Archive for December, 2008
December 23, 2008 at 5:40 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Last time on “Because your articles suck” – we discussed how to write effective headers, bylines (boy were those easy), and article summaries. Now it’s time to move on to the body of the article and then the all-important resource box.
Body (Wow, nice bod)
First of all, you have to use subtitles. Subtitles segment the article, which makes it seem shorter, and thus, easier to read. People will run away from a 700-800+ word article with nothing to break it up. By the same token, use spacing effectively. People don’t like to read long paragraphs, either. When you change subjects, start a new paragraph.
Second, write like your article is going to be read by 6th graders – well, more like people with 6th grade reading ability – because you are. Studies have shown that most people read and write at a 6th grade level. (Remember: the Internet is not only in the USA, there are MANY more people on the ‘net from the rest of the world, and most speak English as their second or third language.) This does NOT mean you should actually write like a 6th grader would, it means write at their skill level. You still need to use decent grammar, spelling, etc.
Third, keep your writing conversational. People don’t like to be lectured, but they like to have conversations. Heck, some students have conversations during lectures! (Sorry, lame joke)
Next, lets look at content. Your content should provide great information by itself, but always leave the reader wanting more. For example, “These are just a few of the ways to start your own business cheaply” gets the user to want to read more, and it also gets them to click on your link in the resource box.
Also, make sure your articles are brief, you’re not writing books, and people looking for articles don’t want to read books. If your article is over 1,200 words, split it into segments. Having 2 or more parts to an article is also good, because it makes the life of an ezine and newsletter publisher that much easier – they’ve got 2 weeks worth of content for the price of one! Though, it was probably free in the first place, but it keeps their readers happy and reading their publication…
Finally, involve your readers in the article – ask them questions with simple answers. (If you get them jazzed enough, sometimes they answer out loud…) You like questions, right? Sure you do. Asking simple questions makes the reader connect with the article, (and also with you, as the author) and that makes them read to the end, as well as click on your link for more information. I can’t stress the word simple enough, because tough questions (What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?) make the reader feel dumb, and a reader who feels dumb stops reading.
Resource Box/About the Author (Last but DEFINITELY not least)
The resource box is possibly the second most important part of the article, aside from the content. This is where you establish your credibility as an author, and prompt the reader to go to your website. Start off by explaining, briefly, how you are an authority on the subject you’re talking about in your article. Then, inform the reader where they can go to get more information.
This area is not a free-for-all link directory; it’s highly targeted advertising. You wouldn’t put up a banner ad for boats on a site for mountain vacations, would you? No, you’d put up a banner for ski equipment or hiking equipment. By the same token, link to one site, and ONLY one site, as closely related to the article topic as possible. If you get the urge to add a second link, write a second article – more than one link changes the resource box from a great resource into a text ad. If you can, use anchored text with your keywords in your link – this helps with backlinking and also with increasing your SEO ranking.
Backlinking is discussed in another of my articles – You can find it at http://www.Content-Articles.com/Article.aspx?i=24
To get more clicks on that SINGLE link in your resource box, use phrases like “To learn more, click here…” and “For more information about [enter something about your article topic here], visit…” If a reader is reading your resource box, they’re obviously interested in the topic. Now is the time to catch them and direct them toward your site to keep learning more.
The End! (Yep, that’s it)
Now that you’ve got the techniques you need to start writing effective articles, go do it! I won’t keep you here any longer with my bad jokes and simple questions… Or will I?
Jason is a long time web developer, and the owner of Premier MicroSolutions, LLC, an Internet marketing company based in Ohio. When you want to submit all of your (now awesome) articles, visit Content-Articles.com – The Premier Web Site Content Article Directory
December 21, 2008 at 12:32 am · Filed under Uncategorized
High performance batteries are important decisions for anyone is
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them the ultimate choice in high performance batteries.
Sealed maintenance free lead acid batteries, or Sealed MF, are a
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PowerSonic batteries boast a long storage life. They can be
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season, this is a very important money saving advantage. If
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years.
PowerSonic batteries are manufactured with readily available
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sacrificing quality.
PowerSonic is the most versatile battery manufacturer providing
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systems, and automotives, as well as alarm systems, and
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The PowerSonic battery also comes with a complete manual that
explains charging, deep discharging and how it affects the
batteries’ life. It explains how to protect the battery from
over discharge and other problems that can occur in high
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PowerSonic
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December 19, 2008 at 10:38 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Camping outdoors has received much recognition throughout the years to be a complete change from your exceptional demanding life. Taking a couple of days away from demanding schedules provides much fun & recreation choice than any other vacation idea. If you are intending to have a camping holiday sometime this season then it is recommended that you try and find the best of camping gear to carry with for the utmost pleasant camping experience.
Outdoor camping tools usually come in the shape of camping beds camping stoves camping gadgets and so on. As the camping places picked are varied so are the camping tools that are required for particular needs. Some people love to camp in the plains, some go in the mountain areas, some in fields and some in woods. This means that the camping accessories required will depend on the place you have chosen to camp in. Find superb deals on camping tents.
