Darusha’s Network

Stay At Home Moms: The Hardest Job In The World

• June 15th, 2008

Today I just want to take time out to say thank-you to a large group of unsung heroines. God bless the stay at home mom. Thank-you so much for continuing to hang in there. I know it’s difficult. I myself have been both a stay at home mom, and a working mother. It’s a tough job, either way.

However, I’ve noticed in American society a lot of people seem to look down on women who choose to stay home, and raise their families. In other parts of the world it’s sometimes the working mother who may be viewed as the odd one out.

I often wonder if people who look down at stay at home moms really realize what that job entails. Wouldn’t it be nice if those who think so little of s.a.h.m.’s could spend say one month at home caring for a family. We’d even be nice and give them just two children to take care of. Say maybe a two year old (can’t be too nice),and a preteen to keep an eye on while still managing to keep a clean home. Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, meals, carpools, school projects, remembering all important dates(and planning for them), diaper changes. I’m getting flashbacks-lol. Heaven forbid sickness should occur, and it will. And if you can still manage to put some time into your own personal appearance you’ve got to repeat this process all over again the following day! Whew…

I personally think it really makes a difference when a parent has the opportunity to be at home. If you’re fortunate to be able to do so till their ready to leave the nest; I say Great! Children need care all the way through life. Each year of a child life is a new challenge to every parent. Until their out on their own we must continue to teach, develop, and love them every step of the way.

A lot of times we think as they get older they don’t need us as much, but that’s not true.(even if they tell you they don’t need you) So to all the Stay-at-home-moms; keep up the good work! The world needs you, even if some can’t see it. We can.

Faith McDermott is an aspiring writer, and the current webmaster for We Can-2(http://www.wecan.internetbasedfamily.com) A site for women to network together to find information/resources to improve themselves, and each other.

Fair Free Casino Sign Up Bonus Promotions Through the Web

• June 13th, 2008

The difficulty involved in visiting a brick and mortar offline gaming room can be reason enough to avoid going there unless you have to. Here, you don’t need to leave house to try online betting simply because everything will be conducted from your home office if you have a personal computer plus, of course, a working internet connection. Though, do yourself a favor and read on because there’s plenty of pointers which you will positively want to appreciate in regards to online betting, specifically should you be a tenderfoot in this realm.

Try your hand at on line casinos at this top website.

The very first thing which every canny Internet punter will look for is an online betting webpage of the type which has top winning odds. Determine the online betting webpage has partnered up with a legitimate bookkeeper so as to verify the quoted wagers’ pay-outs percentage routinely. You must ensure the virtual texas holdem etc webpage is legally licensed, such as by exploring the license information as filed on the casino site’s About page. Should you be unable to discover any license information on any given virtual texas holdem etc webpage, don’t even think of staking with that webpage.

For some more eminent advice, is obviously to test the odds as a start in slight amounts in lieu of forfeit large amounts of money right off. Check out the integrity of this particular virtual texas holdem etc setup before running some grave injury– specifically financial ones… My last critical tip in regards to online video poker. It is to bear in mind always that betting is about entertainment and much less about money. Casino gambling is definitely no profession, rather, it is a hobby which intends to make you chipper and your life amusing. After having gone along with the advice above, feel free to bow to the allure of virtual texas holdem etc…

Australia – Top Places To Go

• June 13th, 2008

Australia is unique. It is the only country that is also a continent. Australia is the sixth largest country and the smallest continent in the world. Australia is sometimes referred to as being “down under”, because it lies completely within the southern hemisphere, but the official name is the Commonwealth of Australia.

There are many different kinds of environment in Australia. Climates that range from tropical in the north and cool to the south. The interior is mostly desert or dry grassland with only a few settlements. Only Antarctica gets less rain or precipitation than Australia.

When one travels to Australia there are many different places to see, one of them being Ayers Rock. Travelers from all over the world come to see this site. It sits in the heart of Australia and it rises 348 meters from the ground. That is only a third of it; the reminder is under the ground. It poses many questions to seekers and it is a mystery. How was this solitary rock formed? The Aboriginal people have their own answers and legends that they will share with you. Not too far away there is Kata Tjuta, or The Olgas, meaning many heads. It is a collection of 36 stunningly red stone shaped monoliths. Another neat geological site to visit is the Bungle Bungles. It is a collection of beehive style formations standing in alternating bands of black, green and orange. These are very ancient formations but were kept secret by the locals. The rest of the world did not know they existed until the 1980s. The Pinnacles are another geological formation and a haunting landscape. They are found in the Red Desert. There is a collection of thousands of puzzling formations. Some of them are a size of a finger while others are several meters tall. They are also a mystery.

