If you have a blog that you are particularly proud of,
and that you want to share with other people, there
are a lot of free ways that you can get your blog
noticed.

One of those ways is something that you do everyday,
and that you may not even consider as a way to share
your blog. Put the link to your blog in your email
signature.

Chances are that you send out emails more timese that
you can count during the day, Each time you send out
an email, you can advertise your blog by putting the
address of your blog in your email’s signature.

It’s always a good idea to write something catchy
like, See what I am up to now, or Read my latest
chapter of my fanfic here, depending on what type of
blog you have.

The thing to remember about putting an adveritsement
in your signature for your blog is to make it short,
but eyecatching.

You want people to be interested enough to want to
click on it, but you also don’t want to scare them
off.

Just like it is with any adveritsement, you want to
give them just enough to be interested and take a
closer look at what it is that you are advertising.

Think about what it is that your blog is about. What
is really going to interest people abuot it and want
to visit? That is what you should include in your
signature, and that is what is going to get people to
go to your blog.

It might take a little coffee or probably a few rounds of beer or any other booze you could get your hands on when it comes to relaxing after a hard day’s work. Well, yeah I’m guilty about that one as well, unless I’m caught dead wearing a lampshade over my head after a few rounds of vodka? half-naked! Okay, bad example and I apologize to everyone reading this after getting nightmares about me in that state of drunken stupor.

Just don’t ask how it happened, please.

But what’s really interesting is that how do people go through the usual part of life when faced with vein-popping stress? I mean, the new age thing like Zen or yoga is one of the good things and it actually works. Is there room for the intellectual side of people who can actually smell the roses-in-a-can while on the move? It kind of had me thinking that there really must be something in this ‘mind-over-matter’ thing.

Humor is indeed the best medicine there is whenever you are. I mean anyone can pay good money to listen to a comedian just to make you wet your pants after laughing so hard. Despite of what’s been happening, and to those who has gone though the ordeal, it’s better to just laugh while facing the troubles with a clear mind than anger with a clouded vision. One of my favorite celebrities of all time may have to be Woody Allen. Now this is one guy who gives you the in-your-face bluntness that he pulls out with gusto, even without even trying. You can talk just about anything with a man, and he’s bound to mock the subject and you’ll end up laughing rather than being upset about it.

Woody Allen has this to say:

1. “Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons.” It sounds good to me, I mean the practicality of all things does involve money but it doesn’t have to take an arm and a leg to get it.

2. “I believe there is something out there watching us. Unfortunately, it’s the government.” ‘Nuff said.

3. “There are worse things in life than death. Have you ever spent an evening with an insurance salesman?” This happens to be one of the classic ones. I mean the issue about life’s little problems isn’t all that bad, until ‘he’ shows up.

Sure, relationships can get complicated, or does have its complications that probably any author about relationships is bound to discover it soon. We follow what our heart desires, unless you’re talking about the heart as in the heart that pump blood throughout your body.

4. “Love is the answer, but while you’re waiting for the answer, sex raises some pretty interesting questions.” And if you want more, just keep on asking!

5. “A fast word about oral contraception. I asked a girl to go to bed with me, she said ‘no’.” It sounds, ‘practical’, I think.

And when it comes to everyday life, he really knows how to make the best out of every possible scenario, and it doesn’t involve a lawsuit if he strikes a nerve.

6. “Basically my wife was immature. I’d be at home in the bath and she’d come in and sink my boats.” I never had a boat in my bathtub before. Just staring at it while soaking in hot water makes me seasick already.

7. “I am not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” If it rains, it pours.

8. “I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose.” It could get worse when you’re guzzling on beer? or mouthwash, and it happened to me once!

9. “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” At least he doesn’t smite us with lightning, and I’m thankful for that.

And despite of what may happen to all of us in the next ten, twenty, or even thirty years, I guess we all have to see things in a different kind of light and not just perspective. I can’t seem to imagine life without any piece of wisdom that could guide us. Whether we’re religious or not, it takes more courage to accept your fears and learn how to deal with them is all that matters when it comes to even just getting along.

And to sum things up, here is the last nugget of wisdom to go by? however, whenever, and wherever we may be.

