Archive for September, 2007

Dwarf Korean Lilac

Saturday, September 29th, 2007

By Alan Summers When you choose a lilac you are planting a shrub that is part of our American heritage - some have even called the lilac the “apple pie of shrubs.” Thomas Jefferson planted lilacs at Monticello and lilacs greeted guests as they entered George Washington’s flower garden at Mount Vernon. Poet Walt Whitman’s elegy to Abraham Lincoln, “When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d” evokes an image of a lilac bush that may be familiar to many: In the dooryard fronting an old farm-house near the white-wash’d palings, Stands the lilac-bush tall-growing with heart-shaped leaves of rich green, With many a pointed blossom rising delicate, with the perfume strong I love, With every leaf a miracle - and from this bush in the dooryard, With delicate-color’d blossoms and heart-shaped leaves of rich green, A sprig with its flower I break. French and Dutch colonist first introduced lilacs to the United States, carrying them during their long journeys across the Atlantic Ocean. Lilacs soon found themselves all over North America, arriving by saddlebags and coach. Today there are over 2,000 named varieties of lilacs thanks to many industrious and passionate breeders all over the world. Our feature plant this week is the Dwarf Korean Lilac - the most useful of all the lilacs, and Alan’s favorite of all the shrubs we grow. It is easy to grow and maintain, making a beautiful and welcome addition to your garden. The Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri Pablibin)The Dwarf Korean Lilacs’ parent, the Syringa meyeri, is named after Frank Meyer who discovered it in a garden in Beijing, China in 1909 and sent cuttings home to the United States. Many lilacs are offspring of the Syringa meyeri, but the palabin Dwarf Korean Lilac is the smallest and most delightful. The clean, dark green foliage provides the perfect backdrop for the exquisite powerfully fragrant, lavender pink florets that will cover the dense bush from head to toe. Expect it to bloom in May-June, with lighter rebloom in later summer and fall, extending the season and allowing you to enjoy its beauty and fragrance twice during the year. Foliage turns bright yellow in autumn. Unlike other common lilacs, the Dwarf Korean Lilac blooms profusely at an early age and is not susceptible to powdery mildew. Expect it to grow four to five feet high and wide, the perfect size for a perennial border, foundation planting or shrub border foreground. No matter where the Dwarf Korean Lilac is planted in your garden, it is sure to be a standout year after year. Planting and Care The Dwarf Korean Lilac is one tough plant, a real survivor. Over ten years ago we planted some in wooden planter boxes that were fabricated over a black top parking lot in full sun. These planter boxes never get any supplemental water, only what mother nature provides. Every year the lilacs bloom profusely, hold their leaves all summer without browning, rebloom in the fall and never suffer any winter die back. After the drought of 2002, I expected the lilacs to be totally dead. When I drove by in the spring of 2003 they were in full bloom, just as they have been every year. For best results, plant in early spring. Lilacs require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant in good, well-drained soil. Water regularly until established and during the summer. Prune old blooms away immediately after flowering to encourage more blossoms. Fertilize with Bulb-Tone at planting and again in the spring. Click here to view the Dwarf Korean Lilac on the Carroll Gardens website. Alan Summers, president of Carroll Gardens, Inc., has over 30 years experience in gardening and landscape design. He has made Carroll Gardens one of Americas preeminent nurseries, having introduced more than 20 new perennials and woody shrubs over the years and reintroduced numerous lost cultivars back to American gardeners. Carroll Gardens publishes a weekly online newsletter written by Alan. It contains valuable gardening advice and tips and answers to customer questions. Every Saturday, Alan hosts a call-in gardening forum on WCBM radio - 680 AM. For those outside of the WCBM listening area, they can listen to radio show via the internet. Visit CarrollGardens.com to learn more about Carroll Gardens, the weekly newsletter and the radio show. http://www.CarrollGardens.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Summers http://EzineArticles.com/?Dwarf-Korean-Lilac&id=193077 buy tramadol online ordering ultram online buy tramadol prescription online canadian pharmacy tramadol

Nokia 7373 - An Intelligent Fashion Phone!

