Four Act Stories and Beyond

There are various forms of structure, including frameworks, work processes and goal setting.

A lot has been written about story structure. In my mind, understanding its value is priceless.

There is a lot of confusion around structure, creativity and innovation. You can find a good study that resolves much of the misinformation at managing-creativity.com. Ironically, there is much to learn about creativity and innovation from the business world, as there is an infinite amount of data and research out there. Top institutions, such as Harvard, take it very seriously.

The core concepts, with regard to story structure, include:

a) Structure increases the quantity and quality of creative output.

b) Novelty (commonly referred to as "originality") emerges from replication.

c) Certain structures help to meet the subconscious expectations of the audience.

By mapping your idea around an existing structural template, you can quickly expand that idea into a story. Once extrapolated, the needs of your particular story will begin to dictate your structure, hence you will cut and paste scenes until your story, in effect, becomes original. Then by working on each sequence to make it perfect, you eventually produce quality work.

But what structure?

The Western World has traditionally supported the concept of three act structure. But this is useless. Everything has a beginning, a middle and an end and, for writers, this doesn't help much.

If you analyse many versions of three act structure you find that, in effect, you really have four acts. For example, Syd Field argues that three acts consist of an approximate 30:60:30 ratio. But the 60 has a mid point, so we're really talking 30:30:30:30.

But even four acts do not help much.

You can analyse four acts to reach five or seven acts. But even they are useless. The problem is that they are too broad. OK, I agree, templates only have value if they are broad, but we need more.

A huge leap is the monomyth or Hero's Journey. The monomyth can be traced back to Gilgamesh in about the 26th century BC, through to the Shahnama around 1000 A.D. and so on. The latest incarnation is that of Joseph Campbell in his book The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1948).

Campbell's Hero's Journey consists of 17 stages. So here we have 17 acts, which is much more useful to the story writer.

But the Hero's Journey ends once the Hero has returned home and provided the Freedom to Live, whereas in modern film (call them contemporary stories) the hero returns once more to battle the antagonist. So in effect we can say that we have Campbell's 17 stages and then another encapsulated in the Final Conflict. So 18 stages.

But the 18th stage can be broken down into Preparation / Final Antagonism / Journey to the Final Conflict / Battle / Moral Dilemma / Completion / Freedom to Live. Hence we arrive at 24 stage structure.

The Hero's Journey can be extrapolated into many more stages.

The question you may ask yourself now is this: how representative is the monomyth or Hero's Journey of ALL stories? In other words, what value does it really have as a template? And as I am implying, a universal template?

The best way to answer that is to search out someone with more credibility than me, that is: read a book about it. A good start is Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey, ISBN: 0330375911. He compares a diverse variety of cinematic blockbusters to drive home the point.

Whether you go for the idea of the monomyth or not, the idea of working from a template is very valid, or at least helpful. And it applies not just to screenplays, but to sitcoms and novels too. What you need to do is decide which template works for you. There are quite a few out there.

From the above it follows that (most) stories are structurally derivative and yet can be very original. Watch a diverse range of films - from Midnight Cowboy to Al Pacino Scarface to Casablanca to whatever you choose, analyse them sequence by sequence and you will see stark structural similarities.

In fact, when stories are not structurally derivative then they usually turn out to be "weird" because the audience has certain subconscious expectations as to how a story should evolve. And when they are not met....well, people will just refer to it as not a proper story.

The 106 stage Hero's Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/CreativeWriting.html

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

Kal Bishop, MBA

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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

Consider A Private Kauai Vacation Rental For Your Next Getaway

There are many wonderful resorts with tons of activity in the Hawaiian Islands. However, have you ever considered staying in a vacation rental home or condo? You can experience much of what the resorts offer while enjoying the comforts of home in a private Kauai vacation rental. The island of Kauai still has many secluded areas and beaches, and a private vacation rental can give you access to it all while also giving you an unequally level of privacy.

Kauai, Hawaii has a lot to offer for all ages - golfing, fishing, shopping, dinner cruises, fine dining, luau's, hiking or camping in tropical rainforest, swimming in the ocean or under breathtaking waterfalls, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, helicopter tours, hang gliding, paragliding and more... About 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road. That's great news if you enjoy hiking because it means there's a lot of island out there waiting to be explored on foot. It also means that are lots of opportunities to stay in a secluded Kauai vacation rental, such as a personal home, condo, or villa.

Relax and enjoy Maui's beautiful sunsets or go to a luau on the beach. Kauai has a number of world renowned beaches, such as Princeville, Kappa, and Poipu Beach.

In addition, Kauai, Hawaii has some of the world's best and most challenging golf courses, both resort and public courses. What sets these golf courses apart is the spectacular ocean views and mountain backdrops on nearly every hole. Kauai, Hawaii is a golfer's paradise and recognized as a premiere golf vacations destination. Whether you're on vacation and just want to relax and play a round of golf, on a business trip or corporate outing, Kauai offers dozens of challenging courses and is the perfect golf vacation destinations.

