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Your Opinions about Plastic Surgery?

Posted by Elana Pruitt on July 4, 2008 at 5:10pm

Visit Diary of a Personal Shopper to read more! I agree, she should have stopped after that first nose job...Happy 4th!~ Elana

Happy Indie Business Day!

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 4:03pm

I know it's Independence Day, and I'm not unpatriotic. However, in the spirit of people who sailed around the world in hopes of discovering new and unchartered territory, not that I agree with everything they did once they got here, I applaud their "indiependence," by naming this day "Indie Business Day."

I encourage everyone to do at least one thing today to declare their indiependence from relying solely on traditional means of employment to secure their well-being, by taking the "I Am Indie Business Pledge.""I Am Indie Business" PledgeFrom this day forward, I declare my vigilant and lifelong commitment to maximize my personal and financial potential through Indie Business ownership. To this end, I pledge the following:1. I will use my talents and gifts to provide valuable products and services, and sell them at a fair profit to a specifically defined customer base.2. I will spend conservatively and invest wisely so I can use my business as a wealth building tool.3. I will proactively manage my business by minimizing the use of credit and maintaining indiependence from control by any third parties.4. I will use technology to maximize the earning potential of my business.5. I will commit to investing a portion of my profits in retirement accounts and college savings plans for my children and/or young family members.6. I will positively impact my family legacy by empowering my children and other family members to use their talents and gifts to generate income so they need not be solely dependent on a traditional job to secure their future.7. I will actively support and encouarge other families to start and manage profitable businesses so they can enjoy the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning your own business.8. I will develop relationships with business colleagues and the media in order to spread the word about the benefits of my products and services.9. I will serve my customers with integrity, dignity, fairness and honesty.10. I will give of my time, talent and money to help strengthen my community and make the world a better place.It's not a perfect place, this country we live in. But here we are. May God bless America. Not that we deserve it all the time. But if we always got what we deserved, perhaps none of us would be here, huh?Now off to the Indie Business Day Parade in the booming metropolis of Waxhaw, North Carolina.Did you take the "I Am Indie Business" Pledge? If so, inspire us! Leave a comment with your thoughts on the significance of your pledge. And don't forget to include your blog or website link!To enjoy more Indie, all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

Media Matters

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 4:23am

How to Matter to the MediaOver the years, I have worked with some great publicists, among them the late media powerhouse Paige Ebersole McMahon, Katherine Hutt of Nautilus Communications, Michelle Tenant and Drew Gerber of Wasabi Publicity and Marla Russo of Bella PR. These professionals understand the media, do great work and are devoted to helping their clients' businesses succeed. I have learned so much from the over the years.