10. “The talent for being happy is appreciating and liking what you have, instead of what you don’t have.”

Ciao!

The Blarney Stone is a historical stone, or actually part of the Blarney Castle in Ireland where it was believed that kissing the stone can grant you the gift of gab. Yeah, it seems strange in this day and age, but who are we to question tradition? It’s not like I’m saying that Santa Claus doesn’t exist (OOPS!).

There is so much to know about conversation that anyone, even I, could ever realize. You can go though watching talk shows; radio programs; clubs dedicated to public speaking; ordinary conversations; certain rules still apply when it comes to interaction through words. It may sound tedious, I know, but even though it’s your mouth that’s doing the work, your brain works twice as hard to churn out a lot of things you know. So what better way to start learning to be an effective communication is to know the very person closest to you: yourself.

1. What you know.
Education is all about learning the basics, but to be an effective speaker is to practice what you’ve learned. My stint as guest at every Toastmasters’ meeting I go to taught me that we all have our limitations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn to keep up and share what we know.

2. Listening.
It’s just as important as asking questions. Sometimes listening to the sound of our own voice can teach us to be a little bit confident with ourselves and to say the things we believe in with conviction.

3. Humility
We all make mistakes, and sometimes we tend to slur our words, stutter, and probably mispronounce certain words even though we know what it means, but rarely use it only to impress listeners. So in a group, don’t be afraid to ask if you’re saying the right word properly and if they’re unsure about it then make a joke out of it. I promise you it’ll make everyone laugh and you can get away with it as well.

4. Eye Contact
There’s a lot to say when it comes to directing your attention to your audience with an eye-catching gaze. It’s important that you keep your focus when talking to a large group in a meeting or a gathering, even though he or she may be gorgeous.

5. Kidding around
A little bit of humor can do wonders to lift the tension, or worse boredom when making your speech. That way, you’ll get the attention of the majority of the crowd and they’ll feel that you’re just as approachable, and as human to those who listen.

6. Be like the rest of them
Interaction is all about mingling with other people. You’ll get a lot of ideas, as well as knowing what people make them as they are.

7. Me, Myself, and I
Admit it, there are times you sing to yourself in the shower. I know I do! Listening to the sound of your own voice while you practice your speech in front of a mirror can help correct the stress areas of your pitch. And while you’re at it you can spruce up as well.

8. With a smile
A smile says it all much like eye contact. There’s no point on grimacing or frowning in a meeting or a gathering, unless it’s a wake. You can better express what you’re saying when you smile.

9. A Role Model
There must be at least one or two people in your life you have listened to when they’re at a public gathering or maybe at church. Sure they read their lines, but taking a mental note of how they emphasize what they say can help you once you take center stage.

10. Preparation
Make the best out of preparation rather than just scribbling notes and often in a hurried panic. Some people like to write things down on index cards, while other resort to being a little more silly as they look at their notes written on the palm of their hand (not for clammy hands, please). Just be comfortable with what you know since you enjoy your work.

And that about wraps it up. These suggestions are rather amateurish in edgewise, but I’ve learned to empower myself when it comes to public or private speaking and it never hurts to be with people to listen how they make conversations and meetings far more enjoyable as well as educational.

Many people nowadays are turning to ?organics? and ?naturals? otherwise known as herbals. The rising popularity of herbal supplements has created a new fad if not a new health lifestyle. But before you join the bandwagon, here are some things you need to know about this mean, ?green? dietary supplementing machine.

What is the difference between a drug and a dietary supplement?

According to the definition set by food and drug administrations in different countries, drugs are chemicals that can prevent, prolong the life, treat other effects of a health condition, improve the quality of life, and/or cure ailments and diseases, or alter the function of any part or chemicals inside the body. These drugs have approved therapeutic claims. For example, paracetamol is a drug given to bring down the body temperature in fever. Ascorbic acid is indicated for the treatment of scurvy. Iron supplements are given to treat mild cases of anemia.

Herbal supplements are not classified as drugs but as dietary supplements. The main difference is that they do not have approved therapeutic claims unlike in the case of drugs. Moreover, dietary supplements could either contain vitamins, minerals, herbals, or amino acids, all aimed to add to or supplement the diet of an individual. They are not intended to be taken alone as a substitute to any food or medicine.