So, whether you're planning a relaxing family vacation, romantic getaway, business trip or corporate outing, Kauai, Hawaii has a lot to offer for everyone...including privacy in the comfort of a personal vacation rental home or condo.

Terry Malone is the owner of Vacation Rentals Unlimited - http://www.vrul.com. Visit us to find great deals on vacation rentals that are offered directly from their owners.

Letting Go of Judgment - Finding Good (God) In Others

"I resolve to speak ill of no man?and proper occasions speak all the good I know of everybody." -Benjamin Franklin

"Judge not, that ye be not judged." -Matthew 7:1

Letting Go of Judgment - Finding Good (God) in Others

Everyday we make thousands of judgments about people, places, situations and events. These judgments happen so quickly and are such a part of our lives that we are not even aware that we are passing judgment. How we were raised and what we were taught play a significant role in how we judge what is happening around us. Judgment can protect us and keep us from making mistakes but judgment can also prevent us from seeing clearly. So how do we know the difference? Look to the source of the judgment. Is it coming from your intuition telling you that something doesn't quite feel right? This called discernment and is a valuable use of judgment. Or is it coming from your ego telling you that you are superior to another or that you know better than they do?

When we judge another person's actions or behavior we are saying that we know what is best for them, that we have the best rule book or the best solution. We expect others to see things exactly the way we do. But how can they? Were they raised under the same circumstances as us? Dr. Loren Ekroth states: "No two people experience the same reality, so how can we know what is exactly right for another soul?" We can't. But there is something we can do. We can strive to put ourselves in the other person's shoes and reach across the difference of opinion to find the common ground on which we all stand. We can bring out the best in others by looking for what's good about them ? not what's wrong. What you focus on expands, so why not put your attention on the best in people? If we seek to understand and look below the surface of the behavior, we may find that the other person is in need of kindness from us. Then we can show our true nature by extending such kindness.

There is a principle called the Pygmalion Effect. This principle states that if we expect the best from another and communicate such to them, they will respond by adjusting their behavior to match. Test this principle over the rest of the month. See what you can do to find and bring out the best out in others!

Copyright February 2005 by Vicki Miller

As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what's most important to them and prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com

Why Arent They Buying?

You've polished your sales page over and over againuntil it's gleaming with benefits. You're gettingplenty of traffic. And still - no sales.

What's wrong?

It could be the recession (although that's debatable).

With thousands of people losing their jobs each week,consumer confidence (and therefore consumer spending)is down.

But on the other hand, if thousands of people arelosing their jobs, there is without doubt a growingarmy of people out there who are looking to theInternet to make their living.

But let's leave aside the recession, and look at twoother reasons you may not be getting sales:

(1) People very rarely buy the first time.

You must have heard the statistics - people have tosee your product an average of 7 times before they buyit. When I cast my mind back to the marketing eBooksI've purchased, in each case I saw those booksadvertised for months - on websites, in newsletters -before I bought them.

So if you want to make a sale, you must find a way tostay in contact with your visitors - and bring themback.

The easiest way to do this is to offer your visitors afree subscription to your newsletter.

Another way is to offer your visitors a freeautoresponder course that educates them about theproduct or service you are offering. Create a seriesof 5 emails about your service or product and put themon an autoresponder that provides automated follow-up.

Getresponse is a free service that allows you up to 20follow-ups (you specify the intervals between eachmessage):

http://www.getresponse.com/

The point here is that if your visitors leave yourwebsite without taking anything away (a free versionof your E-Book, an autoresponder course, yourNewsletter), you've probably lost them for good.

(2) Allow people to feel they already own it.

If you give your visitors the feeling of what it wouldbe like to own your product or service, they're muchmore likely to buy.

Here's a real-life example of this principle (a ratherdisturbing one).

It's a well known fact that if a burglar can see intoyour house, they are much more likely to rob you thanif they can't. Why?

Because by seeing into your house, the burglar hasalready 'owned' it psychologically.

If a burglar can't see into your house, you are muchless likely to be robbed (you can't psychologically'own' what you can't see).

Here's another interesting fact. If your house hasbeen burgled, there's a very high probability that thesame burglar will return - 6 or 8 weeks later. Why?

Again, it's the same principle. The burglar has seenthe inside of your house - and has psychologically'owned' it.

It's because of this same principle that car salesmentry and get potential customers to sit in the new car.Once you've smelt the inside of that new car, you'remuch more likely to buy it. You've imagined owning it.

So give your visitors a free download of one or twochapters of your E-Book, or a free trial period ofyour service. Let them imagine what it would be liketo own it.