You can’t go to Australia without visiting the world famous Sydney Opera House. It is one of the world premier performing arts center. It was opened in 1973 and it has taken its place among the world’s most important buildings. It took fifteen years to build. It is also the one of the architectural wonders of the world.

The Great Barrier Reef has more than 1000 islands, 2900 individual reefs and shelters 1500 species of fish and 400 species of coral. It is a little something for everybody. Many of the islands there are undisturbed. It has incomparable and breathtaking natural beauty.

Another must stop place is Kangaroo Island. It is located near the tip of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula and is Australia’s third largest island. There are kangaroos, dolphins, koalas and sea lions that live there in harmony. This place has been preserved from excessive tourism and overdevelopment and many of the original flora remain there. The attraction here is that it is isolated from the mainland. You get to see nature untouched.

If you were to plan a trip to Australia, you should be there long enough to see the entire natural and man made beauty it has to offer!!

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Australia

Want PDA Buying Ideas that can Help You

• June 13th, 2008

So you have decided to purchase a PDA. Congratulations-you will be buying a form of technology that will help you get your life organized! Yet, if this is your first PDA purchase you may find that you will benefit from some of these PDA buying ideas.

1) Find a PDA at a price that you can afford. Don’t go crazy when you purchase a PDA, more money doesn’t always equate to a better PDA. If you are unsure as to what PDA is worth the money you are planning to pay, read various PDA reviews to see what others think of the product. In fact, in reading PDA reviews, you can successfully determine which PDA will meet any and all of your needs. I strongly urge you to use PDA reviews, they can save you a lot of grief when purchasing your pda.

2) PDAs are diverse in size and you should find one that you will be comfortable in handling on a regular basis. Some PDAs are very tiny while others are smaller than a laptop, but still relatively large. If you are comfortable with a tiny device then get a small device, but if you have a repetitive motion injury or if you have a problem with your fine motor skills, a smaller PDA may not be the best thing for you and you may want to consider purchasing a larger PDA.
This is so true, you really need to sample a pda, I mean actually hold it in your hand and try it out. Because if it’s not comfortable to use then down the road you won’t use it.

3) Again, the size of your PDA and its keyboard is so vitally important. No one wants to be constantly aggravated by a PDA keyboard that has keys that are designed too close together or that are small and difficult to utilize. This is especially true for those individuals that have problems with fine motor skills or have a repetitive motion injury. Therefore, thoroughly examine the usability of a PDA’s keyboard before you make your PDA purchase.

I just want to reemphasize this point, I not to long ago bought a PDA for my wife. Sure I sampled them found one I thought she would like and low and behold found out the opposite. She liked the small size but did not like the keyboard. So I took her to the store so she could sample them herself I then purchased the one she was comfortable with.

4) If you are considering using your PDA to get Internet access, invest in a PDA that offers you wireless Internet access. The whole idea of enjoying the use of a PDA is the portability that the product provides and using cell phone dial up, although more secure, is in no way less costly than wireless Internet access.

5) If you plan to carry quite a few files or images on your PDA, you may want to purchase an expanded memory card. Because PDAs are small, handheld devices, their memories are a bit limited. Therefore, if you plan some heavy-duty use of a PDA, you many need to purchase additional memory so you don’t slow down the processing that can be handled on your PDA.

Or better yet, purchase a PDA with more installed memory. You can always buy expanded memory down the road if you need it. But purchasing a PDA initially with larger installed memory for your current needs is cheaper than buying one with less and then adding a memory expansion card.

In the end, if you keep the above mentioned tips in mind, you will easily find a PDA that is right for you. Now all you need to do is start your research and your sampling of PDAs. Visit the nearest electronics dealer to determine what PDA you want and get your life organized today!