Most of the manufactured medicines we now have once came from animals and plants. Through the years, chemists isolated the life-saving or life-curing components and separated them from the harmful ones. This lead to the further drug research and drug development that lead to the production of a different variety of drugs for many ailments and conditions from synthetic sources. But still we have semi-synthetic drugs, as well as drug that more or less approximate more natural composition. Since herbal supplements are made from a mixture of crude herbs reduced into powder or gel form, and later on packaged as tablets and capsules, there is a possibility that life-threatening or at least body chemistry-altering components are still present, thus the expression of concern from the medical community.

Is there a growing concern with the use of herbal supplements?

Yes. With the rising popularity of using and consuming anything herbal or organic is the proliferation of fake herbal supplements that threaten to endanger lives. If that?s the case, then why are herbal supplements given drug administration approvals? One way of ensuring the safety of the people is to have all candidate drugs, food, drinks, and dietary supplements registered with the proper authority. Otherwise, they would pose more risk with these things being sold in the black market for a hefty sum. We could ensure the quality and safety of herbal supplements if they get proper classification with the food and drug administration. Moreover, people may be able to file the proper complaints in the event a worsening of health condition is proven to be linked to the use of a particular herbal supplement.

Is using herbal supplements worth the risk?

Yes. It cannot be discounted that many who have tried herbal supplements experienced an improvement in their health?whether this is due to the herbals themselves or due to a placebo effect, as long as they do not worsen the condition of an individual, then using them is worth the risk. But of course, certain things must be considered before taking those herbal supplements:

Your doctor knows best.

First of all, clear your condition with your doctor. Ask him/her if taking a particular herbal supplement is safe given your health condition. People with heart, liver, or kidney trouble or malfunction, are usually not advised to take these, or at the minimum is to take these herbals in minimum amounts. All substances pass through the liver and kidney to be processed and filtered respectively. Kava, which is used to relieve people from stress, has been pulled out from the Canadian, Singaporean, and German markets because it contains substances that cause liver damage. Certain herbals such as Ephedra used for losing weight, contains chemicals with heart-inducing effects that can increase heart rate, which in turn can exhaust the heart and cause heart attacks in several documented cases by the American Medical Association.

Follow the directions for use.

Never take more herbal supplements than what is directed by the doctor or as instructed on the bottle. Each individual reacts differently to the components of herbal supplements. While it is perfectly safe for one individual to take in a supplement of primrose oil capsules, another person may be allergic to it. So, do not even think about downing one bottle of

It has no approved curative effect.

No matter how the product pamphlet or the label of the bottle sounds about how it has been found to be helpful in certain health conditions, these herbal supplements are not therapeutic. So do not substitute these for the medications prescribed by your doctor for the treatment of certain diseases, or for the maintenance of blood pressure, lowering of blood sugar and cholesterol, and fight off infections.

Perhaps one of the most diverse areas of the United
States is the region containing Idaho, South Dakota,
Montana and Wyoming.

This surely must offer the widest range of parks,
rodeos, adventure holidays, skiing holidays and river
rafting adventures etc. There is more to see, do and
get involved in, than possibly any other part of the
US.

Mount Rushmore is situated here – imagine how many
people must have seen this monument – along with the
famous Little Big Horn battle ground.

Its not all camping trips and trekking here though.
Five star resorts with gourmet meals and fine wine
abound and cater for the discerning palates amongst
us. Did you know that there is a falls higher than the
more famous Niagara Falls? Or a canyon deeper than the
Grand Canyon? Surprisingly both can be found here.

There is a lot for children to do too. Imagine
teaching them how to light and cook over open
camp-fires. Teaching them to fish for their supper!
Hiking up trails instead of sitting in front of the
T.V. – a somewhat ?old-fashioned? way of reconnecting
as a family.

There is much on offer here and it would seem to give
the traveler something a little different. The chance
to be at one with nature and see the natural wonders
of the world.

So if it?s wide open spaces with big skies that you
are looking for – this is the place. But be warned,
once you have experienced this magnificent place, you
may not want to leave!