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Adam_Jaylin]Adam Jaylin Nokia 7373 is an interesting mobile phone that hit the mobile phone market last year and it managed to gather a lot of adulation from the users around the globe. This handset is launched under the L’Amour series of fashion phones so the looks of Nokia 7373 are ultimately dazzling. If that alone doesn’t impress you that much then you may buy this device for its features that too are brilliant and go hand in hand with its looks. Analysing this handset in detail, Nokia 7373 works on Tri-Band GSM network that makes you carry it to various international locations as well. Also, technologies like GPRS, EDGE and Bluetooth further enhance connectivity in this device. Nokia 7373 comes with a WAP browser and e-mail client, serving the purpose of your computer through this handset. This mobile phone has a unique Swivel opening design that makes it look different from the similar looking phones available in the market. Nokia 7373 comes armoured with 2 Mega Pixels camera that delivers good quality images in the form of still snaps or video recordings. As far as the memory of this device is concerned, worry not for it is ample at 128 MB that can further be expanded with the help of card slot. You may enjoy your favourite music through its music player that is able to play music in MP3/AAC/M4A/eAAC+/AAC+ file formats. [http://www.ukonlinemarket.co.uk/mobile/Phone_Deal.asp?Ph=Nokia--7373]Nokia 7373 thus makes for a high end fashion phone that sweeps your imagination both in terms of looks and features. Thus Nokia 7373 is a highly recommended fashion phone which is worth a try!! Know more about [http://www.ukonlinemarket.co.uk/mobile/]Mobile Phones and [http://www.ukonlinemarket.co.uk/mobile/Phone_Deal.asp?Ph=Nokia--7373--Pink]Nokia 7373 Pink here. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Jaylin [http://ezinearticles.com/?Nokia-7373---An-Intelligent-Fashion-Phone!&id=530068 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Nokia-7373—An-Intelligent-Fashion-Phone!&id=530068 generic levitra vardenafil internet pharmacy order prescriptions purchase levitra online

Sponsorship: A Key to Powerful Marketing

Wednesday, September 26th, 2007

By Susan Friedmann Sponsorship is the fastest growing form of marketing in the U.S. It is still very much in its infancy, especially in the trade show arena. With this in mind, you can find unlimited opportunities to broaden your competitive advantage by increasing your credibility, image and prestige in sponsoring events attracting your target market. Some trade show promotional opportunities include sponsorship of the press room, an international lounge, a speaker or VIP room, an awards reception, educational programs, banners, badge holders, audio visual equipment, display computers, tote bags, shuttle buses, napkins and drink cups. So, why should your company be interested in sponsorship? When done well, it offers significant opportunities for distinct marketing and competitive advantages, as well as showing support of the event. What is sponsorship? Sponsorship is the financial or in-kind support of an activity, used primarily to reach specified business goals. According to IEGs Complete Guide to Sponsorship, “Sponsorship should not be confused with advertising. Advertising is considered a quantitative medium, whereas sponsorship is considered a qualitative medium. It promotes a company in association with the sponsee.” A large number of events these days use sponsorship support to offer more exciting programs and to help defray rising costs. Sponsorship allows you to reach specifically targeted niche markets without any waste. In addition, it is a powerful complement to other marketing programs, in addition to having a dramatic influence on customer relations. Why sponsor? Sponsorship offers the possibility of achieving several goals at once. According to Schmader and Jackson in their book, Special Events: Inside and Out, a company can benefit from sponsorship in many ways, such as: 1. Enhancing Image/Shaping Consumer Attitudes Often companies are looking to improve how they are perceived by their target audience. Sponsoring events that appeal to their market are likely to shape buying attitudes and help generate a positive reaction. Coca Cola, for example is always looking to generate a positive influence of their products in the minds of their consumers and as such regularly support events they feel can influence consumer opinions. 2. Driving Sales Sponsorship geared to driving sales can be an extremely potent promotional tool. This objective allows sponsors to showcase their product attributes. Food and beverage companies often use sponsorship to encourage samplings and sales. IEGs Complete Guide to Sponsorship cites Visas fund-raising effort around its sponsorship of the Olympic Games and the U.S. Olympic Team. They promoted their association by offering to make a donation to the team each time consumers charge a purchase to their card. American Express used a similar strategy by donating to needy causes with their “Charge Against Hunger” campaign. As a result, both companies experienced a significant rise in sales volume. 3. Creating positive publicity/heightening visibility Every sponsor is seeking wide exposure in both electronic and print media. Positive publicity helps create heightened visibility of products/services. Various media covering the event may include sponsors names and/or photos. In addition, the kind of media coverage a sponsor may get is often unaffordable if the company were to think of purchasing it, and if it were available. To maximize this objective, it is important for the sponsoring company to have a comprehensive media campaign to augment the regular media coverage promoted by the organizers. Sponsorship can often generate media coverage that might otherwise not have been available. 4. Differentiating from competitors The mere act of sponsoring an event, especially an exclusive sponsorship, is a significant way to create competitor differentiation. Your company name has the opportunity to stand out head and shoulders above the competition. This is particularly helpful if your company wants to combat a competitor with a larger ad budget. Sponsorship allows smaller companies to compete with their industry giants. Target audiences often perceive sponsorship in a positive way. They see you as making a greater effort to support the event, often allowing more or better activities to take place as a result of your sponsorship. 5. Helping with good “Corporate Citizen” role Another powerful sponsorship objective allows companies to be viewed as a “good neighbor.” To be seen supporting the community and contributing to its economic development is extremely powerful and creates enormous goodwill. 6. Enhancing business, consumer and VIP relations Sponsorship that offers hospitality opportunities is always very attractive to companies. Perks may include special exclusive networking settings such as VIP receptions or golf tournaments opportunities to meet key customers and solidify business relationships. It is important to evaluate each opportunity and look for ways it could tie into your marketing objectives. Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies, working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Go to http://www.thetradeshowcoach.com to sign up for a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Friedmann http://EzineArticles.com/?Sponsorship:-A-Key-to-Powerful-Marketing&id=4909 buy fioricet online fioricet online without prescription buy cheap fioricet buy fedex fioricet free online