But they can be pricey, so they don't work for all Indies all the time. Since Indie Beauty Network members often struggle to meet the demands of growing business while also wearing their own publicist hat, I launched the Media Leads Program to train Indies on how to develop solid media leads and contacts in a cost effective and efficient manner.Here's what Michele Kepier, owner of Flower Peddler and a new Media Leads client, shared with me about her experience in the program, followed by some valuable tips to help you reach out the media with style and flair.dM: Is the Media Leads Program benefiting the Flower Peddler?Michele: Yes. I joined a few months ago and I'm so glad I did!I love that the leads are targeted specifically to the health, beauty, and lifestyle industries. I’ve subscribed to other services and found very few leads that were a match for what we do.Another thing I really like about the program is the help you get in refining your pitch to media inquiries. It can be daunting to figure out exactly the right approach and wording to use to make your pitch interesting enough to avoid the trashcan, and your editing services help keep that from happening.dM: What are you getting out of the media leads program?Michele: So far I’ve pitched five solid leads, received 3 positive responses and gotten one media placement! I am thrilled with that and definitely recommend the program to anyone considering it.dM: What do you think of the price of $25 a month?Michele: I think the price for the program is extremely reasonable, especially considering that it includes media training to help you with your pitches.dM: Tell me a little about Flower Peddler?Michele: We started out as a floral design business, and over the years, developed an interest in scented bath and bodycare products. After meeting a soapmaker with a contagious love for all things herbal and natural, we turned our attention to natural body care.dM: What are some of your most popular products?Michele: Our Caribbean Blue - Pacific Salt Glow, a creamy body scrub with Pacific Sea salt, shea butter, organic sunflower oil, and seaweed extract.Also, our Rabbit's Revenge Soap, which everyone loves in the summertime. It's ultra cool, sweet and refreshing with a delicious combination of crisp garden lettuce blended with just the right amount of cucumber and a touch of melon for the ultimate fresh summer fragrance. It even has real cucumber puree, along with olive, rice bran and sweet almond oils.The Media Leads Program is open to any Indie, but IBN members get a discount (of course!) You can learn more and register here. Meanwhile, here are some tips to help you conduct your own media outreach.* Pitch Ideas, Not Products Or ServicesYes, your products and services are great, but the media doesn't care. What they do care about is stories. If you tie your product or service to an identifiable holiday, current event, common problem or popular topic, then do that.For example, if you make natural insect repellent and there's news of a government agency crackdown on harmful ingredients in insect repellent, then tie that current event and common problem to your product with a pitch about how your product solves the dilemma.There's a problem. You have a solution.If you're Indie, you also have a story, so when you tie together the problem, the solution and your story and you end up with a great pitch.Remember that, on the whole, people don't care about your insect repellent. Why? Because there's no shortage of insect repellent and there's nothing inherently special about it to start with.What people (and the media outlets that serve them) care about is keeping their families safe. That's the connection the media is looking for.* Seek to Serve, Not to Be ServedDon't you hate it when someone tries to sell you something, and all they care about is what's in it for them? Yes, well, the media hates that too.I recently received an email from an author looking to appear on Indie Business Radio. Her book was a fictional story of single life in the big city. If you're familiar with my radio show, you know that that topic makes as much sense as polar bears in Bora Bora. It makes no sense.It was clear to me that the author was looking to hock her book (and for free!) without any regard for my listeners and what they care about. I'm all about providing useful content to a specific type of listener and it's pretty clear from my website that a "sex in the city" type theme would not go over well.I deleted her message.When pitching the media, connect your idea to how you can help the people who will read about it, see it or listen to it.If you don't seek to serve, you're being selfish and irrelevant, and that's a waste of everyone's time.* Share Your SuccessYes, toot your own horn. Beep! Beep!If after weeks or months of working with an editor or show producer to perfect a story about you (or one that includes you), when it hits the stands, tell the entire world. Use your website, newsletter, brochures, postcards, Youtube, Myspace, Blog, Twitter and everything else you can think of to share your success.When others see that an objective member of the media thinks you're worth space in their magazine or whatever, your credibility increases. This means better and more qualified sales leads come your way. This ultimately means more sales.To learn more about my media leads program, click here.To find out about the services of some top notch publicists, visit these service providers, each of whom I highly recommend.* Nautilus Communications: Katherine Hutt is award winning and top notch. Her focus is on serving non-profits.* Wasabi Publicity: Knowledgeable people who run a well-oiled media machine. Ask for Michelle or Drew and tell them dM sent you. You can enjoy my interview with Drew on Indie Business Radio here.* Bella PR: Best for beauty and lifestyle products, Marla Russo is the kind of pretty, energetic beauty you want to cozy up with the editors of major New York print magazines. You can enjoy my interview with Marla on Indie Business Radio here.Related PostsBecome the News You Want to Be Branding, Buzz and Business Using a Publicist to Get Media AttentionFor more Indie Business PR tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

What's Your Hustle?

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 4:04am

Recession Notwithstanding, Not Everyone Is in a PanicYears ago, I dated a guy with an unstable job history. When I expressed my concern, he replied, "Don't worry, I'll always have a hustle." I was mortified. To me, "hustle" was a word used to describe pimping and illegal gaming activities. Today, that guy is an officer in the military, but he's not stopping there. He also owns a successful entertainment company. He has a career and a "hustle," and you need one too.