If you are someone who uses chat programs such as AIM,
ICQ, Yahoo messenger, MSN, or Googletalk and have a
lot of online friends, it can be a great way to get
people to read your blog and to leave comments on it.

As it is with your signature on your email, you don’t
want to just send an instant message to people
everytime you update your blog. You also don’t want to
simply send a message to someone asking to read your
blog.

For someone who has been on your friends list for a
while, you can be less formal of course, but you want
to be polite when you talk to people who you may have
not talked to in a while or someone who is new.

Use your own judgement when you are chatting with
people about your blog. If it’s someone that you
haven’t talked to in a while, and someone asks you
what you have been up to, you can point them to your
blog so that they know what is going on with you.

Some blogs, like LiveJournal, have their own messaging
program, so that’s also another good way to advertise
your blog.

Be certain that you don’t send someone a message
though only to advertise your blog. It’s more polite
to say something about their blog first, and then tell
them about your blog.

If you have a common interest, it’s a good ice breaker
and it will give you something to talk about.

We, the human race, are becoming more sensitized to
the needs of the planet and its environs. With this in
mind, many places are offering vacations with a
difference. A place and time to learn what we can do
to lessen the impact we make on the earth itself.

Some places even offer courses up to master?s level
for those individuals interested in ecology. Many of
these places are running farms capable of sustaining
themselves as well as those in the local community.

All fruit and vegetables, for an example, are grown
without the use of chemicals and sometimes without the
use of machinery! – a very ?hands-on? approach not
usually seen in this day and age.

One of these ventures in particular is trying to
re-introduce the concept of local people connecting to
the food supply being grown literally in its own
backyard instead of buying everything in plastic bags
at the supermarket.

Accommodation is sometimes on the farm itself or in
the local community giving the holiday-maker a chance
to revisit rural America in a rather unique way.
Children are given a small taste of what life was like
before computers and designer labels took over.

This may not be everyone?s dream holiday, indeed it
may take some kind of persuasion from parent to child,
but I can?t help feeling that we should take a chance,
perhaps once in a while, to experience something
completely different.

This is certainly one for the more adventurous amongst
us!

Summer is coming again and you know you want to do
something ?different? but just what is that you are
looking for?

One of the fastest growing vacations is the kind where
you learn to do something totally out of your normal,
everyday life. Perhaps you would like to try
scuba-diving?

These courses are offered in most areas but why not
learn it in some exotic far-flung place and have a
great adventure at the same time? Places are far apart
as Zanzibar or Turkey, Kenya or Israel and the like.

Maybe you are not into the ?watery? sports, so what
about belly-dancing or rock-climbing? Again, all on
offer near you whether it?s in the local community
college or at the mall.

More exciting though when, for example, some dusky
eyed maiden is swiveling her hips for you in some
balmy Mediterranean hotspot.

If the more active holiday is not for you – try out a
cookery course. Think of the shock on your friends or
family?s faces when you invite them to that gourmet
meal that wasn?t delivered by the local eatery. Or
display that water-color you produced yourself on the
shores of the Indian Ocean.

That is not to say that you can?t have that ?lying in
a hammock with cold drink and a good book? kind of
vacation but there is nothing more rewarding than
mastering a new art.

It may be time to impress your friends, and yourself,
with that latent talent you never knew you had!

Life is like a road. There are long and short roads; smooth and rocky roads; crooked and straight paths. In our life many roads would come our way as we journey through life. There are roads that lead to a life of single blessedness, marriage, and religious vocation. There are also roads that lead to fame and fortune on one hand, or isolation and poverty on the other. There are roads to happiness as there are roads to sadness, roads towards victory and jubilation, and roads leading to defeat and disappointment.

Just like any road, there are corners, detours, and crossroads in life. Perhaps the most perplexing road that you would encounter is a crossroad. With four roads to choose from and with limited knowledge on where they would go, which road will you take? What is the guarantee that we would choose the right one along the way? Would you take any road, or just stay where you are: in front of a crossroad?

There are no guarantees.