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Michael Southon has been writing for the Internet for over 3
years. He has shown hundreds of webmasters how to use this
simple technique to build a successful online business. Click
here to find out more: http://ezine-writer.com/
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Advertising Is Dead. Long Live PR

Although I still believe there is a place for advertising as a brand maintenance or brand affirmation tool, I am convinced that to build a brand today, you need PR. At one time advertising did build brands. But this was in a simpler America. That America, sadly, is no more.

I've been re-reading The Fall Of Advertising & The Rise Of PR, by Al and Laura Ries, and it is their book that has moved me from suspicion of advertising's demise as a brand-builder to conviction.

As the Ries' say, "Publicity is the nail, advertising is the hammer." What does this mean? It means that your PR effort helps make your message believable so that your advertising will have credibility when it hits.

Typically, companies want to hit the market hard and make a lot of noise. Advertising allows you to launch quickly, control the message, and have your message in as many media as you have the money for. However, that does not mean your message will be believed. The louder advertisers yell, the less likely I am to believe them. How about you?

PR takes time and does not necessarily work on your schedule. Planting new ideas or changing minds is a slow process. When your PR program rolls out over a longer period of time, prospects have time to adjust their attitudes. Brands that take this approach are longer lasting, too.

Chevrolet, for years the number one auto brand, was still number one in ad spending in 2001. It spent $819 million dollars ? 39 percent more than Ford spent. That year, Ford outsoldevrolet by 33 percent. Since 1997, Chevrolet has outspent and undersold Ford. Chevrolet spends $314 per vehicle and Ford spends $170 per vehicle. Do you think advertising is working for Chevrolet?

Kmart, embroiled in financial difficulty for years, had revenues of $37 billion and spent $542 million on US advertising in 2001. Wal-Mart spent $498 million and garnered four times the revenue: $159 billion split between its Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores. The average Wal-Mart store does $46 million in sales each year while its Sam's Club average store sells $56 million. Sam's Club does almost no advertising.

Those are old brands, you're saying. What about some newer brands, Harry?

OK, let's look at Pets.com. Remember the dog sock puppet that starred in their commercials? It won awards, but not sales. In six months Pets.com had $22 million in revenues and spent four times that much on advertising. Off-base advertising creativity at work.

The Body Shop was built totally by publicity. No advertising at all. Starbucks, until recently, did virtually no advertising. It has built a brand through good PR efforts. Starbucks' annual sales are around $1.3 billion, while advertising expenditures over 10 years, have totaled less than $10 million.

Finally, what advertising agency do you know that has built its brand with ads? Things that make you go "hmm."

Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR, http://www.hoover-ink.com. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Duke Energy, Levolor, New World Mortgage, North Carolina Tourism, VELUX and Verbatim.

Who Are You When the Professional In You Meets Baby?

Are you a professional?

Notice how the questions differs from, "Do you have a profession?"

To enter a profession, you invested an enormous amount of time, energy and money. Then you put great effort into earning the respect of clients and colleagues. Now you continually sharpen and update your professional skills.

Your profession has become a major part of your identity. Your profession is a key source -- maybe even the main source -- of meaning and purpose in your life. You feel good when others affirm your professional status and skills.

Your professional role is so woven into the fiber of your being that your don't merely HAVE a profession. You ARE a professional.

All well and good.

Your professional identity can bolster your integrity when you're facing difficult clients or temptations to cut corners. You can take pride in the high standards you set for yourself.

At the same time, your professional identity is only one part of you.

Overwork can unduly inflate the "professional" part of your ID equation. In Work to Live (The Berkley Publishing Group, 2003), author Joe Robinson notes that a job can become "the tail that wags the dog."

When that happens, "you're conditioned to feel as good, or as bad, as your latest performance, your worth always hanging in the balance," Robinson writes. "You have to prove yourself all over again with every task."

Much better if YOU call the tune.

A more resilient identity rests on the full range of who you are: devoted spouse, enthusiastic cook, avid reader, attentive mother, fearsome karate student, passionate gardener, loyal friend, seeker of spiritual truth.

Children are another reason to keep your professional identity from ballooning out of proportion. For one thing, you kids probably couldn't care less about it (though they enjoy the material perks that come with it). For another, attachment to the "strokes" your profession gets you can keep you stuck in work that doesn't work.

Learning to wear your professional identity more lightly is a shift that takes time, patience and a clear intention. You might want to set aside a few moments to reaquaint yourself with your non-professional values, goals and passions. Family members and friends can help you add to your list.

Robinson suggests creating a business card for your non-job identity, with a title related to your personality or a hobby, e.g., "Soulful Gourmet." Robinson recommends pulling out the card often "as a reminder of your real business: to partake in as much of this planet as you can while you can."

The reward is a world of fresh possibilities.

You are much, much bigger than the professional in you.

(c) 2004 Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC

P.S. If you like the non-professional business card idea, you can choose from a variety of templates for free cards at www.vistaprint.com.

Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC, specializes in helping working mothers create balance. She offers workshops, teleclasses and individual and group coaching. She also publishes "The Balance Point," a free e-mail newsletter. Visit http://www.NormaSchmidt.com to learn more.

The Controversy of Viagra? (Sildenafil Citrate), Other ED Medications, and Their Generic Counterpart

There has definitely been a good deal of controversy over Viagra?, it's use and more recently, it's side effects among some unfortunate patients however, apart from the specific drug itself and the effects, reasons and results of it's use, there has been another controversy of which only those involved would probably be aware. I am referring to the purchase and use of Generic Brands of Sildenafil Citrate.

Those involved being those who operate online generic Pharmacies, those who purchase through them and, by no means least, the thousands of Affiliates who market these.

Did you notice a moment ago when I called it Sildenafil Citrate and not Viagra?? It is, and has been referred to as Viagra?, regardless of whether Pfizer's? original brand or a generic version is being talked about, since it's introduction to the Pharmacy industry, not to mention the public.

Although I thoroughly respect Pfizer's? right to guard it's own trade mark with jealousy and, especially make sure that website domains are not being registered using their 'property', I can't help thinking that, at least in many cases, most people's use of the Viagra? moniker is more part of our social and language set than any deliberate attempt to profit by using the name, albeit in a legally questionable way.

There are plenty of examples, where what was originally a 'brand' or 'trade name' has become the popular means of identifying an object, product or other such item. Obviously, the use of these brand names and their becoming part of our descriptive language generally applies to the 'first' or 'original' of the given item in question. I can't give too many examples, being Australian; mine would only mean something to my countrymen. I am only familiar with a couple of examples from say... the US or the UK but I'm sure everyone gets the picture.

Having said this however, I think the crux of the matter lies not so much in the 'name' itself, but the use of the Viagra? name to describe and market the generic equivalents - and they are equivalents, PROVIDED they do contain the same active ingredients and if they are made and packaged with the care and controls that most people from developed countries expect from such products.

The name 'Viagra?' belongs to Pfizer? and there's no doubt or argument that can circumvent that fact however, to use the term 'Generic Viagra', provided it's not used in a company name or exclusive website domain, is simply a means to describe to visitors and potential customers what you are offering. For instance, if I were to advertise 'Generic Levis', people would know that I am not selling Levi Strauss? jeans. The word 'generic' makes that quite clear and I'm sure there is no way any misunderstanding could result.

In fact, if there were any misunderstanding, it would be in favor of Levis? because, although it's totally untrue technically and in reality, generic still means 'inferior' to many people. Of course, generic means 'non-brand name'. There is nothing to suggest that the word does, or ever has meant anything else. Although realistically, in terms of some products that are generic, there are definitely cases where 'generic' has become a little 'synonymous' with 'not as good as the original'. A number of generic or 'no-name' food items come to mind.

Not so, with generic medications. They either have the active ingredients, in the prescribed quantities, or they don't. If they don't, they are not generic they are forgeries! Forgery means forgery but generic does not. Generic means 'the same but not the original', (and more often much cheaper!).

The controversy, as long-winded as it has been, could be coming to a close, for a couple of good reasons. I predict that the close of the issue and consequent legal approval of a number of generic drugs will occur sooner rather than later. After all, in the 'generic drug' category, it has been progressing for some time now. How many different brands (and 'no name' versions) of aspirin or acetaminophen can you now choose from?

The patent which allows Pfizer? to claim exclusivity with regard to the chemical is enforceable until 2013 however, one of the patents concerning the discovery of its positive effects on impotence, has been withdrawn in the UK (where Viagra? was first discovered). According to a report of the court case, it was determined that the information forming the basis of the patent was already in the 'Public Domain' at the time of the patent application.

It remains to be seen whether this decision and other challenges, which have been hinted at, will have any effect on Pfizer's? hold on the exclusivity of the Viagra? drug. Obviously, the active ingredient has been ruled in the public domain at some point, as it's use is widespread.

There is also to be considered the fact that Levitra?, a treatment for erectile dysfunction, which works in a different way to Sildenafil, has just received approval to be supplied en masse in Europe virtually ensuring it's survival outside of the U.S., where it has already been approved.

Because of these developments, and I know many who would agree, I personally think that approval from the FDA, and the regulating authorities of other countries, of generic versions of all the ED type medications won't be too far off. The simple fact that there are so many medications for this type of problem is testimony enough that the market is expected only to grow and grow. Examples of Viagra? equivalents alone are: Zenegra?, Kamagra?, Caverta? and Silagra? and each of the other medications like Levitra? and Cialis? all have their generic versions too.

So, given that these types of generic prescription medications can be basically the life blood of the online Pharmacy, especially the Affiliate driven ones and the affiliates themselves, the future is looking a fair bit brighter than it was say... 12 months ago, when questions of the legality, rumored legislation and even morality were being bandied about regarding the online pharmacy industry.