Today's New York Times contains an article quoting a Goldman Sachs economist: "The labor market is clearly deteriorating, and it's likely to keep deteriorating." Goldman Sachs forecasts that the unemployment rate will continue to rise, peaking at nearly 7% in 2009. That's 7% of Americans without a traditional job.Oh, yeah, you need a hustle.But even with the poor economic forecast, not everyone is in a panic. Those who are not all wound up are the ones who have taken a look within themselves to harness their God-given talents and gifts to create a way to generate income on their own.I'm not talking about getting stupid rich. It's not about money.It's about using what you have to provide for yourself and your family. Regardless of your economic status, personal challenges, educational or work history, credit score or job situation, there's something you can do to fill the gap if you have been relying on a traditional job to make ends meet.Everyone Can Make Money Doing SomethingDo you have computer expertise? There's a guy at my church (I'll call him Tony) who is married with a child and one on the way. He seems to have a secure job at a bank (to the extent such a thing exists at banks today), but I don't know because I've never asked him.Every Sunday, I watch Tony run the computer systems during church. He keeps up with the Power Point presentations, loads the sermons to iTunes and the church website and is generally responsible for helping the church make the best use of technology.So one day after service, I asked Tony if he could help me get my Indie Business Radio shows up on iTunes.Tony quoted me a rate, started a few weeks ago, and by the end of the week, you'll be able to download Indie Business Radio shows to your iPod.My listeners have been after me to do that for months, but I don't have the expertise myself and I didn't know anyone who did. But since I'm always on the alert to find people who can help me in my business, even at church, I found a way to get the job done, while at the same time helping another person get his hustle on. And I know I'm not the only one who can use someone with expertise like him.What I am paying Tony is not going to cover his mortgage. But if Tony is laid off tomorrow, he's got one good customer who will tell the world that he's a talented computer geek and programmer, and highly recommend his services. Imagine what Tony can do with 10 or 20 people like me telling 10 or 20 more people about him!If he wants to, Tony can set up a website with one testimonial tonight when he gets off work, and he'll spend only a small fraction of what I am paying him to get my shows on iTunes.Imagine that. Tony could launch a website today and already be operating in the black.You Can Do It TooWhat are your unique talents and gifts. Can you sew? Mow lawns? Teach people how to plant a garden in their back yard? (If you're in Charlotte, call me please!) Clean houses? Take pictures? Proofread and edit?Don't just sit around reading all the economic forecasts and becoming terrified and overwhelmed with the job prospects on the horizon. What good will that do?Do what Tony's doing and find your own hustle. You never know when you may need it, so why not be prepared?And to that old boyfriend of mine? He's been to Iraq twice. If things go the way I hope and pray they do in Iraq, he may be out of a job after January too. No sweat off his back right? Like he said, "Don't worry, I'll always have a hustle."What's your hustle?To enjoy more Indie, all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

Indie-1; Recession: 0

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 3:53am

Indie Offers Tips and Insights For Going Strong Despite The Economy

Last week, I received in the mail a lovely surprise box of goodies from IBN member Susan Mann of Manor Hall Soap Company in Springfield, Massachusetts. Susan recently introduced a whole new slew of products. I tried some of them and they are great. More about that later.What intrigued me most was that, while so many people are whining about the economy, Susan is introducing new products. It prompted me to invite her to share her secrets for expanding in tough economic times. Here's what she said.dM: They say it's a tough economy right now, yet you are launching new products? How so?Susan: My company has continued to grow steadily over the last four years, and launching new products as the seasons turn has consistently been a part of that growth. I see no reason to change it now.Some products may be seasonal, where I like to bring new scents into popular lines, while other products may have been twelve months or more in the making. I have a yearly budget for new product development, and this has worked really well for me, whether the economy is good or bad.As for sales, whenever economic times are tough, people seem to turn to affordable luxuries, and that's what I offer.My sales have not been affected by the present economic climate. If anything, they've increased! I have a loyal customer base, and I set time aside each week for marketing and PR, so I attribute my growth to those factors also.There's a very interesting thing called the "Lipstick Index," which summarizes findings by the chairman of Estee Lauder that, during less than favorable economic times, sales of lipstick rose while sales of more expensive products declined. I think this is very encouraging for Indies everywhere who, like myself, are in the affordable luxury product market.dM: I know you launched a blog earlier this year. Is that figuring in too?Susan: The blog is going well. I really enjoy the connection to my customers. I'd had a What's Happening (behind the scenes) page on my web site for nearly a year when I realized last May that it could be done even better with a blog.I took inspiration as I watched the Indie Business Blog develop, and in July 2007, I made my very first blog post. Blogging is a convenient way to inform my customers of special sales, free shipping and new product information.I also use my blog to tell my readers a little bit more about different natural ingredients and why I use them. I try to keep it varied, giving home recipes and beauty tips, too. Of course, the blog is also a great way to show a little of what goes on behind the scenes. It feels good to make a batch of soap, and then upload photos to the blog.dM: Where do you get the ideas for your products? What's your inspiration?Susan: My ideas come from the ingredients themselves. I love natural ingredients. I love that they are so simple. I love that you can put plain yogurt on your face and feel so incredibly lifted afterwards. That simplicity, that feeling, is what I want in my products.That's what I set out to do with each and every product I make. That's my inspiration. That's Manor Hall.dM: What do you think of the draft legislation that could be enacted at the FDA Globalization Act of 2008?Susan: I did sign the Petition. I started Manor Hall four years ago with a liter bottle of olive oil and a few ten dollar bills. If this law had been in effect, my company would never have been a possibility.The same story of humble beginnings can be heard from many Indie business owners. If passed, this law would stop any aspiring Indie from starting a business, while bringing many existing others to their knees.In its current form, the law would force me to jump through bureaucratic hoops and cost a great deal, leaving me to o face up to a rearrangement of the business I've spent four years building. The proposed act has to be looked at again and the unfairness throughout needs to be addressed.After years of working hard, it reads more like a penalty for being in this business than regulation. I've signed the petition in the hopes of having our voices heard.dM: What do you love about being Indie?Susan: I love the freedom to be myself. But being Indie isn't necessarily about being alone. Indie business owners form part of a larger movement. I believe we are trend-setters.Ingredients I was using two years ago are now flashed across commercial products as the bigger companies get on board. Indie products aren't conceived in board rooms, or large meetings. They are born out of creativity and response to customer demand.As an Indie Beauty Network member, I can still be myself while gaining the benefit of sound business advice and opportunities. The Indie Experience weekly newsletter continues to be instrumental to my own growth as a business, and as a business woman. The Indie Media Leads Program has presented me with opportunities I wouldn't otherwise have had, and Indie Business Radio is a definite must for Indie ears.More Indie StoriesSoapin' Sisterpreneur What Real Men Talk About Small Business, Global Mission I Won Best In Show!Flowers and FusionTo enjoy inspiring Indie Business Stories all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