Get Free Tips, Information and articles on PDAS, Computers and Laptops at www.best-rated-laptops-and-computers.info

Communication Tips for Heart Healthy Relationships

• June 12th, 2008

It doesn’t matter how old we are, matters of the heart go on forever. It is well known that a healthy diet, exercise, and attitude are powerful determinants of a healthy heart. But, knowing how to give and receive love and appreciation may still be the heart’s best medicine. Since healthy relationships are so vital to living our best life, as a Life Coach, relationships often naturally integrate themselves into whatever life change my client is trying to make. Relationships are a big part of our personal Spirit, Mind Body landscape and affect every part of our being. Good or bad-how they play out in our life, and physical, mental and spiritual health, is up to us. And no, if we are not happy with our relationships, it’s not the other people you need to change -there’s no place for blame in a healthy relationship-it’s us. It is often at midlife that we finally realize that having healthy relationships is up to us and no one else. Once a client has accepted this, the real work can begin. Taking a holistic approach, here are some ways to prevent problems in, or refresh relationships, that I’ve found helpful for myself and my clients.

1. Be Generous With Your Appreciation.

How often do you feel or give appreciation? How important is appreciation? Studies show that appreciation of others and of ourself is strongly correlated with happiness and health. I know of people who have quit their jobs for not feeling appreciated for their contributions in the workplace. I’ve also seen the opposite. When people are acknowledged for their efforts, they feel better about giving and often go beyond the call of duty. Experiment with this and experience the magic for yourself. Appreciation changes people. In families, appreciation can minimize or prevent problems. Start appreciating those you care about for things you wouldn’t even think of appreciating them for! All those things you take for granted, like “Thanks for being out there earning a living so we can pay our bills each month; Thanks for the juggling you do everyday to take care of our family; Thank you for being a wonderful kid; Thank you for cleaning up your room; Thank you for bringing up this issue that we need to deal with; Thanks for the great meals you make for us”… You get the idea. Make it a habit. Get the whole family involved. It may feel awkward at first, but after awhile the energy in your home will change, and problems will begin to disappear. It works just as well in the workplace. Good job when…It made me smile when…I know you’ve been working really hard lately and…then watch company moral skyrocket!

One other interesting phenomenon, if you want something from other, you must give it first. So if you want more appreciation in your life, start doling it out and watch your wish come true!

2. State Your Intention or The Purpose Behind the Communication.

According to Dr. Rick Brinkman, a lifestyle management guru and author of “Life By Design”, whenever we communicate there is always a purpose behind that communication. A very effective way to communicate is to let people know your purpose or your (positive) intention first to avoid misunderstanding. Without the desired intention, defenses easily go up. People often need to know where we are coming from before they can really let go and listen. For example, you might say, “I love you and I really need to clear the air about what happened the other night”. This states the intention first and has a loving, positive tone. Consider the difference if the person had said, “I feel frustrated about what happened the other night and I think we need to talk about it”. The intention is unclear and immediately causes the other person to put up a protective wall! Always state your intention first.

3. Assume a Positive Intention in Others.

Always assume the best intention in others. People will literally fall all over themselves to fulfill your positive expectations of them. There have been studies that prove when students work with teachers who believe in them to excel, they do. The expectations of the teachers get projected on to the students and in such cases, the students IQ is tested higher than normal for that student. This is the power of your projections! If we want to bring out the very best in our spouse, clients, employees and kids, we can start by just assuming the best and projecting positive expectations.
Sometimes an intention is good, but the actions are not welcome.

For example, your husband decides to surprise you and rearrange the furniture. His intentions were good, but you hated what he did. If you just said, “You shouldn’t have done this, you need to move everything back the way it was”-do you think he would take the initiative to do something “nice” for you again? Probably not! But, if you said, “Thank you honey for caring about the way our home looks, it was really great of you make this effort for me. But, what you didn’t know is I really don’t like it this way, can we try something different?” With this response he will not be afraid to try to please you another time.

4. Seek First to Understand.

An argument is two people wanting to be understood when neither one wants to understand. How to resolve an argument? Let the other person feel understood first. When they feel understood, they will then be able to give their full attention to us. Listening is the key to understanding. Let them know you are listening by giving specific feedback so the other person knows they are being heard and understood. The best way to do this is to simply take their words and give it back to them. This is a special technique used by counselors and coaches. Their words are special to them; it doesn’t work as well to try to use our own language. We can ask questions for clarity if we need to. Listening and caring provides the feeling the other person is looking for. The final step is to confirm the other person feels understood by saying something like, “Do I understand this correctly?” Then it’s our turn to talk.