To enjoy the fun and excitement absolutely, it is important to carry camping gear that you will need during your camp stay. There are many hikers & campers who love to camp & discover the most extreme parts of the world. As a result the camping requirements differ from person to person.
Thus before going camping outdoors it is vital that you purchase the tools that you will need. To get the best camping gear its better to locate a cheap camping equipment shop and request the accessories you want to carry along. The light weight tents, portable camping stoves, handy weightless chairs, disposable tools, sleeping bags, hiking boots, light fabric weightless clothes and additional camping accessories can be bought online at the most reduced rates. It’s wise to carry camping gear that weighs as least as possible so as to give you as much freedom while trekking and hiking.
Several variety of camping accessories are not cheap to procure & can be afforded only when you have a huge budget. So you ought to make a list of items that you cannot do without while camping. Depending upon how frequently you go for camping, renting camping equipment is a good alternative. Otherwise if you are a camping freak then having a collection of your own camping tools is worth. Have a breathtaking camping experience this autumn by keeping all your camping wishes toned up.
Related topics of interest include: Formula 1 Merchandise & Toys Online.
December 18, 2008 at 5:38 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
THE TRUTH SETS US FREE…WHEN WE KNOW IT!
Granted, the rank and file Catholic across the globe has no more grasp of the facts you’ve been reading than the average Mormon does of their cultic teachings or the average Muslim does of their false religion.
Or the average Protestant Christian knows about their faith.
We’re all just as slothful at reading our so-called “inspired” books or researching our own historical backgrounds, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
In I Corinthians 6:12, Paul stated, “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” He was possibly addressing those in the Corinthian church who boasted about being able to get away with anything they pleased as a result of God’s grace. Many still do this today. I recall, as a young Catholic boy, actually hearing friends say they were going to knowingly perform some sinful act, but they would make sure to go to confession the next day. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Gal 6:7).
My heart is broken for Catholics because that is where I came from. Many Catholics are fruit-bearing Christians who love Jesus wholeheartedly and it warms my heart to know we will be together forever in Heaven, without any pit-stops in Purgatory (which became Catholic dogma in 1439, Council of Florence). The non-Scriptural acts they perform and the dogmas to which they adhere will NOT keep them from Heaven. No, God looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7). However, according to what Paul said in I Corinthians 6:12, their religious activity and adherence to manmade doctrine and dogmas won’t benefit them a bit either. Such things do little more, Scripturally speaking, than to keep people busy with seemingly spiritual things, thereby producing a false sense of security while appeasing human nature’s desire to ‘be spiritual.’ Worse, it keeps many from finding the Truth, freedom and salvation and has done so for many centuries. This is true for both the Catholic and Non-Catholic Christians alike.
If you haven’t gathered this by now, from this author’s perspective, the issue is NOT a matter of Catholic vs. Protestant. No, the issue is quite clearly whether we desire Religion or Relationship with our God.
Here’s a concern that must be considered: How many Catholics are NOT bound for Heaven as a result of trusting SOLELY in false religious teachings? How many Catholics are living in bondage to rules and regulations, depriving themselves of the promised freedom Jesus offers them? It’s the same concern all true believers should have for the lost, those claiming Christ or not. Multitudes have been blinded and steered off course by manmade rules and regulations, though they felt assured of Heaven because they believed they were keeping the 10 Commandments, adhered to their group’s doctrine and the like.
They have no personal relationship with Christ and, for many; the lack of spiritual fruit in their lives makes this evident. Yet, they call themselves “Catholic” – or any other group’s label – and believe this to be enough.
Sadly, this describes millions who claim to be believers and followers – disciples of Christ. Many, even after determining for themselves that Rome’s ways are simply incorrect, remain stationary on that Highway to Heaven out of loyalty, due to family pressures, or from emotional ties. Others simply LIKE religious ritual and dare not step outside their religious comfort zones.
As a former Catholic, I can attest to the struggle I had with departing from what we Catholics liked to call “the one true church”(By the way, though I am FIRMLY convinced that Catholicism does NOT represent the one true church, I DO recognize them as being the first of scores of denominations from which all Martin Luther – and every so-called “Reformer” since then – has done little more than to hang a different shingle on another building, thus inviting the ruling spirit, the Spirit of the Pharisees).
As a Non-Catholic, I can also attest to the difficulties I STILL had with an inbred desire to be “religious.” This must certainly stem from the Western cultural desire to win the blue ribbon, get the gold star, and attain the next level of success. It’s very difficult for us to embrace the notion that it’s simply impossible to be ‘good enough’…so, we keep trying.
Fact is, we’re human BEINGS, not human DO-ings. How difficult it is for us to simply BE Children of God and nurture that relationship with Him, all the while building His Kingdom as His Spirit leads, when our humanness cries out that we go and DO something, even something spiritual, in order to earn God’s favor and the adulation of others.