Stop the FDA Globalization Act of 2008!!

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 3:37am

Sign the Petition by Leaving A Comment Below!Indies Oppose the FDA Globalization Act of 2008Watch this video and then read the Petition below. Sign the Petition opposing the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 by leaving your name and comment in the comments section below! The petition is for everyone: consumers and the small businesses who make the products they love!

This video summarizes the Indie Beauty Network's position against the Discussion Draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008, the legislation that would put thousands of Indies out of business by forcing them to pay outrageous registration fees and comply with burdensome paperwork.If passed, this law would drive consumers back to the days when they could only choose between a few huge, faceless, nameless big box stores and brands for their cosmetics and personal care products. And fewer consumer choices always leads to higher prices.Tell Congress you want none of it by reading this Petition and then leaving your comment below as your signature to the Petition opposing the draft law.PetitionWe are the owners of small cosmetics companies, and the customers who love their products.We understand that laws must be in place to protect everyone from unsafe products, but we are outraged by the Draft Legislation that would require small cosmetics companies to pay thousands of dollars a year in registration fees and comply with burdensome paperwork that would serve only to put them out of business.If passed the legislation would deny thousands of families the ability to earn an honest living, and also deprive consumers of the variety of cosmetics and personal care products available to choose from.We oppose this law and condemn any companies that support it as being interested only in creating an unlevel playing field where small and family owned businesses will be forced from the marketplace before they even get a chance to start out.We urge you, as our representatives in Congress, to stop this law which would serve only to make it even harder for families to support themselves. We call instead for a real and meaningful discussion about how Congressional goals can be accomplished without enacting unfair laws that make it impossible for small businesses to survive.In signing this Petition, we formally request that the Discussion Draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 be marked up so that the legitimate concerns of small businesses and the consumers they serve can be translated into reasonable laws that protect consumers without also killing small businesses by making them pay unfair fees and comply with burdensome paperwork.We sincerely thank you for your time.Spread the Word!Please feel free to post the video at your blog, myspace page, website and anywhere else it can help spread the word against this anti-small and anti-family business legislation.Click here for the YouTube link. Then copy the Embed link to the right of the video into your website, blog, etc.Please send your customers and colleagues to this blog post to sign this Petition so we can easily keep count of the number of signatories.After you sign the Petition by leaving your name and comments in the comments section below, you could even cut and paste the Petition text and send it to Virgil Miller at virgil.miller@mail.house.gov. Mr. Miller is a Professional Staff Member with the House Energy & Commerce Committee.Our goal is to collect 100,000 signatories to present to Congress. Support small businesses! Support a vibrant marketplace! Make Your voice count!To enjoy regular updates about the FDA Globalization Act of 2008, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.Related LinksDiscussion Draft of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 Share your thoughts and questions at Indie Business Forum Join the Indie Beauty Network

Start Where You Are to Create Successful Video

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on July 4, 2008 at 3:13am

Don't Be Discouraged If Everything Is Not Picture PerfectLast week, Leesa Barnes, a guest on Indie Business Radio, posted suggestions at her blog to help readers produce video on a budget. She encouraged people not to be afraid of video and told them how to use an inexpensive Flip camera to create videos to post to blogs, websites, Myspace pages, etc.

