.
Don’t wait or hesitate. Check out their website today. View the video on the site. You’ll be impressed by the possibilities, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this kind of instruction before.
Takeaway Truth
Lee Trevino, a golfer with a great sense of humor, once said: “I’m a golfaholic, no question about that. Counseling wouldn’t help me. They’d have to put me in prison, and then I’d talk the warden into building a hole or two and teach him how to play.” If you feel that way about golf, you owe it to yourself to develop your potential.
Tags: arnold_palmer, bob_rotella, charles_barkley, golf, golf_instruction, hank_haney, jack_nicklaus, lee_trevino, padraig_harrington, PGA Tour, pro_golf, stewart_cink, tiger_woods, tom_kite
I had a very nice email the other day from Norman Hicks, CEO of Reader’s Circle. That’s an “all volunteer” operation that connects readers with books. Now that’s my idea of a worthwhile group.
Five Years Strong
Norman asked me to post a link on my websites to introduce others to Reader’s Circle. They were founded in 2004, and I’d discovered them around that time. I visited their website again and am impressed by how they’ve grown so I’m happy to tell readers and writers about them.
Meet Reader’s Circle
Reader’s Circle is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and they currently serve 85,000 inquiries for book clubs every year. If you’re an author with a book you want to get in front of readers, you can sign up, pay a small fee (that’s what keeps this organization going and growing and enables them to keep their site alive and live) and get listed to do a phone chat with readers.
The Way They Work
Norman told me the way the listings work. They put up new promotions Sunday nights, and reader groups respond to the listings directly if they find a book they’d like to read. Then book selections and phone chats are arranged independently.
Listings get placement on their homepage for one month and are then moved to the author database for a year. At the moment, they have 750+ groups who use the site to recruit members and arrange phone chats. On average, they get 41,000 page views per month. That’s darn good traffic if you’re an author looking at a way to connect with readers.
Arts Calendar
They also have an arts calendar where authors can post their entire book tour for free. If you want to get involved, they just need some basic information.
1. Book Title (for now authors are limited to one title)
2. Your preferred email address for groups to contact you
3. Your author website.
Details
The listing fee can be payed online through PayPal. Listings typically take two weeks to post. You receive an email to confirm as soon as listings are up. If you’d like to know more about this, email Norman: nhicks at readerscircle dot org.
Other Benefits
Authors, cruise their website, and you’ll be impressed by their commitment to promoting books. In a world where reading is declining, this organization is supporting and encouraging our favorite pastime. You can locate book clubs in your state with their handy locator page. Chances are there’s a group near you, and you’d probably enjoy making your presence known to them.
Takeaway Truth
The best kind of author promotion is the kind that connects authors with readers looking for good books.
Tags: author_promotion, Books, book_clubs, reader's_circle, readers, reader_clubs, writers
Today I have a guest blogger talking about American cars. This blog post held resonance for me because when I lived in Japan, I learned firsthand how American cars were admired. I’ve always tried to buy American because I like to do my part for balance of trade. I just wish more people recognized and understood the concept. Our economy would be much stronger if our dollars remained in this country.
Take it away, Guest Blogger!
HUGELY POPULAR AMERICAN CARS
Who doesn’t like an American made car? Whether it’s a car, truck, or SUV, there’s something about driving a vehicle that was made in the good old U.S. of A. That being said, finding the right vehicle at the right price at a dealership near you can be exhausting at best and down right maddening at worst. Thankfully, you can search all of the best dealerships for American cars near you in one easy step. By checking out Ford of Kansas or Chevy of Kansas you can find the dealerships close to you that have the cars, truck, or SUVs you want at the price you’re willing to pay. Why waste time searching all the dealerships dealing with all those sales people when you could be behind the wheel of your new car, truck, or SUV?
Tags: american_vehicles, balance_of_trade, Business
On my other blog, several months ago, I was talking about my mother visiting the sleep clinic to see if she had sleep apnea and needed one of the CPAP machines at night. She just wasn’t resting well at night and was tired and sleepy all day long.
What’s CPAP
A CPAP machine is a device that maintains Continuous Positive Airway Pressure while you sleep. You may not know this, but obstructive sleep apnea is a severe problem that often goes undiagnosed. If you have an inordinate amount of daytime sleepiness, you may suffer from this malady.
Sleep Research
Research has shown that using a CPAP device, once you’ve been diagnosed and prescribed such a machine, will decrease that daytime sleepiness that keeps you from performing well, but, more importantly, it will lower your blood pressure at night and even in the day.
Additionally, those who suffer from coronary artery disease and who use CPAP for sleep apnea are less likely to have heart problems such as heart failure. So there’s a very real benefit in being checked for sleep apnea and then following the doctor’s recommendation for treatment which usually is a CPAP machine.
Prescription For Sleep
It’s easy to get a prescription for your CPAP filled or to obtain CPAP supplies by visiting the website. They have Live Help available or you can email them or use their toll free phone number. They stock a complete selection of CPAP machines from the most popular manufacturers, and most of them include the tubing, filters, manuals, and carrying case.
I urge you to get tested like my Mom did. She uses the CPAP even when she takes a nap during the daytime. It’s easy, but she found she needed a different mask than the one she initially got. You see, you can get a mask that covers your nose and mouth or a mask that covers your nose only or just prongs that fit into your nose. It’s easy to get a different mask if the first one doesn’t suit you.
Takeaway Truth
If you’re not feeling rested after sleeping all night, perhaps it’s time to discuss your sleep habits with your doctor.
Tags: cpap, health, sleep, sleep_apnea, sleep_clinic