The question seems not to be whether these generic medications will receive the recognition of official approval in the 'developed' countries but more so, when it will be. This leaves only the concept of importation from countries in Europe, India and, of course, Mexico as a matter for controversy. This practice doesn't sit well with a number of people and in some cases; there is good reason why.

Personally, I know that the generic versions shipped through the online pharmacy that I affiliate with are reliable and W.H.O. (World Health Organization) approved. I can't speak for any operations, which use Mexican or Indian sources however. I assume, as with everything, the good and bad exist.

I am the first to admit that there are definitely 'forged' drugs being sold and imported. There are also probably generic medications, which may well have the prescribed amount of active ingredient, but may be manufactured and/or packaged under conditions, which leave them less than perfectly safe. There are ways to determine if the Pharmacy through which you want to purchase generic medications is 'bonafide' (in terms of the quality of the drug and the conditions under which it is manufactured and packaged).

The World Health Organization (W.H.O) has a set of such guidelines, which must be adhered to in order for their approval to be given. A number of the generic drugs in question, i.e. those that are being touted as 'possibly' impure or 'useless' have this approval. I can only imagine that W.H.O. ensure this certification doesn't come too easily and it is in some way monitored.

Of course, there are other ways to check an online Pharmacy. Contact information is always a good means to ascertain if you're dealing with an organization that will be there tomorrow and has a good reputation and supplies reliable product, even if it is imported directly to the client (the cheapest and most expedient way). A polite email or phone call asking a few questions like: 'Where do the drugs come from?' or 'what is your refund or guarantee policy?', will usually elicit the signals you would normally be wary of.

The use of the 'Trust Gauge', which you can download from Trustgauge.com in the form of a toolbar, is always handy.

Of course, there must be a means for you to supply detailed information for an online prescription. This is legal in the U.S. although some medicos don't accept it as best medical practice. Also the vast majority, certainly those Pharmacies that are operating with due care and diligence, supply an abundance of information regarding the use of the medication, side effects, contra-indications etc. Generally, most of this you would not get from a visit to the doctor's office! Many of the online pharmacies have tomes of advice and information for patients. Certainly, this is one of the positives about the 'online consultation'.

All that those who choose to take advantage of the HUGE savings that can be made through online pharmacies selling generic medications need to do is to be aware of their own health and any conditions they may have, read the supplied information carefully and complete the online consultation form honestly. If the required information is not available on the pharmacy website, I would certainly advise finding another.

Having become disabled, I am fortunate enough to be able to earn a comfortable living from home through Affiliate Marketing. Having a number of websites, the generic online pharmacy component represents only part of my activities however; I do feel that this area of affiliate marketing does contribute in a large way towards helping people who are in need of a product, which unfortunately, isn't within the financial reach of everyone that it should be. A sad indictment for developed nations like the US, Canada, the UK and Australia (although Australia does have a very generous Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, it doesn't cover 'luxury' drugs like Viagra? - and maybe it shouldn't...).

If I can be responsible for one person being able to access a much-needed medication through one of my generic medication websites, which they wouldn't normally be able to access because of financial constraints, then I am a happy man...

Stephen Brennan is an accomplished Affiliate and Internet Author. He operates several affiliate websites including Quit Smoking OnlinePlus and The Diet & Weight Loss Place. He has written 'The Affiliate Guide Book' - The Definitive guide to Affiliate SUCCESS.

This article may be copied in it's entirety ONLY provided the Author's resource box is attached to any reproduction, with links intact and functioning.

Beware of some Get Cash Now Vendors

Some weeks it feels like you're living hand to mouth. If you could just get cash now, all your problems would disappear. If you could get cash now, you could pay off a handful of bills and move on. But how long would it last until you needed to "get cash now" again? On every block there seem to get cash now offices, with signs in the window that read "paycheck advance" or "payday advance." But can they really get cash now, or is it a false claim?

Basically what happens is this: You show up with your paycheck, hoping to get cash now, and they charge you a check fee, and, if it's your first time there, a "first time" fee. You will likely take a number and have to wait with others hoping to get cash now, and then fill out extensive paperwork detailing your reasons for having to get cash now. Sometimes you will denied, other times you will be able to get cash now, but it will be only a fraction of the amount shown on your paycheck. To get cash now you must be willing to extract a smaller amount than you are technically owed from the person who issued the check. This is because when you're desperate to get cash now, people may take advantage of you. They know that you're in a financially precarious situation and will be willing to give up some of the money in order to get cash now.

To really get cash now, you'd be better off asking for a personal loan from a trusted friend or relative. To get cash now there always seems to be strings attached. Remember, the get cash now offices you see on your street are a business. They aren't going to get you cash now out of the kindness of their hearts.