5. Enjoy Differences.

Recognize it is wonderful to have differences, and then to respect them. Each individual processes feelings differently according to their own life experience. If we are sensitive to this we can discover the best way to support the other person and get both needs met. A really useful question to ask when some one close to us starts a statement with ” You don’t…”, is “How would you know if I did?”, For example, ” How would you know if I supported you?”, or “How would you know if I cared for you?”. Keep in mind, the people close to us often have their own criteria for getting their desires fulfilled based on their own model of the world! And it may not be the same as ours, so we need to ask. For example, one person’s criteria for a romantic evening may be very different than their partners! The intent may be the same (wanting intimate time together), but how to fulfill that intent is often not. Again, asking questions helps a lot! Ask, “What does a romantic evening look like for you?”, and then you may need to find a compromise.

6. Notice the Energy of Your Intention.

According to the bestseller “A Return to Love” by Marianne Williamson, when we come from a place of love and acceptance, and truly accepting people as they are, has the miraculous effect of helping them be better people. When we are always telling people what’s wrong with them, we don’t help them, instead, we paralyze them with shame and guilt. When we accept others unconditionally, we help them to feel good about themselves, to relax, and to find their way. This doesn’t mean we can’t share constructive criticism, but again, and energy of positive intent is important. It is the energy, good or bad, that is carried in our communication. The miracle is the authentic intention to communicate with love not fear. According to the book, “…the key to communication is not what we say, but rather the attitude that lies behind what we say”.

• A Relationship Tool to Try.

The following relationship tool can help with maintaining healthy relationships. It is called a relationship agreement. Sit down with your spouse, your son/daughter, or your business partner and come up with some agreements about how to communicate with each other. Then when things start to go amuck, (and when our feelings turn into emotional reactions, they easily do!), you can get the agreement out and say “Remember how we agreed to communicate?”

Examples of mutual relationship agreements might include:

* To have weekly meetings.

* To communicate without blame.

* To communicate only from love-not fear.

* To take turns with who gets to start when settling an argument

* To create and have a plan for how to exit an argument so you can come back to it after you’ve gained some perspective.

* To always state the positive intent first.

Every two people who come together bring uniqueness to that relationship, so each particular relationship agreement will be unique as well. Other useful strategies include creating special and sacred time alone with our spouse or child, bringing new skills or hobbies to a relationship to share and appreciate together, and reading relationship books or listening to tapes with partners and discussing how we might apply the information to our own relationships.

Try this: Think of one relationship in your life that is meaningful to you, but is not going as well as you would like. Choose from the ideas in this newsletter that feel comfortable for you to try. Then apply the changes you want to make. Be patient and journal the changes you begin to see in the other person and in yourself.

Debra Betterly,Ph.D.is a Life Coach whose specialty is midlife mastery. This article is derived from her newsletter, “Second Acts”, a spirit-mind-body approach for women re-inventing the second half of life. Please visit http://www.amazingjouneycoach.com to subscribe to this free monthly eNewsletter and also to learn more about her program “Put Your Dream to Work” and her eBook “Awakening the Spirit Within”. You can also email her at amazingjourney@charter.net

Combatives

• June 11th, 2008

This is our last installment on “defining” the parameters of COMBATIVES.

The point, I am sure, will be missed by some but it must be emphasized that this material is historical fact and is accurate in substance and detail. It is an objective view of combatives and NOT a subjective opinion or personal “definition” designed to fill an agenda of one sort or another.

The Battle of Britain began in early July 1940. England was isolated, cut off and alone. The miracle retreat from Dunkirk and the German “Blitzkrieg” across Europe, including the crushing tactical defeat of the famed French “Maginot Line” proved the Third Reich war machine to be virtually unstoppable. Hitler’s plan for the invasion of England, named “Operation Sea Lion” was a daily focal point of danger and concern for the British.