Larry Lawfer, one of the commenters and the owner of Your Storys, a professional videography company, criticized Leesa. He said that, while a Flip camera is nice for "down low social media communications, using one for anything professional or corporate locks you into this low level presentation of your work."There's No Such Thing As "Locked In"I respectfully disagree with Larry. First of all, no one is "locked in" to anything these days. My first blog was pretty lousy. You might say it was even "down low."So was the first business I ever started (lasted about 2 weeks), my very first batch of handmade soap (smelled like ammonia), the first (and only) retail store I ever opened (I got robbed), my first direct examination of a witness in open court (the judge actually prompted me with questions to help me out), my first time having a corporate logo designed (it was amateurish and hard to read) and my first attempt at an online newsletter (no pictures, mixed up links and bad layout).In each case, I didn't have a clue what I was doing when I first started, but I gave it my all and I learned a lot. Have I been "locked in" to those first dismal attempts at making something out of nothing? Nope. I found a place to start and with boots shaking, I put myself out there.And that's what each of us must do. We'll all start at different places, but start somewhere we must. In his comment, Larry also said, "If you shoot something with a consumer camera, then you forever have low level quality. This is not good."There's No Such Thing As "Forever Low Quality"Wrong again, Larry. If you have a relevant message for an audience of people who are interested in it, then you are not forever stuck with low quality. Maybe a particular video is forever low quality, but then so are the Beatles first recordings. That does not mean that the content is not worth enjoying and sharing with other like-minded people who can benefit from it.In a perfect world, everyone would have access to professional equipment, consultants, designers, programmers and videographers. Heck! I'm married to a professional videographer, which sure makes it easy for me to tell everyone else that their Flip cam videos are "forever low quality."What a low quality comment that would be for me to make.Start Where You AreYou're an Indie Business owner. You have a nice website, maybe even a blog or two. You offer quality products and services, and you know that you will need to add video to your marketing repertoire at some point. Should you hide your light under a bushel because you can't afford to hire a professional or purchase fancy equipment to make your first video? Of course not!Just do the best you can with what you have. Buy a video camera that you can afford and practice using it. Get started today sharing whatever your message is with the customers and supporters who will cheer you on, back you up and exchange their credit card numbers for your valuable products and services.Chuck the nay-sayers, even the experienced and professional ones.We don't succeed because of how much we have. Instead, we succeed because of what we do with what we have.What do you think?Do you think you have to come out of the gates with fabulous video to get started? Or fabulous anything else for that matter? Do you agree with me that, if we all waited for perfect before we got started, we'd never get anywhere?To enjoy encouraging Indie Business tips all the time, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

HAVE A POSITIVE VIEW OF LIVE

Posted by Zanira Al-Amin on July 4, 2008 at 2:36am

Zanira’s Quote of the Day – Have a Positive View of Life…………………Positive View of lifeIf you want to be miserable, then get yourself around other people who are miserable. If you wish to be joyful, successful and fulfilled, put yourself around those who live with positive purpose.The more energy you put into complaining about how bad things are, the more things you'll have to complain about. The more intensely you visualize how good things can be, the better they will become.You are naturally drawn to whatever you focus upon. You will see precisely the opportunities and possibilities that you prepare yourself to see.Each day is filled with so many choices and directions that you cannot possibly connect to them all. The ones you do connect with are the ones that most closely resonate with your view of life.Fortunately, you can choose to view life in whatever way you wish. Those who find the best in life are those who continually remind themselves that all the good and valuable things are most certainly there.See your life as a grand opportunity to achieve ALL that you Desire..Zanira Says SMILE

Zanira's Quote of the Day - HAVE A POSITIVE VIEW OF LIFE

Posted by Zanira Al-Amin on July 4, 2008 at 2:05am

Zanira’s Quote of the Day – Have a Positive View of Life…………………Positive View of lifeIf you want to be miserable, then get yourself around other people who are miserable. If you wish to be joyful, successful and fulfilled, put yourself around those who live with positive purpose.The more energy you put into complaining about how bad things are, the more things you'll have to complain about. The more intensely you visualize how good things can be, the better they will become.You are naturally drawn to whatever you focus upon. You will see precisely the opportunities and possibilities that you prepare yourself to see.Each day is filled with so many choices and directions that you cannot possibly connect to them all. The ones you do connect with are the ones that most closely resonate with your view of life.Fortunately, you can choose to view life in whatever way you wish. Those who find the best in life are those who continually remind themselves that all the good and valuable things are most certainly there.See your life as a grand opportunity to achieve ALL that you Desire..http://www.zanira.onesimplecard.comZANIRA SAYS SMILE

A Fun Home Based Business Idea

Posted by Rhonda Jai on July 4, 2008 at 12:03am

Do you have a creative flair or a keen eye for great jewelry? Well then you should consider jewelry making as a home based business. It is fun to get involved in jewelry making and create beautiful fashion accessories. The most popular jewelry making involves using custom glass beads, which are the diamonds of handmade jewelry. Custom handmade glass beads increase the overall value and attractiveness of any jewelry piece.