Tim Gorman is a successful webmaster and publisher of Military-Loans-Online.com an online website that offers money saving rates on auto, home, bad credit, pay day loans and other free loan information that you can view in the privacy of your own home.

Anamchara - Living From A Deep Place

I live in a beautiful place.

This is the village of Dowra and the outlying town lands of Corrogue and Moneen. I have this early morning come to sit by the lake of Moneen. She gives me a deep sense of presence. She reminds me there is a deeper place still. This is deeper still than "the homeplace." This is the place of the heart. It is the place where the "singing bird comes."

Moneen Lake does not have an inland on it. It has swans. As I gaze out upon the water I wonder how old these creatures are. Maybe they are the "children of Lire come here to remind me of the experience of the timeless.

We in Ireland have a mythology that reminds us of our relationship to time and the timeless. Living in this place around Moneen and this lake there is no sense of urgency. There is only time for being.

This lake is a mirror. It mirrors the depth of any individual heart. I look into it and see the beauty. The lilies are beginning to make their way out of the darkness toward the light, sit upon the surface of the water and then flower. I simply look and see this beauty proceed toward me.

I woke up this morning with St. John of the Cross in my bed. My partner is very indulgent of me. She allows me to fantasize in all sorts of delightful ways and I awake to "banquet moments." This morning I have taken to the lake to reflect on the writing of St John.

I did not have to ask my heart
What it wanted
Because of all the desires
I have ever known
Just one did I cling to
For it was the essence of all desire
To know beauty.

This is someone who is very focused. There is no room for doubt in this heart. There is no need for belief. There is only the clarity of a pure hearts desire. There is only the requirement to know the essence. When one knows, one is the essence and one is beauty and beautiful. You become "I am" in a real sense. You are at one with it all. You have atoned. You have come home to the true "homeplace." You are at-one-ment.

St John does not start the day with lists of things to do. There is no asking. There is only certainty. There is no living in fear. There is no thought about what might or might not happen today or tomorrow. There are no regrets for the past or longing for the future. There is only the essence of desire. This is to know the beauty of God.

We do not have this degree of focus. We do not ask our heart what it wants. We cannot hear that still small voice amidst "the noise and the haste." We do not know how to "Go placidly amidst the noise and the haste." What we want we are told we want or should want. We do not know our hearts passion. We live our lives more focused on our pension.

We live in our intellect and paralyse our life force with analysis of "what if." Rather than know beauty our focus is on achieving success. For many this attainment turns to ashes in there mouths.

This lake is beautiful. She sits quietly and simply reflects my mood. She is not intent on achieving an image of beauty. She is not intent on becoming a celebrity. As she is, here and now, she is beautiful. She speaks to me when I allow her too. When I have felt unhappy I have come to her side. When I have felt delight I have come to her side. She is part of my becoming nobody special.

Why not spend time by water. Allow its placidity or flow to enter you being. Allow this still place to keep you centred amidst the noise and the haste of this 21st Century. Be as focused as St John of the Cross. Concentrate on what is essential. Learn to know how beautiful your being is in all its wonder.

Tony Cuckson is an Anam Cara. This Celtic term means "Soul Friend." He specializes in providing insight for the spiritual journey, Blessings for YOU, words of wisdom and finding inner peace. Visitors to Irish Blessings Matter website and Tony's Blog get the opportunity to develop a purpose driven life through articles, newsletters and other programs.

Get your free report called "7 ways to it's a wonderful life" at http://www.irishblessingsmatter.com/, or go to Tony`s Blog at http://www.irishblessingsmatter.info/ where you will find links to information related to spiritual parenting, spiritual coaching and spirit in business.

A Clothes Encounter In The Business World

Do you ever wonder where all the dress rules have gone? Depending on when and where you are on any given business day, the words "distant past" might come to mind. It's difficult to decide if people don't know what to wear to work or if they have lost sight of the relevance of appearance to professional success.

The Queen of England is reported to have told Prince Charles, "Dress gives one the outward sign from which people can judge the inward state of mind. One they can see, the other they cannot." Clearly, she was saying what many people are reluctant to accept; that people judge us by the way we dress. In all situations, business and social, our outward appearance sends a message.

Try going to a busy restaurant at lunchtime. Look around you at what people are wearing and see if you don't make judgments about who they are, their line of business, their personalities and their competencies. Think about how you feel when you are dressed in your usual business attire as opposed to casual dress. Your choice of business apparel speaks to your professional behavior and credibility. It is important to understand how to dress for business if you wish to promote yourself and your organization in a positive manner,

How you dress depends on four factors: the industry in which you work, the job you have within that industry, the geographic area in which you live; and most importantly, what your client expects to see.

Professional Dress for Men

In men's clothing, fashion does not change significantly from season to season but business attire is about being professional and not about being fashionable. It's about presenting yourself in a way that makes your clients feel comfortable and confident with you. Dressing for success is still the rule. The professional businessman should keep in mind these few points when deciding what to wear to work.