Dunkirk had decimated the British forces and moral was at an all time low. Two recently returned veterans of British colonial rule in Shanghai, China approached the War Office and offered their services at this desperate time. William Ewart Fairbairn, retired as a ranking officer of the Shanghai Municipal Police force and his partner Eric Anthony Sykes, a private arms dealer who served as a “volunteer” in the SMP and who headed the “sniper” unit of the famed Shanghai Riot Squad promised the War Office that their training and methods could in short order make “any one man the equal of ten”. After the debacle at Dunkirk this was a MOST important and dramatic statement. Initially dismissed, these two men went on to PROVE the veracity of their words and convinced the power that be as to absolute effectiveness of their methods. If that meant that an over middle aged W.E. Fairbairn had to place several young bucks in the hospital to prove his point in an impromptu, but VERY realistic “demonstration”, so be it. Those who “tested” Sykes fared NO better. So the methods that these men had developed during decades of very dangerous work in Shanghai now became a highly valued and integral part of training for all British forces and Special Operations personnel.

The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 coupled with the Imperial Japanese military’s coordinated assault on all American and British forces across the Pacific Rim pulled the United States firmly in this world wide conflagration. We were now fully at war with the Axis forces. Fairbairn who was now in Canada, assigned to the infamous “Camp X” (where along with “unarmed combat” experts WEF and George de Relwyskow was a BRAZILIAN JUDO/JUJUTSU EXPERT, Hmmm…….Colonel Carl Eifler was ALREADY undergoing training here) was ordered to assist the US government agency known as the “The Office of the Co-coordinator of Intelligence” the precursor of the OSS. Eric Anthony Sykes remained in England and found the need for his services in great demand. He also found himself working under the auspice of the British covert force known as the Special Operations Executive.

The history of these men from the early days of Shanghai, up to and thru the war years is an entire story unto itself and beyond the scope of this article. However it must be clearly understood that the contribution of these men had a profound effect and influence on close-combat methods, tactics, and techniques for DECADES after the war. Despite the often heard “argument” that we have somehow “evolved” beyond these methods, we will in future articles put this notion to rest. They were however, certainly NOT the only “experts” involved in this field! An example (one of many) would be A.J. Drexel-Biddle who studied and trained extensively in boxing, Savate, jiu-jitsu, swordplay, knife-fighting and various bayonet methods.

As the United States geared up for war, a major factor began to be publicized. Both here and in Australia the press made a great deal about the superiority of the Japanese fighting man. Part of this was, to be sure, rooted in fact. The Battle of Port Arthur, the turning point in the Russo-Japanese war, several decades earlier, had shown the world the tenacity and ferocity of the Japanese soldier, particularly in the area of close-in man to man combat. Much was made of the large Russian soldier finding abject defeat at the hands of his smaller Japanese adversary when engaged in hand to hand combat(hence a very obvious boost for the creation of Sombo). Jiu-jitsu was given world-wide attention and notoriety in this regard. The Japanese conduct of their war in China also showed the world a seemingly invincible and unstoppable force. A force that was brutal and deadly in the extreme.

So much attention was given over to the training of US and Allied forces in methods that would enable the average soldier to meet the Japanese fighting man on a somewhat equal footing. EVERY branch of the Armed Services began an intensive physical training program designed to meet these needs. Much of the “expert” instruction needed, particularly in the arena of close-quarters man to man combat, came from the civilian quarter. Men with tremendous and varied life-long experience in all forms of “combatives” were tapped to create training programs that would give the Allied soldier sufficient means by which to engage their enemies at close-quarters. The Axis did the same of course, Japan being the obvious factor in this regard, BUT even Adolf Hitler proclaimed the absolute need for boxing and jiu-jitsu in military training as it imparted courage and daring to the average soldier to close with his enemy!

In the US there were a PLETHORA of varied methods and training systems. ANY attempt to narrowly define the methods extant in this era is FOOLISHNESS! Though the contribution of Lt. Colonel Fairbairn is GREAT, as is the influence of Colonel Applegate, there were DOZENS upon DOZENS of different close-quarters battle systems developed. From wrestling, boxing, savate, judo, jiu-jitsu, Chinese boxing, and even football and rugby methods were NOT only drawn upon, but entire “systems” were advocated based on these individual methods. It may come as a surprise to many, but here in the US, even Japanese KARATE was used!

Many of these “unarmed combat” courses were highly complex and technical as they were rooted in the favored methods of the men tasked with their “creation”. Wrestlers tended to rely on that method, Judo men on that system, Boxers on their expertise and so on and so on. Each method also could claim stunning success in actual combat! True after action reports showed that ALL of these methods had merit and COULD be used effectively in the rigors and stress of real battle. However, as the war progressed two major factors began to influence and change these training protocols. One was the fact that more and more men from ALL sorts of varied backgrounds being were drafted into military service, the other was that as demands for more and more replacement troops began to rise the amount of training time became by necessity reduced and limited.