Handmade glass bead jewelry making is a great way to express your creativity and make original works of arts to compliment your sense of style. You can use handmade glass beads to create necklaces, earrings, bracelets and charms that will help you gain the admiration of others.

Once you have created your unique handmade glass bead jewelry pieces you can keep a few for yourself to help accent your wardrobe or give them as gifts to your friends, family and/or co-workers. Many jewelry artists have started their business that way. When you feel comfortable, you can start selling your handmade glass bead jewelry pieces.

Offer your family, friends, and/or or co-workers a chance to buy a pair of glass bead earrings to match the glass bead bracelet or necklace you have already given them. When a friend, family member, and/or co-worker needs a special gift to give, make a suggestion about how one of your custom handmade glass bead jewelry sets will make the perfect gift for any occasion.

To start selling your glass bead jewelry online you may consider selling on etsy.com, an online marketplace that specializes in buying and selling all things handmade or on the infamous ebay.com. If you are not able to afford the costs associated with creating your own web site to display your beads, then use a blog. A great place to set up a blog is on blogger.com. With a blog you will be able to display your beads and allow potential buyers to leave comments, questions or suggestions.

For more on glass bead jewelry making or if you would like to receive one on one handmade jewelry making techniques visit DK Designs.biz now.

Tips on Rental Cars

Posted by Teresa on July 3, 2008 at 11:17pm

Tips on Rental CarsBy Anna Lynn Sibal

If you are planning to visit another city or another country, it may be more practical to rent a car rather than brave the public transportation system of the place you are going to. Just relying on the public transportation system can limit your mobility, especially when there are places where you want to go that are not covered by the public transport. Depending on the public transport so you can get around can also put undue time pressure on your gallivanting and eats away a little at the element of fun that you are supposed to have when exploring an unfamiliar place.Moreover, when you are traveling with a group and that group includes children, herding the group around through the public transport system can become a nightmare. It is possible to arrange for rental cars before you actually leave for your journey. You can do this through telephone or the Internet. But before you make your reservation with a rental car company, there may be a few things that you will need to consider before you actually reserve a car for your trip.Here are a tips for renting a car:Transmission. Do you go manual or automatic? In some countries, manual transmission is the norm, and if you are someone who relies on automatic transmission, you may need to make an early reservation.Fuel efficiency. While most rental car companies hire out fuel-efficient cars, it is best to make sure that the car you will be using is indeed fuel efficient. Otherwise, you may find your travel budget being sucked dry by fuel prices.Interior space. The interior space, the size of the seats and the legroom of some cars are not always what you think they are. In Europe, for instance, the inside of the car is often smaller than what Americans are probably used to. Therefore, always check out the size of the car you are thinking of renting before actually booking it.Storage space. What goes for interior space also goes for storage space. If you are going to bring stuff with you while you drive around the place you are visiting, choose a car with ample trunk space suitable to your needs.Extras. Never assume that the car you are renting automatically has air conditioning or stereo or GPS tracker, or whatever accessories and features you would expect from a car. Specify what features you would need if you have to.Smoking or non-smoking. Always ask for a non-smoking car. It is highly likely that the non-smoking car hired out by rental car companies are a lot newer and cleaner than smoking cars.If you travel frequently, you may want to become more loyal to one particular rental car company, although it is always best to patronize another company as backup. Just like with airlines and hotels, rental car companies always have something special to offer exclusively to their loyal customers, whether in the form of discounts or other perks.*For all your travel and rental car needs go to http://www.gottitravel.com

STREET FAIR NEWS!

Posted by CASSANDRA on July 3, 2008 at 11:11pm

I FINALLY GOT THE CHANCE TO SELL MY PRODUCTS AT A STREET FAIR IN BROOKLYN NY! IM SO EXCITED! I THOUGHT I'LL NEVER GONNA GET THE CHANCE TO BE A VENDOR AT A STREET FAIR. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!