Cash Advances Of $1000 Based On Provable Income

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Annie_Jonas]Annie Jonas Many loan companies allow their customers to borrow around $1000 if you pay it back according to their payment schedule. You need to know, however, that you will end up repaying the cash advance company a lot more than you borrowed because of the high interest that is added to the cash advance. A few of the cash advance companies do not loan out large amounts of money like this, however, and they stay with loans up to around $500. However, there are times that you may need a larger amount so don’t depend upon a certain cash advance company to loan you as much money as you need. You could end up being disappointed. Many people see a cash advance loan as their last resort because they have no other options for getting a loan. Many people say that cash advances should only be used if you are borrowing a small amount of money that the normal loan channels will not help you with. Many of the loan companies cannot loan less than $1000, but cash advance companies may see your $1000 loan as a large loan and add on a large interest rate as well. If you can find a loan company that will loan you $1000 then that is the best decision. This is because the loan company will most likely charge you a much lower interest rate than the cash advance company will, which will make the terms of your loan easier to meet. This article was written by Annie Jonas,the owner of [http://avaloans.com/]http://avaloans.com/. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annie_Jonas [http://ezinearticles.com/?Cash-Advances-Of-$1000-Based-On-Provable-Income&id=137183 ]http://EzineArticles.com/?Cash-Advances-Of-$1000-Based-On-Provable-Income&id=137183 order xenical buy xenical online without a prescription buy xenical online without a prescription next day xenical

Cashback: An All Inclusive Dividend Added

Sunday, September 23rd, 2007

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Keith_Rickwood]Keith Rickwood Everyone knows the importance of mobile phones. From communication to entertainment and information, your phone provides everything for you. Its true that with technological advancement, latest mobile phones offer many features that are at par with a computer, but when it comes to uses, the basic and the most important function of mobile phone is communication. In the UK, there are six major network service providers. Whether you buy a contract mobile phone or a pay-as-you-go phone, network providers offer you the service. Most of the mobile users prefer contract mobile phones because of some obvious advantages that your service provider may offer you. Under the contract mobile phone deals, there are several tariff plans that you need to choose. These tariff plans differ with the handset type and the contract period. Under a particular tariff plan you will have to pay a fixed monthly line rental for say, 12 months or 18 months. The network service provider in return may offer you free handset, free text, free insurance, or free monthly line rental or cashback offer. Cash back or line rental reduction schemes are offered by the network service providers to the consumer who get attached with a particular network under a particular contract plan such as 12 month or 18 month contracts. After the completion of the contract period, a customer can claim for cashback on the due date. Under some terms and conditions, if the consumer fulfils all the criteria, he or she will get back the cash. That’s again one of the reasons why consumers go for contract mobile phone deals. Being one of the most inevitable gadgets in the present time, anyone can afford a mobile phone if you have plans like cashback offers. Choose the handset and the plan and get connected with a particular network. Enjoy the service and the cost-effective plan and keep talking whenever and wherever you go. Check [http://www.mobilerainbow.co.uk/cashback.asp ]Cashback Offers on latest mobile phone plans with your chosen network. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Rickwood http://EzineArticles.com/?Cashback:-An-All-Inclusive-Dividend-Added&id=439853 phentermine from us pharmacy where to buy phentermine 37.5 phentermine without a prescription phentermine online without a prescription