The approach that seemed MOST feasible and useful was one that COMBINED the “best” or most effective, efficient and quickly learned methods as well as those most well RETAINED! The rudiments of boxing and wrestling were made part of an overall general physical conditioning program and “unarmed combat” became a specialized block of instruction. These courses in “unarmed combat”, “hand to hand combat”, “combat judo” and so forth again sought to COMBINE the most advantageous holds, throws, trips, locks, strangles, blows, strikes and kicks from all the varied methods available. The ONLY truly limiting factor here was the TIME element. Other considerations were also important. The O’Neill (another Shanghai veteran and ranking Kodokan Yudansha) method is a classic example of a system specifically tailored for both the training environment available as well as the NATURE of the combat engagement expected. There were even attempts made to instruct the military in actual Koryu Jujutsu systems here in the US! However the MOST effective systems still sought to MIX ALL the varied methods of physical combat.

As the war progressed more and more after action “intelligence” gathered from the reality of actual battle helped shape and determine training priorities. Many methods of close-combat began to be “trimmed” down to those fundamentals that proved MOST effective OVERALL and most applicable to ALL TRAINEES across a wide and varied spectrum of physical attributes and skill.

Applegate was perhaps the most vocal of these advocates owing to his exposure in the INFANTRY JOURNAL and the publishing of “KILL or GET KILLED”. And he was NOT without his critics, as was Fairbairn.

Some courses were so short in duration that they involved ONLY SEVERAL HOURS of instruction. Others were quite involved and very complete in their syllabus content. Many are familiar with the Navy V-5 programs and the training at Benning, but lesser known is the very EXTENSIVE training at places such as Fort Meade and at the Hawaii Jungle Warfare complex, just to name two! Here at these locations, and such training was conducted from Brooklyn to California, a very complete and MIXED program of “combatives” was taught. From the CIC training center in Chicago to the Army training camps in Colorado, from Parris Island to the Ranger/Commando schools in the Hawaiian Islands, from the training bases in England prior to D-Day to the “Killing” school in Palestine, the METHODS taught ran the FULL gamut of man to man tooth and nail “combatives”. From the complex to the “instinctive kill” (a method designed to take FULL advantage of so-called natural “animal” killing instinct) ALL these methods, systems, and approaches FALL under the definition of COMBATIVES! Even the OSS personnel training at Area B were shown the methods of SIAMESE boxing (read Muay Thai)! From Anglo Boxing, wrestling and grappling, French “foot-fighting” (including Assaut Vite savate), Indian Varma-adi/Varmannie, Chinese boxing, “Roman” boxing, Japanese Judo/Jujutsu and Karate, Siamese boxing, Burmese boxing-Bando (remember the CBI), western fencing, Filipino edged weapons and ANY and ALL other systems (including almost every weapon known to man) deemed effective in DISPATCHING one’s enemies to the hereafter were STUDIED, RESEARCHED. IMPLEMENTED and TRAINED! One WWII era US hand to hand combat manual makes reference to INDONESIAN “methods”!

This IS the legacy of COMBATIVES! This is the TRUE DEFINITION of COMBATIVES! And to those who need to “pigeon hole” others into the “box” of “only” doing World War II “combatives”………………………..well, applying the above definition based on the TRUE historical RECORD, then HELL YES!…………………I do follow the LEGACY of WORLD WAR TWO “COMBATIVES”!

Note: If there is sufficient interest we will also be pleased to cover ALL of these topics in FULL detail based on OBJECTIVE historical facts.

Future newsletter articles will go into depth on history, training and method covering armed and unarmed combat as well as topics on various subjects from Shanghai to “Shangri-La”(for those still wandering around in La-La land).

©2005 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Brighton Handbags – Information When Shopping for Brighton Handbags

• June 11th, 2008

The Brighton handbag was added to the Brighton line of stylish accessories in 1993. Each Brighton handbag goes through 20 steps during its creation. Upon completion of the process a leather patch, embossed with Brighton’s statement of quality and an individual serial number is added. As you can see they really do put their heart into every product they make. It is for this reason the company is known for its heart logo. Components for some of the handbags are manufactured internationally in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.