Choose a conservative suit in navy, black or gray either pinstripe or solid. The quality of the material speaks as loudly as the color and can make the difference between sleaze and suave.

A solid white or blue dress shirt with long sleeves offers the most polished look. The more pattern and color you add, the more the focus is on your clothing, rather than your professionalism.

Ties should be made of silk or a silk-like fabric. Avoid the cartoon characters and go for simple and subtle if you want to enhance your credibility.

Socks should be calf-length or above. Make sure they match not only what you are wearing, but also each other. A quick glance in good light before heading out the door can save embarrassment later in the day. Check for holes as well if you'll be going through airport security and removing your shoes.

Shoes should without question be conservative, clean and well polished. Lace-up shoes are the choice over slip-ons or flip flops. Don't think for a minute that people don't notice shoes. Many people will look at your feet before your face.

Belts need to match or closely coordinate with your shoes. Once again, quality counts.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. In a time when men sport gold necklaces, bracelets and earrings, the business professional should limit himself to a conservative watch, a wedding band and maybe his college ring.

Personal hygiene is part of the success equation. Freshly scrubbed wins out over heavily fragranced any day of the week. Save the after-shave for after hours, but never the shave itself.

The finishing touch for the business man is his choice of accessories: briefcase, portfolio and pen. When it comes to sealing the deal, a top of the line suit, a silk tie and a good pair of leather shoes can lose their affect when you pull out the ball point pen you picked up in the hotel meeting room the day before.

Professional Dress for Women

When women entered the workplace in the 1970's and 1980's in greater numbers than ever before and began to move into positions which had traditionally been held by men, many of them believed that they needed to imitate male business attire. The result was women showing up at the office in skirted suits or coordinated skirts and jackets with tailored blouses finished off with an accessory item that looked very much like a man's tie. Happily those days are gone. While the business woman may now wear trousers to work, she does it out of a desire to appear professional and at the same time enjoy the flexibility and comfort that pants offer over skirts. Her goal is no longer to mirror her male colleagues.

The same overall rules apply to women's work attire as apply to men's. Business clothing is not a reflection of the latest fashion trend. A woman should be noticed for who she is and her professional skills rather than for what she wears. Her business wear should be appropriate for her industry and her position or title within the industry.

Start with a skirted suit or pants suit for the most conservative look. A skirted suit is the most professional. With a few exceptions, dresses do not offer the same credibility unless they are accompanied by matching jackets.

Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. A skirt more than two inches above the knee raises eyebrows and questions.

Pants should break at the top of the foot or shoe. While Capri pants and their fashion cousins that come in assorted lengths from mid-calf to ankle are the latest trend, they are out of place in the conservative business environment.

Blouses and sweaters provide color and variety to woman's clothing, but they should be appealing rather than revealing. Inappropriate necklines and waistlines can give the wrong impression.

Women need to wear hose in the business world. Neutral or flesh-tone stockings are the best choices. Never wear dark hose with light-colored clothing or shoes. Keep an extra pair of stockings in your desk drawer unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the office.

Faces, not feet, should be the focal point in business so chose conservative shoes. A low heel is more professional than flats or high heels. In spite of current fashion and the sandal rage, open-toed or backless shoes are not office attire. Not only are sandals a safety hazard, they suggest a certain official agenda.

When it comes to accessories and jewelry, less is once again more. Keep it simple: one ring per hand, one earring per ear. Accessories should reflect your personality, not diminish your credibility.

Business attire is different from weekend and evening wear. Investing in a good business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future. For those who think it's not what you wear but who you are that creates success, give that some more thought. Business skills and experience count, but so does personal appearance and that all-important first impression.

? 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights in all media reserved.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com

The Three Largest Factors In Your Interest Rate

There are three major factors that affect how much you pay for a loan. Understanding these factors can save you time, money and frustration.

1. The Federal Reserve Discount Interest Rate.

Banks and other lending institutions borrow money from the Federal Reserve Banks. The discount rate is the interest rate a Federal Reserve Bank charges eligible financial institutions to borrow funds on a short-term basis. This rate is set by the boards of directors of the Federal Reserve Banks. The discount rate has a direct effect on the "Prime Interest Rate", which is the interest rate on short-term loans that banks charge their commercial customers with high credit ratings. You can get live information on the current Prime Rate at www.FedPrimeRate.info.

Of the three major factors that affect your interest rate, this is the one you have the least amount of control over.

2. Your FICO Score and Credit Report.

There are companies that gather and sell information about information on where you work and live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. They are called Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs). The most common type of CRA is the credit bureau. Potential lenders will get your credit report from the credit bureau.

The FICO score is a method of determining the likelihood that credit users will pay their bills. It condenses a borrowers credit history into a single number.

You can protect your FICO score and credit report by paying your bills on time and not over-extending yourself. You also have the right to have false information removed from your credit report.