Cyber Visit - Next Best Thing to Being There

Sunday, September 23rd, 2007

By Lenore Chapman Do you have a computer and a grandchild who had a computer? Well I have both. My grandson lives in Florida, and I can’t always get down there to visit him. We spend a great bit of time together when I am there. Toy, games and just plain talking about kid stuff. When I’m not there we still spend a great bit of time together. It is called Internet. Yes he is 8 years old and knows his computer when it comes to messaging grandma to chat or to play an online game with him, or send an e-mail just to say I Love You with a picture he drew for you. I come home from work and turn on my computer and messenger and there he is, waiting for me. His message next to his name either says, waiting for you or where are you grandma. It got to the point, that my daughter couldn’t get online cause my grandson was hogging it up, and would fight with her because he was online with grandma, and didn’t want to give her the computer. She ended up getting him his own computer. We spend a couple hours together each night. First comes the messenger. We chat back and forth for a while. Then comes the phone call. I guess he gets tired of typing, or he has a story to tell me that would take too long to type on the messenger, or he doesn’t feel like typing an e-mail or he just plumb wants to talk to me. That one phone call can take up to 45 minutes. I hear a lot of I love you and I miss you, when are you coming to visit. After all this, it is ready to get down to business and play some games on the internet with him. He plays games and sends the link to me and I do the same with him, but the fun part is playing a game against him. We have hours of fun. I am the type of grandma that lets him win once in a while but not too often. You don’t want him to grow up thinking he has to win all the time. You want him to grow up feeling it is great to win but you can’t be the winner all the time. He was getting an attitude when he lost all the time. At one time everyone would cheat so he could come out the winner. That wasn’t the right thing to do. Once he got older he thought he was the greatest at all games. Grandma doesn’t play that way. We play fair until Grandma wins all the games. Then Grandma feels bad and lets him win a few here and there. But not all of them. But now that he is older, there are some games that Grandma can’t beat him at and of course he smears the pie in my face because of it. To all the grandparents out there. If you can’t visit your grandkids and you have a compute and they have one, visit them online. You will get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I know I do. Continue Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lenore_Chapman http://EzineArticles.com/?Cyber-Visit—Next-Best-Thing-to-Being-There&id=248666 should you be taking cialis when you are taking flomax 1levitra cialis cialis get viagra cialis consultation delivery discount health health man

Quilting Expensive?