This is simply impossible. Yes, the demonic spirit of ‘Religion,’ the same devil that controlled the Pharisees – the most religious people of their day – still roams planet Earth in search of those he may devour. Too often, those in leadership, overseeing scores of well-meaning Christians, are being fed to that beast. Too often, these believers step willingly, gladly, into that arena only to be consumed.
Jesus warned that we cannot serve two Masters. We will love one and hate the other (Luke 16:13). The question I had to ask myself was this: Did I love Him more than Catholicism? I knew Catholicism; did I know Jesus at all? As I’ve grown in my faith and in the knowledge of my Savior, I see now, like a young girl with two lovers vying for her affection, that there never really was any competition at all.
God bless you and guide you as you seek God’s truth on these issues, keeping in mind that the Truth really matters. Keep the following things in mind as you go forth seeking Truth. Remember, if you choose to become or remain a Catholic, based upon the following facts, you’d better be a good one:
1. You are accursed by the Roman Catholic Church if you deny some of its main doctrines (the phrase you are about to read, “Amathema sit” means “Let him be accursed”). The following are some of the curses lumped on your head by the organization many say they love with all their hearts, straight from Rome’s own Catholic playbook:
BAPTISM: “If anyone says that the Roman Church…does not have the true doctrine concerning the sacrament of baptism, anathema sit…If anyone says that baptism is …not necessary for salvation, anathema sit (Council of Trent, Session 7).
PURGATORY: If any one says, that, after the grace of Justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and the debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise, that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged either in this world, or in the next in Purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of Heaven can be opened to him; let him be anathema (Council of Trent, Session 6).
PAPAL INFALLIBILITY: The Roman Pontiff… possesses…that infallibility which the divine Redeemer willed his Church to enjoy in defining doctrine concerning faith or morals. Therefore, such definitions of the Roman Pontiff are of themselves, and not by the consent of the Church, irreformable. So then, should anyone, which God forbid, have the temerity to reject this definition of ours: let him be anathema (First Vatican Council).
TRANSUBSTANTIATION: If anyone denies that in the sacrament of the most holy Eucharist the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained, but says that he is in it only in a sign or figure…anathema sit (Council ofTrent, Session 12).
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: If anyone says that the sacrifice of the Mass is merely an offering of praise and thanksgiving, or that it is a simple commemoration of the sacrifice accomplished on the cross, but not a propitiatory sacrifice…offered for the living and the dead, for sins, punishments, satisfaction and other necessities, anathema sit (Council of Trent, Session 12).
CONFESSION: If anyone denies that the sacramental confession was instituted, and is necessary for salvation, by divine Law; or says that the manner of confessing secretly to a priest alone, which the Catholic Church has always observed from the beginning and still observes, is at variance with the institution and command of Christ and is a human invention, anathema sit (Council of Trent, Session 14).
(SOURCE: The Council of Trent, the 19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic church, held at Trent in northern Italy between 1545 and 1563. It marked a major turning point in the efforts of the Catholic church to respond to the challenge of the Protestant Reformation and formed a key part of the Counter-Reformation. The need for such a council had long been perceived by certain church leaders, but initial attempts to organize it were opposed by Francis I of France, who feared it would strengthen Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and by the popes themselves, who feared a revival of Conciliarism. The council eventually met during three separate periods (1545-47, 1551-52, 1562-63) under the leadership of three different popes (Paul III, Julius III, Pius IV). All of its decrees were formally confirmed by Pope Pius IV in 1564. ADDITIONAL SOURCE: The First Vatican Council, the 20th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic church, is best known for its decree affirming the doctrine of papal Infallibility. After a lengthy series of deliberations by preparatory commissions, it was opened by Pope Pius IX in Saint Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 8, 1869. Nearly 800 church leaders representing every continent attended, although the European members held a clear majority. Apparently the pope’s primary purpose in convening the council was to obtain confirmation of the position he had taken in his Syllabus of Errors (1864), condemning a wide range of modern positions associated with the ideas of rationalism, liberalism, and materialism.)
2. The Roman Catholic Church demands your mental submission to the teaching of the magisterium…whether you believe it or not.
While the assent of faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the College of Bishops, exercising their authentic Magisterium, declare upon a matter of faith or morals, even though they do not intend to proclaim that doctrine by definitive act. Christ’s faithful are therefore to ensure that they avoid whatever does not accord with that doctrine (Canon Law, 752).
While not infallible in their teaching, [Catholic bishops] are the authentic instructors and teachers of the faith for Christ’s faithful entrusted to their care. The faithful are bound to adhere, with a religious submission of mind, to this authentic Magisterium of their Bishops (Canon Law, 753).
(SOURCE: Canon Law, the body of laws and regulations made by or adopted by ecclesiastical authority, for the government of the Roman Catholic Church and its members. Canon is derived from the Greek kanon, i.e. a rule or practical direction (not to speak of the other meanings of the word, such as list or catalogue), a term which soon acquired an exclusively ecclesiastical significance.)