Brighton handbags are handcrafted in California. At no time are there more than ten being made at a time. There is an attention to detail followed as a rule by Brighton craftsmen that is an exception in this industry. For example there is no tag explaining that the ‘marks’ and ’scars’ are your “guarantee” of genuine leather-they painstakingly cut around the scars- to offer you, a flawless leather handbag. Each handbag is individually numbered, and is registered by its owner. Once registered, they are guaranteed. The leathers selected are the best from all over the world, and the hardware all originally created by Brighton artists and craftsmen, sterling silver finished, and protected from oxidation for everyday use.

The Brighton name has become to mean one-of-a-kind jewelry and fine Italian leather articles that are adorned with exquisite silver-plated ornamentation. Brighton’s heart logo fits the company philosophy that the difference in products is a true attention to detail. Most of the items in the Brighton collection have some unique detail, a message engraved on a bracelet or a Brighton handbag with a favorite photograph, that gives them special meaning to the owner. This then leaves a lasting memory to cherish for a lifetime. This has also led to many women having their own Brighton collection.

Brighton handbags are available in nearly 6,000 specialty stores nationwide and 50 all-Brighton stores from coast to coast. Brighton handbags are not sold in department stores or on the Internet. This is keeping with the owner/president policy to only do business with stores with world class customer service. This is reinforced with a 2 year warranty against any manufacturer defects.

A few of the more sought after Brighton handbags are:

Millie Organizer Handbag
Millie – Style #H90613 Black, #H90619 Chocolate

This lush Brighton handbag classic collection features opulent etched plaques, polished buttons and spinning hearts. It features a 12″ hand laced shoulder strap, front zip organizer, contoured pocket as front detail. An interior pocket system with striped lining completes the handbag. Measures 11 x 8 x 5 and MSR is $240.00. Making this a favorite among discerning women.

Jodi Reversible Tote
Jodi – Style # H6028R
This Brighton handbag got its idea from Historical American Citrus labels. The casual styling is accented with enameled floral charms and sparkles. This is a colorful and fun collection. The features include 5.5″ handles, reversible, inside zippered pocket and a magnetic closure. Dimensions are 9.5″W x 7″H x 3.5″D with a suggested retail price of $145.00.

Darcy Ziptop Brighton Handbag
Darcy – Style # H30724

This Brighton handbags has a new fashion slant. It is tapered, simple and fashion forward. Features: 6″ handles, key holder, back pocket with zipper, front pocket with a magnetic snap, zip top closure, custom Brighton scroll lining. 9.00″W x 6.00″H x 2.5″D and carries a suggested retail price in the $190.00 dollar range.

Loretta – Tobacco Brighton Handbag
Style # H90785 -

A soft unconstructed shape featuring a new fashion color! Features include 9″ handles, inside zippered pocket, key holder, 3 divided interior sections (two ziptop closures, one magnetic closure) two side pockets with tabs, back pocket and custom Brighton scroll lining. 1″W x 6.5″H x 5″D sporting a MSR price of $230.00.

Bella – Black-Chocolate Brighton Handbag
Style #H30519 – Replica Brighton Handbags
Updated, casual classic handbag silhouette featuring two exterior cell phone pockets. Features: 12″ handles, two inset exterior cell phone pockets, full zippered top, center zippered compartment in lining, interior pocket system 14″W x 7″H x 4.5″D Suggested Retail Price: $240.00

Bijoux Quilted Ziptop Brighton Handbag

Bijoux – Black Brighton Handbag
Style # H30713

This is the Brighton handbags French connection. A new interpretation of a Euro design house classic makes this a very popular choice. Features: 12.5″ straps, inside zippered pocket, key holder, ziptop closure, two side pockets with magnetic flap closure, back pocket, along with a custom Brighton striped lining, “feet” on bottom of handbag. 10.5″W x 5.5″H x 3.5″D Suggested Retail Price: $220.00

Owner and writer of Designer Fashion Trends – all of the latest on Fashion Info.

Life Issues Pt.2 – Against All Odds

• June 10th, 2008

Against all odds. I think that should be the motto of every person that is striving to be successful. The “odds” can be almost be anything: a lack of money, a lack of experience, a lack of self esteem and the list goes on and on. But to become successful, one has to over everyone of them and anything negative that comes your way.