Friday, September 21st, 2007

By Catherine Pulsifer I took a course a few years ago on machine quilting. My first quilt was very expensive to do by the time I purchased the material, the batting, and the backing, it ended up costing well over $100. While I really enjoyed quilting, I thought there must be a less expensive way. Well, I have found ways to make them much cheaper. My list on less expensive ways to make quilts: 1. I obtain curtain samples that companies are no longer using. I cut them into blocks and they work great! I can usually get the samples for $1.00. 2. Second hand stores often have material that you can buy for less than $2.00. I cut it up into blocks, which gives me a wide assortment of colours and textures to choose from. 3. Old clothes that no longer fit or that are worn in the knees or elbows. Cut out the seams, and cut the material into blocks or strips; it works great!! 4. You can bid on ebay auctions for material that is already cut into blocks. You can get some good buys! 5. For the backing I use fleece throws. You can usually obtain these from Wal-Mart or the Dollar Store for under $10.00. I fit my blocks to cover the fleece throw, and then machine quilt the two together. So now rather than spending $100. for the materials, I rarely spend over $15.00, and I end up with some beautiful quilts! Starter Tips for Machine Quilting - start on a simple pattern, blocks 6 x 6. Do not try and attempt complicated patterns for your first quilts, it will only frustrate you. Start simple, and then let your creativity soar! - do not go out and buy an expensive machine. We use a very simple, inexpensive machine to quilt with, you really do not need all the fancy gadgets - when machine quilting, always use 100% cotton thread. Most stores have thread identified as “machine quilting thread” To quote Dr. Suess,”Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” Happy Quilting! Catherine Pulsifer is one of the editors of Stress Relief by a Simple Life where you will find stories, thoughts, poems and inspirational quotes on simplicity, frugal living, free craft projects, stress and more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ note to publishers - please use the text “Stress Relief by a Simple Life” when linking to http://www.stresslesscountry.com. Thanks! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Pulsifer http://EzineArticles.com/?Quilting-Expensive?&id=142476 how to increase semen production how do i increase semen male infertility center male infertility herbs

Exploring the Mystery of Aromatherapy Through Biotechnology

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

By Nur Syahid Aromatherapy originated in Ancient Egypt. About a hundred years ago, a pharmacist from France used an innovative method which led to a breakthrough in aromatherapy techniques. In recent years, under the strong promotion by Sathelyne Group, BelAir aromatherapy came into being to benefit many consumers. For centuries, people have experienced and have come to recognise that essential oils have many benefits. Essential oils can help to combat bacteria and other diseases, repel mosquitoes, prevent tooth decay, fight oxidisation, inflammation and even enhance the immune system, calm nerves, etc. But with so many types of essential oils around, which essential oils will benefit you? Which are the safest? These are questions that researchers are still unable to answer exactly. Since 2002 when BelAir set up our factory in France, there has been interest in testing the safety and effectiveness of our essential oils. With these concerns in mind, Bel’Air worked closely with professor Tsai from Taiwan National Yang Ming University in setting up our very own BelAir Bio-tech Research Centre. Professor Tsai Ying Chieh is head of Taiwan National Yang Ming Biotechnology Department and head of Taiwan National Yang Ming University Medical Science Department. He expressed that his interest in aromatherapy research is enhanced by the fact that research and academic publications in this field are scarce. The BelAir Bio-tech Research Centre hopes to strengthen the foundation of botanic essential oil research and further the investigation of essential oils and their various properties, effects and benefits. Professor Tsai also hopes to share knowledge with international institutions and publish academic papers. At the same time, he aims to educate the public on aromatherapy. The Effects of Essential Oils on Micro-organisms Present in the Air Between August 2000 and September 2002, BelAir Bio-tech Research Centre carried out a research program to determine