3. As a Christian, you are called to walk according to the truth. If, by the grace of God, you know the truth of the Gospel and you are now trusting in Christ, your Lord and Savior, it is only natural that you should turn away from every falsehood and embrace the doctrines of Christ. How can you remain in fellowship with an organization that upholds so many doctrines that are proven to be false? If that’s the case where you, dear reader, are concerned, why not seek and join a Christian community where the Gospel of Jesus is faithfully taught?
As for me, I could not remain a member of a church that cursed me. That in itself did NOT remind me of the Jesus I was coming to know. I could not consider myself a faithful Catholic since I disregarded and disobeyed the magisterium’s claim of supreme teaching authority. That NEVER sat well with me either, even in Parochial school. I could no longer conscientiously follow the One who IS Truth personified while living a lie. I pray that isn’t your situation.
Serving Christ is now an adventure as I see lives changed daily as the Holy Spirit works through me. I’ve found my purpose and it’s thrills me to life! I have truly entered into the Joy of my salvation. I’m having the time of my life serving God! Jesus said, “Those who the Son sets free are free indeed.” Thank you, Jesus…I’m FREE!
UPDATE: Only a few days after broadcasting this 3-part series, I saw a news story regarding a bleeding statue of the Virgin Mary as well as a TV report showing people lining up to pray and pay homage to a hole in a tree that the faithful say displays the image of the Blessed Virgin.
Bleeding statues, cloud formations resembling Mary, burned images of Christ’s face in a taco shell…The hundreds of apparitions and numerous unexplainable phenomena that has been reported are nothing more than Satan’s devises as he draws precious souls away from a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. the enemy is a great counterfeiter. He devises false teachers and false prophets (2 Peter 2:1), false apostles with false gospels (2 Cor 11:1-15) and false miracles (2 Thess 2:9). In the end times these will result in a powerful deception that will even seem to threaten the existence of the Church itself.
Scripture states seven times that false miracles will mislead many (Matthew 7:21-23, 24:24, Mark 13:22, 2 Thess 2:8-12, Rev 13:13,14, 16:14,19:20). Those deceived will believe they are serving God in the name of Jesus when in fact they are “workers of iniquity”. Be aware of these deceptions and ask God for the grace to exercise discernment.
PLEASE REQUEST PART 4 OF THIS SERIES. Scroll to the bottom to FORWARD, COMMENT, or RATE this article.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Michael is founder of t.e.a.m. ministries (team1min@aol.com). His eMail broadcasts, known as “Your Town for Jesus” (SEARCH it!) are reaching tens of thousands WEEKLY. He ministers by way of email and Instant Message, too. Write him at team1min@aol.com if you’d like to SUBSCRIBE to receive his messages directly.
Michael’s mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Michael is the author of numerous booklets on a variey of subjects that will interest the thinking Christian. Since 1999, he has written and broadcast hundreds of inspirational articles and a dozen booklets, all designed to accelerate the process of spiritual development in God’s people.
December 18, 2008 at 2:45 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Whether you have used Microsoft Word for years, have just switched from WordPerfect or are new to word processing, try these easy steps to save time and simplify your work in Word:
Turn off Personalized Menus and Toolbars
Although it is a default, Personalized Menus and Toolbars is a terrible “feature” which limits your initial view to select toolbar buttons and menu commands. Do you only have one row of toolbars at the top of the screen? When you click on a menu, does it expand only after a few seconds? If so, you will save yourself a lot of frustration by turning off this personalized display:
1. Choose Tools > Customize, and click on the Options tab.
2. For the section, Personalized Menus and Toolbars, check/select the options “Show Formatting and Standard toolbars on two rows” and “Always show full menus.” Note: in Microsoft Word 2000, you will need to UNcheck each of these options (the descriptions are a bit different too).
3. Pick Close to see a full display of your main toolbars and your menus.
Stop Automatic Text Changes
Does it seem like Word randomly changes the capitalization or spelling of text in a document? AutoCorrect is to blame. As the name indicates, AutoCorrect automatically corrects the spelling of common misspelled words but also makes other changes including capitalizing the first letter in a sentence, table cell, or line of text. To review your choices, pick Tools > AutoCorrect Options, choose the AutoCorrect tab and uncheck any option that gets in the way of typing your text.
Stop Automatic Numbered Lists (and More)
Have you ever tried to create your own numbered list or outline and watched the numbering or formatting change once you press [Enter] for the next line? This is a huge annoyance for anyone that wants to build their own custom layout for an outline rather than working with the choices in Word. Do you type your e-mail address or website into a document and then watch as it suddenly changes to blue underlined text (a hyperlink)? Do you ever enter fractions or quotes that automatically re-format? You are a victim of AutoFormat As You Type. To customize Word so that it works for you and not against you:
1. Choose Tools > AutoCorrect Options
2. Select the AutoFormat As You Type tab. I recommend that you uncheck all of the options in the last 2 sections including Automatic numbered lists. Turn off choices in the 1st section as desired.