You may have a dream that you “know’ will come through, but as soon as you tell a love one it is immediately shot down.What do you do? Go against the odds. You are building a business but there are still no visible signs of success, what do you do? Give up or rise against the odds, you choose. You are in a long term relationship but suddenly things look shaky, what do you do? Give up all you have achieved or go against the odds? Again you choose.

Persistence. Anyone who has been successful in life has that weapon in their “success arsenal”. When the odds are weighing against you heavily, a dose of persistence will see you through. Persistence is the stuff dreamers and achievers are made of, and it will help you overcome any obstacle on your journey to success. My friends, apply this remedy to your life’s situations and you will realise that it was really worth it – going against all odds.

To your success and mine,

Nicholas

©2003 Nicholas Dixon

About The Author

Nicholas Dixon is the Webmaster/CIO for the Oceanroc family of websites.A positive minded individual in his early twenties , Nicholas believes in striving to be the best of one’s self in this world.His mission for you his readers , is for you to feel the same way about yourself. You can visit his online store at WWW.Cafeshops.com/Oceanroc.

Oceanroc2003@yahoo.com

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Article may be freely reprinted in your ezine, in your e-book and/or on your web site with the authors resource box included and without any changes.

Iranian Advanced Military and High Tech Weapon Purchases

• June 9th, 2008

Many are concerned over Iran having nuclear weapons. You see many feel that since Iran sponsors International Terrorism Organizations that they will give these nuclear weapons and atomic bombs to them to use on civilian populations. In fact they have already stated their intentions to do so if any one interferes with their making of these weapons and have promised to; Blow Israel off the Map!

Some non-violent folks have suggested sanctions against Iran, but Russia and The Great Empire of China have hesitated to sanction talks at the UN probably because they want Iran to buy more high-tech weapons. Too bad for Iran all these weapons have high-tech satellite RFID Tags in side the actual structures of the weapons? Whoops? You think Russia and China are stupid? No way. They put them there in case Iran turned on them later as Iran is one to do change sides a lot too.

Syria is the wild card with UAE, Saudis with real estate investments in country. They have pull too with US as allies and buyers of American Corporate products, everything from weapons systems, transportation and technology stuff, even franchise businesses. Interesting chess game. We need to take a really good look at the negotiation process and make a strategic decision to make certain we eliminate any possibility of the current Iranian Regime in getting nuclear weapons for the on-going safety of civilian populations. Consider all this in 2006.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Turning your Hobby into a Business – Want to Make it a Successful Business?

• June 9th, 2008

Ok you’ve got a hobby that is well received by your family and peers. You’ve spotted a “window of opportunity” or “hole in the market”. How do you overcome all the obstacles and turn your hobbies and ideas into a successful business? Well here’s a list of questions to ask yourself.

1. Is your idea really viable? Can you make enough sales to not only cover your business costs but also make enough money to live on.

2. Can your sales be sustained? After the first interest in your products from your friends, family and peers, you will need to keep selling to strangers that you will need to find. Are you sure that you can do this? Have you thoroughly investigated the need for your product? Have you made it unique enough?

3. Will you enjoy turning your hobby into a business? At the moment your hobby is your escape from your business life. Starting a business is hard work and very stressful – do you want to involve your hobby?

4. Will people be interested in what you have for sale? Are you sure that you are not getting so enthusiastic about your hobby that you have let it cloud your judgment?

5. Is there a future for your business? Can you keep improving your product and add extra items to your offerings? Plan this out before you make the decision to start your new company. A stagnant business which does not change its offerings soon disappears.

6. Can you afford to start you business? Starting up a business is expensive. Setting up the production or manufacturing of your new product could be expensive – especially at the beginning when you are only selling small amounts. Check thoroughly that you have considered ALL costs, including taxes and professional fees before you make that first step.

If you understand all of the above, are sure about what you want to sell and to whom, are sure of the costs and stress of turning your hobby into a business – then good luck. Many people have made their hobbies very profitable businesses and with good planning you may well be able to join this group.

————————————————- © Copyright 2006 Biz Guru Ltd Lee Lister writes as The Biz Guru, for a number of web sites including her http://www.clikks.com where she sells her informational products. With over 20 year’s management and business consultancy experience with businesses large and small as well as being a serial entrepreneur, she now helps others set up, develop and market their businesses. If you would like more help and assistance in setting up your new business then visit http://www.startmynewbusiness.com for advice and assistance. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached. ————————————————-

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