whether Green tea essential oil, Ginseng essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil and Lavender essential oil have an influence on the amount of micro-organism (mold, yeast, fungus, bacteria) in the air. The researchers conducted tests on Green Tea essential oil, Ginseng essential oil, Eucalyptus essential oil and Lavender essential oil. They burned these 4 types of essential oils in a sealed room, and recorded readings at different time intervals. Readings were taken at the beginning of experiment (0 min), during the experiment (30, 50, 70, 90 mins) and after the experiment (30, 60, 90,120,150,180,210 mins). The experiment was repeated several times based on a sample of 500 litres of air. The experiment results proved that: Green Tea has 90% effectiveness in killing bacteria; and 61% effectiveness in killing fungus. Ginseng has 90% effectiveness in killing bacteria; and 62% effectiveness in killing fungus. Eucalyptus has 52% and 48% effectiveness respectively, as pertaining to the items above. Lavender has 66% and 71% effectiveness respectively, as pertaining to the items above.Professor Tsai expressed excitement and interest in such results, because the experiment proved that Sathelyne BelAirs aromatherapy products indeed could combat micro-organism in the air, thus purifying the air. He also said that although the effectiveness figures for fungus seem low, but that is desirable because this would mean that it would not be harmful to the body. After obtaining such positive and encouraging results, BelAir has worked even harder to carry out the 2nd experiment. This program made detailed analysis and records of the chemical compositions of these 5 essential oils, and tests were done to determine their chemical and biological safety. Professor Tsai carefully selected Ginseng, Green Tea, Green Bamboo, Lotus and Eucalyptus as the 5 essential oils for the experiment. The reason for such a selection was because the 1st four essential oils are plants from the East, of which not enough researches had been carried out in the West. The selection of Eucalyptus was to act as a test reference for the other 4. Chemical and Biological Safety Experiment The 2nd experiment went through the following steps: Using GC-MS to analyse the chemical composition of these 5 essential oils. Based on their individual chemical compositions, analysis was done to determine the safety for use of essential oils. Using GC_MS to determine the after effects of these essential oils, whether any by-products or toxins were produced in the combustion process. Using Ames test to test the before and after changes of these essential oils. Using skin cells, fat cells and HepG2cancer cells to determine essential oils effects. Find out what effects these essential oils have in combating bacteria and killing micro-organism such as mold, yeast and fungus (MIC). The 2nd experiment results proved that these essential oils have compositions that are mild, low in toxins, do not irritate skin and have low light-sensitivity. The Ames test also proved that these essential oils do no go through major changes before and after the combustion process. What is more encouraging is that before the test, these essential oils already contained beneficial compositions, but after the test, these beneficial compositions diffused into the air and these are what the body needs exactly. Moreover, the body does not easily absorb these compositions in our daily activities. These experiments carried out by BelAir and Yang Ming University have achieved positive results, and we hope that in future, there will be more of such experiments to make the benefits known to consumers. The Aims of Bio-technology in the Medical Applications of Aromatherapy 1. To determine the plant essences and their scientific applications, their methods of production and their relevance for health therapy and health maintenance. 2. To establish the concepts and the operational models. 3. To bring aromatherapy into the realm of medical treatments. 4. To employ modern methods of making new medicinal products in setting up aromatherapy processes, so as to develop aromatic medical science. Nur Syahid, a Natural Aromatherapist, specializes in Bio-Tech Aromatherapy including oxygen therapy, ozone therapy, health aromatherapy. Comments, Share and more info E-mail to : Healthybelair@yahoo.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nur_Syahid http://EzineArticles.com/?Exploring-the-Mystery-of-Aromatherapy-Through-Biotechnology&id=6437 tramadol online pharmacy discount ultram online online ultram prescription where to buy tramadol