Obama opens door to altering Iraq policy - What are your thoughts on this???

Posted by Crystal Smith on July 3, 2008 at 8:07pm

Obama opens door to altering Iraq policy By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer3 minutes agoFARGO, N.D. - Democrat Barack Obama opened the door Thursday to altering his plan to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq in 16 months based on what he hears from military commanders during his upcoming trip there.ADVERTISEMENT"I am going to do a thorough assessment when I'm there," he told reporters on the airport tarmac here. "I'm sure I'll have more information and continue to refine my policy."During his presidential campaign, Obama has gone from the hard-edged, vocal opposition to Iraq that defined his early candidacy to more nuanced rhetoric that calls for a phased-out drawdown of all combat brigades that, at a rate of one or two a month, could last 16 months. He has said that if al-Qaida builds bases in Iraq, he would keep troops either in the country or the region to carry out "targeted strikes."Republicans, who have been goading Obama to return to Iraq to see conditions for himself, pounced."There appears to be no issue that Barack Obama is not willing to reverse himself on for the sake of political expedience," said Alex Conant, a spokesman for the national Republican Party. "Obama's Iraq problem undermines the central premise of his candidacy and shows him to be a typical politician."Obama's GOP rival, John McCain, has been a vocal supporter of the Iraq war and war policy has been a central disagreement between the two candidates.But Obama insisted that his position has not changed at all.He said he is saying now what he always has: The war was a mistake and needs to be brought to "a responsible end," but "we need to be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in." This means, he said, that his 16-month timeline was always premised on troops being safe and Iraq being stable."I'm going to continue to gather information to see whether those conditions still hold," he said. "My goal is to end this conflict as soon as possible."Although he did not specifically mention his 16-month timeline on Thursday, Obama called it "pure speculation" to suggest he has been softening or even backing off his position as conditions improve in Iraq."I continue to believe that it is a strategic error for us to maintain a long-term occupation in Iraq at a time when conditions in Afghanistan are worsening, al-Qaida is continuing to establish bases in areas of northwest Pakistan, resources there are severely strained and we are spending $10 to $12 billion a month in Iraq that we desperately need here at home, not to mention the strains on our military," Obama said.Obama plans a visit this summer to Jordan, Israel, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The Illinois senator also has said he intends to visit Iraq and Afghanistan this summer as part of an official congressional trip that would be separate from the campaign-funded Mideast and European tour. It would be his second trip to Iraq.

Kosher..Hand Made..Body Products

Posted by Afiya on July 3, 2008 at 7:43pm

MY TIME IS UP!

Posted by CASSANDRA on July 3, 2008 at 7:35pm

I'VE BEEN A MEMBER FOR AWHILE AND I KEEP SEEING THE SAME PEOPLE POST TO WHO THEY ARE COOL WITH. WELL I'M TIRED OF REACHING OUT AND NOT GETTING ANY FEEDBACK. I THOUGHT THIS WAS PLACE TO HELP NETWORK AND MEET OTHER PEOPLE THATS DOING THE SAME. I DECIDED TO GIVE IT A BREAK, SO I DON'T GET DISAPPOINTED ANY LONGER.I WISH EVERYONE WELL AND KEEP WORKING HARD. I HAVE TO BE IN A PLACE WHERE I'M COMFORTABLE AND NOT BE THE ONLY ONE SENDING GREETINGS.