3. Pick OK to finish.
Each of the formatting options that you turn off can still be added when you want them. For instance, automatic numbered lists can be created via a toolbar button or under the Format menu.
Modifying Your Default Font
Are you frequently changing the font in your documents? Take a few minutes to change the default font used for new documents:
1. Create a new, blank document.
2. Choose Format > Font. Change the font from the standard Times New Roman 12 point to the style and size you want such as Arial 12 point.
3. Next, don’t pick OK which only changes the current document. Instead, choose Default.
4. You will see a prompt asking if you want to change the default font. This change will modify the normal template also known as the normal.dot file which stores many of the Microsoft Word settings. Select Yes to confirm the changes.
Customizing Page Layout and Margins
Ever since the days of Word 1.0, the default margins for a document have been 1″ for the top and bottom and 1.25″ for the left and right margins even though most people prefer 1″ margins for each side. It’s also easy to change the settings for margins regardless of what you like to work with:
1. Continue with a new, blank document.
2. File > Page Setup, and pick the Margins tab.
3. Change the margins to 1″ all around or your most frequently used choices.
4. Make other changes in these dialog tabs. For instance, you might want to set a custom footer or make changes to the Paper source.
5. To set your custom defaults for all new, blank documents, pick the Default button.
6. As before, you will be prompted to confirm the change to the normal template. Choose Yes to continue.
Once your preferences are in place, you won’t have to repeat these steps but you do have the flexibility to customize individual documents.
© 2004 by Dawn Bjork Buzbee
Dawn Bjork Buzbee is The Software Pro and a certified Microsoft Office Expert and Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor. Dawn shares smart and easy ways to effectively use software and technology through her work as a speaker, trainer, and consultant. Visit http://www.SoftwarePro.com for great Microsoft Office software tips and tricks or to contact Dawn.
December 15, 2008 at 7:34 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
As a previous article (“Making Better Word Choices – 4 Examples”) explained, writers can take steps to prevent simple, and common, errors from degrading their writing. Five areas of writing that cause authors problems are discussed in this article.
Split Infinitives First let us exam the famously frowned upon split infinitive. Maybe some readers do not know, or do not remember, what a split infinitive is exactly. To understand split infinitives readers must first remember what constitutes an infinitive. An infinitive is a phrase that includes a verb preceded by the word “to,” such as, “to play” or “to investigate.” Now that we know what an infinitive is maybe we remember our English teachers lecturing us against “splitting” them. Simply put, a split infinitive is when a writer puts a word between the word “to” and the associated verb. Therefore, a split infinitive would look something like the following examples:
He was going to quickly investigate the theft. Tommy likes to neatly color in his book.
These two examples would be re-written as shown below.
He was going to investigate the theft quickly. OR He was quickly going to investigate the theft.
Tommy likes to color neatly in his book. OR Tommy likes to color in his book neatly.
Splitting infinitives is not criticized to the degree it has been in the past. As many reputable sources explain, occasionally splitting an infinitive is acceptable. Even some progressive English teachers will agree with this idea. Compact Oxford Online Dictionary explains that the rule for not splitting infinitives was based on an analogy to Latin, a language that writes infinitives as one word, such as bibere ‘to drink.’ The decision to argue with an English teacher about the acceptance of splitting infinitives is your decision to make. As Oxford states, “…in standard English the use of split infinitives is broadly accepted as both normal and useful.1″ If you do decide to argue with an English teacher, feel free to point out that people such as John Donne, William Wordsworth, and Benjamin Franklin split infinitives at will. The larger problem occurs when a writer consistently splits their infinitives. If splitting the infinitive helps with emphasis or the statement flows better go ahead and split the infinitive.
Superlatives and Comparatives Writers should also strive to use superlatives and comparatives correctly. Some cases of incorrect use may sound okay, but if the author remembers the rules that they learned for using superlatives and comparatives they will realize that they have made the error. For example when a sentence is written as below it sounds correct, but it is not.
One of the most common mistakes a cook makes is not using fresh ingredients.
In this example, the lack of fresh ingredients is either a common mistake or it is the most common mistake; there generally cannot be two, or more, most common mistakes. A case where there can be two “mosts” is in an exact tie. For example, if 20 mistakes are made and two of them occur six times each (making up 12 of the 20 mistakes) and the remaining eight mistakes are all different, then the two mistakes that occurred six times each could be labeled as the most common mistakes.
The sentence below shows another way that a comparative can be written incorrectly.
Of the three dogs, the bulldog was the smaller.
To use a comparative there needs to be something compared to something else. The bulldog either was the smallest of the three dogs or was smaller than another dog in the group. Both sentences below are written correctly.
The bulldog was smaller than the German shepherd and the St. Bernard. The bulldog was the smallest of the three dogs.
A third sentence, shown below would also be correct.
The bulldog was smaller than the other two dogs.
This is written correctly because the bulldog is compared to a pair. It is clear from the sentence that the other two dogs, by being grouped together, are larger than the bulldog.