Couples Relationship Assessment Quiz - Part 16 - Conscious Communication

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

By Glenn Cohen Are all your discussions calm and productive? Or would you say that many of them are heated, argumentative, and non-productive? All relationship partners will argue face it. But there is a safe, productive way to have these discussions. To Co-Create a Conscious Relationship, you must have structured discussions between the Sender the partner with the issue — and the Receiver — the recipient of the Senders thoughts and feelings. This assessment measures how well you and your partner communicate. This free set of assessments offers you the chance to find powerful answers. If you are willing to take the time to reflect on these questions, discuss them, and be honest with yourselves and each other, it can help you on your journey to Co-Create a Conscious Relationship so you can be Best Friends During the Day, Lovers at Night, and Partners for Life. The adventure of life gives us the incredible opportunity to learn and grow as individuals. I like to say that we do not stop learning, stretching, growing, maturing, and changing until we are 6 feet under. What happens so often is we go through life unaware that we dont know what we dont know. In this fast-paced world, many of us do not have or take the time to sit, take a deep breath, and really think about the statements addressed in these assessments. We usually do not reflect on and consider the impact the answers to these statements can have on our relationship. We must gain the awareness, learn the techniques, and practice the skills to Co-Create a Conscious Relationship. Take your time to think about each statement and be honest. One partner should use a black pen and the other partner a red pen. Rate your degree of agreement for each statement on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being a definite yes and 1 being a definite no. Write your score on the first line to the left of each statement. The second line is for your partners score. You may find it difficult to give certain statements a low score. You may worry that your response will hurt or offend your partner or create conflict. Honesty, however, is critical for the success of the Co-Create a Conscious Relationship program. Also, no matter what score your partner writes down, be supportive; do not get defensive, resentful, or angry. Thank him or her for being courageous and honest. All of the topics in this assessment series are covered in detail, with exercises, in my book The Journey from I-TO-WE. Conscious Communication _____ _____ - 1 - We have safe, honest, peaceful, respectful, and loving discussions. _____ _____ - 2 - We begin all of our discussions in a respectful, gentle, and loving manner. _____ _____ - 3 - We do not become reactive when we discuss sensitive issues. _____ _____ - 4 - We do not use Relationship Killer words or actions in our discussions and arguments. _____ _____ - 5 - We always give our partner the benefit of the doubt when we are triggered. _____ _____ - 6 - We do not project our own frustration and pain onto our partner when we communicate. _____ _____ - 7 - We know when it is time to take a break from an intense discussion or argument. _____ _____ - 8 - We signal each other when we start to feel emotionally overwhelmed by the discussion. _____ _____ - 9 - We know how to self-soothe and regulate our own emotions. _____ _____ - 10 - I trust my partner will create communication space where I feel safe, loved, and cared for. _____ _____ - Total Score You have 10 statements for a total possible score of 100. If your total is: 80 or higher — You scored in the upper percentile Congratulations! You have obviously taken the time to work, ensuring your relationship has the best chance to be successful. Though your relationship is strong, it can only benefit from gaining new awareness, new skills, and new techniques. Good luck in Co-Creating a Conscious Relationship! 60 79 — You scored in the average range Congratulations! Re-read the statements you scored low on and take the time to learn how to raise your score. Consider Co-Creating a Conscious Relationshipthrough gaining new awareness, new skills, and new techniques. You and the relationship will be much stronger on The Journey from I-TO-WE. 0 59 — You scored in the lower range Congratulations! You now know where you need to take the time to closely examine these areas of your relationship. It would benefit both of you to think about these statements, and work toward Co-Creating a Conscious Relationship through gaining new awareness, new skills, and new techniques. Commit to each other to give unselfishly and unconditionally to do whatever you need to do to make each other feel safe, loved and cared for I hope this part of this assessment has been enlightening and helpful. When you get a chance, take the next set of this assessment. Keep the print outs for each so, at the end of the series, you can trace your progress on your journey to Co-Create a Conscious Relationship. I hope you and your partner Gain the Awareness, Learn the Skills and Practice the Techniques so you are successful on your Journey from I-TO-WE to live your lives as each others Best Friends During the Day, Lovers at Night, and Partners for Life 2006 All Rights Reserved Glenn Cohen I-TO-WE Relationship Coaching Create relationship success at home, at work and within yourself learn about the I-TO-WE - Personal-Coaching - Couples-Coaching - Business-Coaching at our website - I-TO-WE Relationship Coaching Its Free - Become a member of the I-TO-WE Institute Share your biggest relationship question, challenge, or concern. Ask Glenn Cohen Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Glenn_Cohen http://EzineArticles.com/?Couples-Relationship-Assessment-Quiz—Part-16—Conscious-Communication&id=284173 free online prescriptions best online pharmacy prescriptions written online trusted online pharmacy