You do not really know where a road will lead you until you take it. There are no guarantees. This is one of the most important things you need to realize about life. Nobody said that choosing to do the right thing all the time would always lead you to happiness. Loving someone with all your heart does not guarantee that it would be returned. Gaining fame and fortune does not guarantee happiness. Accepting a good word from an influential superior to cut your trip short up the career ladder is not always bad, especially if you are highly qualified and competent. There are too many possible outcomes, which your really cannot control. The only thing you have power over is the decisions that you will make, and how you would act and react to different situations.

Wrong decisions are always at hindsight.

Had you known that you were making a wrong decision, would you have gone along with it? Perhaps not, why would you choose a certain path when you know it would get you lost? Why make a certain decision if you knew from the very beginning that it is not the right one. It is only after you have made a decision and reflected on it that you realize its soundness. If the consequences or outcomes are good for you, then you have decided correctly. Otherwise, your decision was wrong.

Take the risk: decide.

Since life offers no guarantee and you would never know that your decision would be wrong until you have made it, then you might as well take the risk and decide. It is definitely better than keeping yourself in limbo. Although it is true that one wrong turn could get you lost, it could also be that such a turn could be an opportunity for an adventure, moreover open more roads. It is all a matter of perspective. You have the choice between being a lost traveller or an accidental tourist of life. But take caution that you do not make decisions haphazardly. Taking risks is not about being careless and stupid. Here are some pointers that could help you choose the best option in the face of life?s crossroads:
? Get as many information as you can about your situation.

You cannot find the confidence to decide when you know so little about what you are faced with. Just like any news reporter, ask the 5 W?s: what, who, when, where, and why. What is the situation? Who are the people involved? When did this happen? Where is this leading? Why are you in this situation? These are just some of the possible questions to ask to know more about your situation. This is important. Oftentimes, the reason for indecision is the lack of information about a situation.

? Identify and create options.

What options do the situation give you? Sometimes the options are few, but sometimes they are numerous. But what do you do when you think that the situation offers no options? This is the time that you create your own. Make your creative mind work. From the most simplistic to the most complicated, entertain all ideas. Do not shoot anything down when an idea comes to your head. Sometimes the most outrageous idea could prove to be the right one in the end. You can ask a friend to help you identify options and even make more options if you encounter some difficulty, but make sure that you make the decision yourself in the end.

? Weigh the pros and cons of every option.

Assess each option by looking at the advantages and disadvantages it offers you. In this way, you get more insights about the consequences of such an option.

? Trust yourself and make that decision.

Now that you have assessed your options, it is now time to trust yourself. Remember that there are no guarantees and wrong decisions are always at hindsight. So choose? decide? believe that you are choosing the best option at this point in time.

Now that you have made a decision, be ready to face its consequences: good and bad. It may take you to a place of promise or to a land of problems. But the important thing is that you have chosen to live your life instead of remaining a bystander or a passive audience to your own life. Whether it is the right decision or not, only time can tell. But do not regret it whatever the outcome. Instead, learn from it and remember that you always have the chance to make better decisions in the future.

Can you remember that song? Was it in South Pacific?
Ok, for the younger ones, this was a haunting song
from a musical – not many of those around these days!
- which in those days seemed like a world away from
our everyday lives.

But these days Bali has much to offer and it is within
most people?s ?trip of a lifetime? holiday plans.

Where is it? It is one of the islands of Indonesia. If
you look at a world map, Bali is North West of
Australia sitting between Jakarta and East Timor.

What does it have to offer? Well, it could probably be
listed amongst some of the most beautiful places in
the world. The island is practically ringed with white
sand beaches and clear water.

It has an active volcano at its center, rice fields
abound everywhere and Hindu temples, complete with
offerings to the Gods, are scattered throughout the
island.

The island is famous for its batik cloth and
paintings. Balinese culture includes the colorful and
unique dance troupes as well as its famous wood
carvings.

This truly is a beautiful and serene place where the
local people love to show off their cultural heritage.
They welcome visitors from all around the world and
offer many kinds of exciting experiences along with
the usual snorkeling, diving programs, horse-riding
and boat trips to other islands.

This surely must be one of the most exotic and far
flung places you could ever wish to visit.