Comma Use The use of commas can be confusing for many writers. Three rules for using commas are addressed here. The first rule involves comma use when a series is given, such as in the example below.
I bought carrots, peas, and watermelons.
Some readers may consider this rule controversial; some teachers and editors may say the final comma is not necessary, in my opinion the use of the final comma is more appropriate than not. If, for some reason, your teacher or editor tells you the final comma is unnecessary then ask them to explain why, I do not have an explanation as to why some have a preference for not using the final comma. Do not use a comma when only two items are in the series, such as in the sentence below.
I saw birds and fish at the pet store.
The second rule for use of commas is to use a comma before the “and” when a wholly correct clause is introduced. The way to determine if the clause is wholly correct is to ask if it makes sense on its own, such as having its own subject(s) and verb(s). The example below shows two clauses separated by “and,” along with a correctly used comma.
We went to the store, and Joan bought some juice.
The third rule is an extension of the second rule; do not use a comma to separate a sentence from text that could not be a complete clause on its own. The example below shows an incorrect use of a comma in this situation.
We are going home, and sleep.
The ending of the example sentence (“…and sleep”) is not a complete sentence on its own, therefore, a comma should not be used before “and.”
Acronyms and Abbreviations Completely spell out acronyms and abbreviations the first time they are used. Once a writer decides to use an acronym or abbreviation they should be used throughout the remainder of the text, switching back and forth between the full spelling and the acronym or abbreviation should be avoided.
Using “etc.,” “i.e.,” and “e.g.” The final rules discussed in this article involve the use of several common abbreviations. The first abbreviation is “etc.” This comes from Latin and is an abbreviation for et cetera, which means “and others.” First, make sure that a period is included at the end; second, make sure that the “others” have been specified previously. A final note on this abbreviation, if it is used put the letters in the correct order; “ect.” is not correct. The second abbreviation often misused is “i.e.” Also from Latin, this is a shortened form of id est which means “that is.” When used correctly this abbreviation indicates an alternative way of stating something. The most common error when using “i.e.” is not following it with a comma; there should be two periods and a comma in this abbreviation. The final abbreviation discussed in this article is “e.g.” Again, this is an abbreviation for a Latin phrase, “exempla gratia.” This is used when the writer means “for example” or “for instance.” Some people believe that “e.g.” stands for example given, this is not true, but it can be a helpful way to remember that it does have something to do with an example. Similar to the use of “i.e.” many writers forget to put a comma after the second period in “e.g.” Below are three correct examples of these abbreviations.
Bob bought a whole bunch of office supplies, pens, pencils, staples, paper, highlighters, and erasers on his way home. He purchased so many things that when he got home he realized that he had forgotten a bag at the store. He had his pens and pencils, but the staples etc. were still at the store.
John is a big person, i.e., he is over six feet tall.
The black horse is fast, e.g., it has won all of its races.
By using the rules above your writing will make more sense and will be correct. Future articles will address other writing errors and provide additional advice.
1 Compact Oxford Online Dictionary. 25 January 2005. http://www.askoxford.com/concise_oed/splitinfinitive
December 15, 2008 at 8:30 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Many gaming lovers will surely have come across the caption “offshore sports betting”, but many maybe aren’t wholly in the know what it represents. A foreign gambling website essentially runs extrinsically to the administration of a particular state on the other hand it can also mean an on-line gaming site which places its host computer inside the boundaries of a land where internet based sports gaming is not at this time vetoed. In short therefore, it’s a sports gambling business operating extraneous to the national territory of the better. Computer accessible sports wagering sites are by and large regulated by 3 institutions. They are OSGA (the Offshore Gaming Association), the IGC (Interactive Gaming Council) and finally the Fidelity Trust Gaming Association FTGA.
The OSGA is a non-partisan federation which checks the offshore sports gambling business, they strive to offer gamers the ability to readily choose dependable companies to play games of chance on, without concern. It attempts to watch over the rights of consumers, and in addition they charge no society charges.
The agency are a professional and non-biased third party organization which reveals unprejudiced info, indicated by your comments, impartial examination, calls, prompts not to mention delivers inside communication.
The Interactive Gaming Council is a not-for-profit council. The agency was set up to allow an arena for interested people to talk through questions and also to improve relevant worries in the world-wide online gambling business, to ensure open and level headed professional instructions and practises that heighten end user faith in web based sports gaming products and utilities, also to help as the offshore gambling trade’s global policy advocate and the IGC also acts as a data base.
The IGC have developed a reputation for honesty, ethical practise and credibility on account of the tough code of conduct it stands for, also its allure for concerns of proper practise. The IGC monitors overseas gambling by means of implementing a particular 10-point series of precepts and in addition bills sports gambling business enterprises fees for using their logo. Unhappy betters can, if they need to, report any of their grievances to the Interactive Gaming Council.
The FTGA was formed in an attempt to construct a standard which will reform the policies of machine-accessible sports gambling trading operations. The agency suggest that doing business with honorable businesses, they can develop an alliance of the most ethical and professional internet gambling operations worldwide.