“All Hazards” - More than Disaster Preparedness

Sunday, September 16th, 2007

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maurice_Ramirez] Maurice Ramirez In the years since 9/11, those in disaster planning, preparation, education, response and recovery have concentrated all their effort on convincing private healthcare corporations and non-healthcare corporations alike to adopt an all hazards approach to adversity and disaster. Perhaps because 9/11 and anthrax were the impetus for the funding of this push, corporate America has associated this large expense with what they believe to be an unlikely threat, terrorism. The 2004 2005 hurricane seasons gave the southeastern regions of the United States a clear focus for disaster preparedness in the forms of hurricanes Charlie, Francis, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Unfortunately with this focus came a tendency to prepare for hurricanes, certainly not an all hazards approach. The simple fact missed by all but a very few in the disaster community and even fewer in the disaster planning, preparation, education, response and recovery industry is that the word disaster does not belong in the title. We are not a disaster community, nor are we in the disaster planning, preparation, education and recovery industry; rather we are the All Hazards planning, preparation, education and recovery community. Before you assume this is simply a matter of semantics, think about what we seek to accomplish. Our All Hazards community does not just seek to prepare for the possible of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster, we seek to fundamentally change attitudes and behaviors so that when adversity strikes or disaster looms large on the horizon, our citizens, our communities and our infrastructure are prepared. Our true goal is to never again see a line at Home Depot or the grocery store the day before or the day after a disaster. This is not a new concept. The practice of vulnerability analysis and risk assessment is well established in many safety sensitive industries and in the military. The Institutes of Medicine first applied this practice to the healthcare industry in the 1999 To Err Is Human report. Far from a treatise on disaster preparation, To Err is Human was the warning siren that brought the issues of patient safety and medication errors to the public forum. Although voluminous, the main thrust of To Err is Human was to review the lack of reporting systems and fail safes in the healthcare system as a whole and to correlate the current state of safety in healthcare to that of other industries. To Err is Human goes to great lengths to detail public-private safety efforts, but overall the report proposes the groundwork and a justification for governmental intervention and federal regulation of healthcare safety and by implication, healthcare quality/certification. If this sounds a lot like the trio of 2006 Institute of Medicine reports on the state of Emergency Medicine and disaster preparedness, it is very similar. The 2006 reports when combined with the 1999 To Err is Human report demonstrate the similarity between community wide disasters and patient centered disasters. A true All Hazards approach to preparedness thus should include patient safety, medication safety, fire safety and personal safety in addition to the current concentration on terrorism and disaster preparedness. There are a number of advantages to this expanded All Hazards approach to safety, planning and preparedness. The greatest of these is the integration of patient safety initiatives and disaster preparedness training allowing healthcare professionals to practice disaster preparation skills as part of their daily routine. This has applications in team building, triage, safety reviews, command structures, patient throughput and literally every aspect of hospital operations. The implications go far beyond the immediate process improvements that come from an All Hazards training program. The mind set that is instilled in those trained in an All Hazards approach to daily operations lends to innovations in operational processes and streamlining of previously entrenched systems. All Hazards training also creates the common safety investment that the To Err is Human states is missing from healthcare, but common to such industries as air travel and railroads (pilots and engineers share the same safety investment as passengers). Those who have received All Hazards training come to understand and internalize that reality that any risk that exists for a patient exists for the healthcare professional as well. Finally, recognizing patient safety issues and all the other safety issues in healthcare as hazards under an All Hazards approach will result in better success in achieving both sets of goals. Patient safety initiatives celebrate their seventh anniversary this year, but even the CEO of the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) admits that medication error and wrong site surgery have grown exponentially in that time. Despite a virtually limitless budget and the best efforts of the best minds in patient safety, healthcare has not gotten better, it has gotten more dangerous. At the same time, the past five years has seen hospital and healthcare disaster preparedness change only marginally. The 2006 Institute of Medicine reports severely criticizes healthcare for failing to invest in All Hazards preparedness despite the fact that it has been proven effective not only in increasing security, but increasing surge capacity, safety and efficiency. For All Hazards preparedness, the problem is not having the budget to apply a proven and effective solution. Dealing with patient risks, medication errors and surgical mishaps as another category of hazards under an all encompassing All Hazards approach promises to solve the problems for both programs. Patient safety will benefit from the proven efficacy of an All Hazards approach designed specifically to mitigate multifactorial risk while All Hazards training programs will finally have the budget priority and funding needed to ensure system wide implementation. The only question remaining is whether those who have made their careers in patient safety as it has been practiced for the past seven years are prepared to adopt a broader view of the world and whether the All Hazards community is ready to be truly All Hazards in their approach. Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez is co-founder of Disaster Life Support of North America, Inc., a national provider of Disaster Preparation, Planning, Response and Recovery education. Through his consulting firm High Alert, LLC., he serves on expert panels for pandemic preparedness and healthcare surge planning with Congressional and Cabinet Members. Board certified in multiple medical specialties, Dr. Ramirez is Founding Chairperson of the American Board of Disaster Medicine and a Senior Physician-Federal Medical Officer for the Department of Homeland Security. Cited in 24 textbooks with numerous published articles, he is co-creator of C5RITICAL and author of Mastery Against Adversity. Dr. Ramirez invites comments at: [http://www.disaster-blog.com] http://www.disaster-blog.com Article Source: [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maurice_Ramirez ] http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maurice_Ramirez [http://ezinearticles.com/?All-Hazards---More-than-Disaster-Preparedness&id=484961 ] http://EzineArticles.com/?All-Hazards—More-than-Disaster-Preparedness&id=484961 ordering soma online online pharmacy soma order cheap buy soma buy soma without prescription