3. Lender Business Factors.

Banks and other lenders are in business to make a profit. They also exist in a competitive market. Like all businesses, they will balance their profit margin with competitive factors. If they charge too little, based on your credit history and the prime rate, they risk going out of business. If they charge too much, they risk losing you to a competitor. Therefore, in order to get the best deal you can, you should shop around.

Keep one thing in mind when you are shopping around. One of the things that affects your FICO score is the number of times your credit report has been accessed in a certain period of time. Therefore allowing too many potential lenders to run your credit report in a short period of time could be counterproductive. Three or four is typically a safe number. If you request an on line quote from several lenders, they won't typically run your credit report until after they have made their initial quote.

(You must explicitly provide a potential lender with permission to run your credit report. For that, they usually need your Social Security Number.)

In summary, the three major factors you pay for a loan are the prime rate, your credit history (FICO score) and business conditions such as competition. In order to get the best rate you can, you can do two things, keep up a good credit history by paying your bills on time, and shopping around for the best rate.

About The Author

David Brumbaugh is the owner and operator of EZandFree.com, which provides consumers with online tools for easily obtaining free competitive Mortgage and Loan Quotes. It also serves as a mechanism by which Mortgage Brokers can obtain legitimate qualified leads from people who need their services.

Terms of Use

Copyright 2004 David E. Brumbaugh. All rights reserved. This article may be published in your newsletter or web site. It must be reproduced in its entirety including the biography and web address.

Book Review: Money Without Matrimony

MONEY WITHOUT MATRIMONY: The Unmarried Couples Guide to Financial Security, Sheryl Garrett and Debra Neiman, Dearborn Trade Publishing. Paperback $21.95 (248p) ISBN 1-4195-0688-9)

Who knew? If you were in a heterosexual relationship and got married, there would be 1,143 federal laws that protect your personal finances. But since that's not the case for the 1.2 million gay and lesbian couples in America, out lesbians and Certified Financial Planners Sheryl Garrett and Debra Neiman have written Money Without Matrimony to help answer the hard financial planning questions. This well-written book helps gay and lesbian couples "plan around" the federal laws that negate right of survivorship benefits for same sex couples when tragedy arises like the illness or death of a partner. According to Garrett and Neiman, "If you want your partner or someone other than your parents or next of kin ? no matter how distant a blood relationship ? to sort through your possessions, inherit or distribute your stuff, the situation is far more complicated" than if you were married. Aside from looking at doomsday scenarios the book lays out everyday decisions that both short- and long-term couples should be thinking about like whether or not to merge finances, deciding how property should be rented and owned and the ramifications of each decision. Using easy-to-understand, accessible language, the authors have written a book that is a quick read or an easy reference guide to answer financial questions on the fly. While this book covers some of the same legal ground that can be found in other books on the topic, Money Without Matrimony picks up where the others left off with savvy personal finance advice in addition to legal advice. Filled with sage advice from financial professionals about the unique financial planning issues gay and lesbian couples face, this book forces partners to ask the questions they need to answer until (if) they receive full legal marital rights.

Al Martin is a freelance writer covering personal finance, real estate and investing topics.

Electronic Display Boards

Electronic display boards signify high priority messaging, allowing you to communicate critical, and time-sensitive information.

Electronic display boards are present at many fast food restaurants today, aiding, and restaurants to increase sales, publicity and improve their service to you. As a customer, Electronic display boards allow you to check your order and provide you the peace of mind that you are getting what you pay for.

At airports, electronic display boards assist airports in providing you a constant update on flight information. Many banks of today post outdoor electronic displays to provide friendly information to the community. From community reminders, to time and weather information, their outdoor electronic display board keeps you informed.

In theatres, electronic display boards can give you a preview of what you will see inside and once in the door, these boards can provide you with show start times, theatre numbers, and concession information.

Perhaps the biggest show of the products that is manufactured is sports venues. All around stadiums and coliseums are examples of Electronic Message Displays - electronic signs, reader boards, LED video displays, and variable message boards. These products combined cover every angle of the game, from instant replays on giant LED video displays, to stats from other games in progress through electronic message centers.

Electronic displays use LED technology, which stands for light emitting diode. State-of-the-art LED technology not only enhances readability; it offers unsurpassed flexibility, reliability and cost effectiveness. L.E.D. signage not only offers the broadest range of products, but the highest level of support.

With Quality, support, and vision ? electronic display boards provides superior and brighter result offering a selection from number of products and services that will give you well on the way to increasing your exposure and your profits.

About The Author

Paula Jones

Jayex Technology Limited, based in London specialise in advanced information display systems. Established in 1978 we have pioneered the development of the LED display market and now have over 18,000 customers worldwide. We offer, probably the largest range of models from small single line signs to big screen Megavision screens that can display live video and action replay in stadia.

jayex.co.uk