So, in brief these are establishments that coordinate the dealings of computer accessible sports gaming and which should assist to take the sting out of most of the trepidation felt by skeptics. Machine-accessible gambling web sites are now completely harmless, since personal details should not be needed and the compensation and the gambling odds are mostly as equal and sportsmanlike as a normal Vegas-style sportsbet. They reduce traveling, but retain the ethos of a familiar Vegas style betting web site, only today you are in a position to bet in the comfort of home.
sports bet odds
December 14, 2008 at 4:23 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Now that you’ve finished writing your eBook and have a basic understanding of what an eBook compiler does, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the number of compilers on the market. To help you make your decision, I have tested and reviewed the best-rated eBook compilers currently available.
* E-ditor
This software has a demo version that you can download to try out before purchasing. You can’t actually use the demo to create an eBook, but you can run the software and test it out thoroughly to see if it does what you need it to do for your particular eBook.
This eBook compiler is one of the easiest to use. The software has a very user-friendly help menu that provides instructions for and explanations of every field on every screen. The program also includes video tutorials demonstrating every step of this compiler with clear explanations of all fields that need to be filled out. There are 7 screens that you use to choose your eBook options.
This compiler requires your files to be in HTML format. You follow simple directions, and the compiler loads your files. If you decide to edit your eBook after it has been compiled, make any changes in your original files and click on “Compile you eBook” and your changes will appear in your compiled eBook.
E-editor allows for some customization of your eBook. You can create a special page that appears when the eBook is opened; create customized icons that appear on the desktop after downloading; use your own logo on the task bar of your eBook; customize the task bar’s buttons, where the task bar appears in your eBook, and choose the task bar’s colors. Additionally, you can choose to have the eBook open to the last page read, which many of your buyers will appreciate.
An excellent and unique feature of E-ditor is the capability to choose a standard Microsoft window or to create your own design for a window to personalize your eBook. The program provides some sample window designs, but you can use any .bmp (bit map skin) graphic you have stored on your hard drive.
E-ditor is a good choice if you are new at producing eBooks because it is easy to use and allows you to customize the appearance of your eBook.
* Desktop Author
This compiler does not require a browser, nor do you have to download software or plug-ins. The program converts exe. files into pages that look like a standard book. You can create and produce eBook pages scaled to fit on your computer screen without any scrolling. Additional features include WYSIWGY (what you see is what you get) page editing and creation, the ability to manipulate internal images, cut and paste functions, hotlinks to pages, email, website, or other files. It is an excellent compiler to use for a marketing tools, such as creating brochures and manuals in addition to eBooks.
* EBook Edit Pro
This compiler provides a demo version, which allows you to test out its features. The software uses a Wizard that leads you step-by-step through the set-up and creation of your eBook. Customization includes text editing that appears on the pop-up starting message window; the ability to allow or prevent resizing of your book and the mouse-click pop-up menu; enabling or disabling the navigation bar and choosing the buttons you want to appear; and customizing the eBook’s desktop icon and the logo that appears on the navigation bar.
Ebook Edit Pro is loaded with excellent features that allow you to create multi-media Ebooks, and includes a Wizard that is customized for beginners and for advanced users. The software uses HTML files, downloading them from the directory where they are saved. Edit and resave your files in the original software used to create those files, and then with a single click you can re-compile your Ebook.
Features include customization of icons, toolbars, and the “about box.” This compiler has a particularly useful feature called the Rebrander feature. This permits you to enter customized code into your Ebook pages and distribute the Rebrander software to your affiliates or distributors. They can then customize the links included in the Ebook, but they can not alter any link or information that you have not entered a customized code for.
The software includes “eBrand-It” software that allows custom fields for your customer’s name, affiliate ID or URL. This feature is a powerful marketing tool because affiliates are much happier giving away your Ebook from their own site when they can customize it.
* Ebook Compiler
This compiler offers a demo version that allows you to compile 10 files. If you don’t include graphics, you can create a 10 page Ebook that allows printing and copying of the Ebook. The catch is that you can’t sell any Ebook you create in the demo version.
The purchased software is user-friendly with easy-to-follow help files that not only guide you through the steps of compiling your Ebook, but also explains what an Ebook compiler does. The software provides detailed instructions on how to create source files from Microsoft Word 2000 and 1997, PowerPoint 2000 and 1997, and HTML documents. It contains less detailed instructions for creating source files from other programs.
This compiler allows for password protection of your entire Ebook or for selected pages. Additionally, you can set a time limit on your Ebook. When the runs out, the customer no longer has access unless they pay for it. In other words, it allows you to create a demo version of your Ebook for marketing purposes.
You can set a single password or multiple passwords. Using multiple passwords assigns each user their own specific password. Online help files guide you through setting up your passwords. You can also create a Sales and Thank-you page for selling a password protected Ebook. This is a good choice for the novice, particularly since it includes basic features for password protection and distribution.
* Activ Ebook Compiler
This is an easy to use compiler that provides excellent features. This software can support HTML, JPEG, GIF, and all active plug-ins. Features includes password protection, branding, internet linking, icon customization, assigning unique serial numbers, splash screen, file compression, and start-up messages. It also provides free lifetime upgrades. Additionally, it includes a preprocessor, re-brander, active script, and detailed instructions for using HTML, Power Point, and Microsoft Word files.
There are several other excellent Ebook compilers on the market that are worth looking into.
Ebook Generator features splash screens, password protection, branding, icon customization, and compression control. Additionally, it includes virus prevention that alerts the user to any modifications made to your Ebook and offers usage statistics so you can track your Ebook’s use. With all these advanced features, this is an excellent compiler for the beginner because it is exceptionally easy to run.
Ebook Creator is another excellent compiler, supporting HTML, JPEG, GIF, and PNG graphics, and Javascript, VB script, and Java applets. It also supports all Internet Explorer plug-ins. Standard features include unique serial numbers, direct linking to a form or a page on your website, disabled right clicking, and search functions. The software allows for expiration after a set number of days or usages, which allows you to create demo versions. You can create up to 1000 different passwords; every time the Ebook is downloaded, a unique password is required to access protected pages. The software provides user-friendly menus and buttons that allow the beginner to the advanced user to easily create their Ebook.
Obviously, there are some excellent compilers out there. So figure out EVERYTHING you need in terms of features, and then compare prices and options. Do take advantage of demo versions if they are offered before purchasing. And then, have fun creating your Ebook!
P.S.
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December 14, 2008 at 12:23 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
The internet is a sea of knowledge. Getting your information to ‘float’ by the right audience can be like finding that one special grain of sand on the seashore. Paying big bucks for marketing can strain your already limited budget. What is a webmaster to do? Let’s discuss four valuable and proven ways to market your site without breaking the bank.
1. Join forums. Yes, even if running a forum is something you already do, join forums similar to what you have and become a moderator. No, I do not mean for you to siphon traffic from that site to your site. Rather, show yourself useful to that community and you will naturally draw people to your site. Bonus: Very helpful if you can offer a link to your site in your signature too!
2. Business cards. A good idea and not that pricey. Search the internet and you can design your own cards right online. I’m not talking about cheap cards, but professionally done cards. Check out how many cards you can get for less than $100! Give them away like crazy and watch your traffic soar.
3. Create content. There are some decent sites online where you can get other people’s content and put it on your site. It can be especially helpful when you don’t have the time or knowledge to get the job done. However, you will have to link back to their site and you may lose traffic. Why not consider writing an article yourself? You may not be the best writer but your ideas may be valuable. You’ll value the link back to your site!
4. Business associations. Whatever field that you are in, join that field’s association. Do not rely strictly on internet contacts, you need to push away from the keyboard, get in your car and go out and meet people. Attend special meetings and conferences…sell yourself in person instead of online. People still like to meet people in person; you will benefit tremendously by the face to face contact.
You are continuously marketing yourself whether you utilize paid schemes or one of the points mentioned above. Never rest on your laurels and take nothing for granted. Life is not constant while change is. Learn what works for you and build a proven marketing strategy. Who knows, but once you have reached the pinnacle of success you just may be able to afford much more comprehensive – and expensive – marketing strategies.
Matt Keegan is the webmaster for the Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.net and the Corporate Flight Attendant Community at http://www.corporateflyer.net and http://www.cabinmanagers.com Both sites are top performers in their respective categories.
December 12, 2008 at 10:39 am · Filed under Uncategorized
The controversy still abounds around the Franklin Circuit Court ruling on the 16th of October regarding the domain name seizure case brought on by Kentucky’s Governor Beshear against 141 online casinos and online poker, whose domain names are alleged to be “gambling devices” subject to seizure by the state.
Judge Wingate has upheld the state’s right to seize the domain names if the sites fail to “geo-block” access to the sites from Kentucky residents. Geo-blocking is the process by which ISPs in a certain region block access to certain IP addresses from being accessed.
But this appeals to a much bigger level than just the poker playing community. If this ruling is allowed to stand, people of all walks of life may be in danger of losing the transparency that the internet offers. For any site on any topic that a state or the fed may view as questionable or illegal based on a highly conservative construction of statute, those states may be able to use this case as a parallel to justify their actions.
Not only does this inhibit the freedoms allowed to the citizens, namely the rights to privacy and the right to information, but it also inhibits the freedom of speech of website owners and operators if they’re not allowed to reach out and provide their information to anyone who seeks it out.
All in all, it’s a sad day in Kentucky, especially when the problem itself is not the websites or the moral idea of gambling or poker, but the ulterior motive of suppression. Suppression you ask? Yes, the elimination of competition from other mediums. See online gambling is legal in Kentucky, as they have a lottery and a booming horse racing business.
So, no, it’s not the gambling itself, but the self interest that has blinded the government to the atrocity it’s committing against the people’s personal liberties. Besides, it’s the competition between the industries that keeps them efficient.
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