NAACP Theatre Awards

Posted by Jim Neusom on July 3, 2008 at 7:21pm

Greetings Family,(Contact Information At Bottom Of Page)It's your friendly neighborhood "Digital Drummer" again (smile)The NAACP, long renown as one of America's premier civil rights organizations, saluted Black theatre this week in Hollywood California, at the Kodak Theatre. The NAACP in fulfilling it's mission to advance and promote Black culture, presented the best in Black theatre at the 18th Annual, NAACP Theatre Awards.Black theatre plays a major role in the training, nurturing and producing of Black talent, and more importantly creating unique Black "Content". There is no entertainment magic, like live theatre. The Theatre Awards, showcases the best and the brightest of this art formMost of us think of NY's famed Broadway when we hear the word “Theatre”, but the truth of the matter is that America has a large and thriving Black theatrical circuit. Every urban center produces, original Black plays and talent. The Theatre Awards lifts this urban market to national prominence.***************(Advertisement)*********************Need some great ideas for corporate or personal gift-giving?Then go to City Lights Software(http://www.citylightssoftware.com )and see some of the most unique afrocentric gifts available online!We Deliver ONLINE - Direct To Your Desktop for just $14.95Please take the time to purchase one our afrocentric screen savers TODAY!Don't Just Talk the Talk...Let Your Dollars Walk the WalkIf you have any problems with purchasing online contact me direct at sales@citylightssoftware.com or call (213) 944-4176*****************************************************Beyond the glitz and glamour of a celebrity filled Hollywood awards show (see slide show link below), the NAACP Theatre Awards presented live performances of the best Black plays in America; Ray - The Musical, and The Color Purple. Ray, The Color Purple, and Jitney, were the top award winners.Dancing with the Stars and R&B idol, Mario rocked the house. It was amazing to see the cadre and caliber of Black celebrity attendee's. Vivica A. Fox received the Spirit Award. Legendary Broadway conductor/arranger Harold Wheeler was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.We're always talking about the way Black culture is negatively presented in the media. Well here for all the world to see, was the elite of Black theatre, on one stage. The NAACP is truly doing good work in representing and promoting Black culture, or as their motto says...Advancing Colored People!Please continue to support the NAACP and Black theatre in your local community. Your dollars, volunteerism, and participation make events like the 18th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards possible....Support Black Theatre!!!For More Information on the NAACP and the annual Theatre Awards see the websites belowThe NAACPhttp://www.naacp.orgThe 18th Annual NAACP Theatre Awardshttp://bhwdnaacptheatreawards.com/Celebrity Slide Showhttp://www.slide.com/r/yDTZd1HA1D-QbmB8WcL2ySLJW7ZJ1et9?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original**************(Advertisement)*********************Looking For More Exposure, Want To Help A Good Cause, Need Money???Come on over to www.freshfaces2u.com and register to win $10,000 dollars CASH!At Fresh Faces2u it's NOT about how you look...But Who You Are!Join us in our mission to change the image of women in the mediaSign Up Today At Fresh Faces2u.com******************************************************This Online Journal was brought to you by InterServe Networks. Feel Free To Forward To Your Network Of Online FriendsWe Practice Responsible E-Commerce Marketing and Privacy Policies. We do not indulge in or encourage Spamming. We never send unsolicited emails. You are receiving this message as part of our opt-in subscriber mailing list or you are a member of an affiliated newsgroup.For comments or suggestions please contact us at the following;Jim Neusom (jneusom@yahoo.com)Executive Director/PublisherInterServe Networks/City Lights Software, Inc.www.citylightssoftware.comwww.freshfaces2u.comwww.myspace.com/jimneusomwww.myspace.com/freshfaces2uTo subscribe to our opt-in mailing list simply send an email to; The_City_Lights_Reporter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com ( on Myspace go to http://blog.myspace.com/jimneusom )

Her Style My Way

Posted by CeCe Cole on July 3, 2008 at 4:00pm

Fashion is a revolution, vaguely elusive, and extremely seductive. Fashion has the power to transform any image into a social statement.How Do We Define Fashion1. a prevailing custom or style of dress, etiquette, socializing, etc.:2. conventional usage in dress, manners, is polite of society, or conformity to it:3. manner; way; mode:4. the make or form of anything:Most use fashion as an art form to others it’s a religion or a way of life. It’s an identity, a personality, trademark, and a disguise of one’s true self.Fashion is a statement of many truths accompanied by accessories even down to your cell phone and the car you drive.Show your passion for fashion, submit your articles, images, and websites. Let’s Celebrate Style!Join Our Group: Her Style My Way!Visit www.TrentsSolutions.com

The Top 10 Commandments of Business

Posted by The Black Business Cafe on July 3, 2008 at 3:15pm

In the recent business book entitled "Jesus CEO," author Laurie Beth Jones presents Jesus not as a religious messiah but rather as an executive leader. The book is a kind of how-to manual for succeeding as corporate officers. It got me wondering what if a modern-day executive received a Divine Memo? It would probably be a guide that combines spiritual and professional advice, and it might read like the following:1. Thou shalt listen twice as much as thou shalt speaketh.You have two ears and one mouth--so listen twice as much as you speak. Good judgment comes from careful listening. Sometimes the greatest successes come not from generating new ideas, but rather from applying a great idea borrowed from somewhere else.2. Thou shalt slay thy dragons.When you solve business problems, make sure that you solve them permanently. Temporarily fixing a problem is akin to chasing a dragon away or merely hurting it, and a wounded dragon can come back to wreak havoc another day. Slay your dragon once and for all, and then move on to the next one.3. Thou shalt thinketh, "What can go wrong?"Winning in business often means taking nothing for granted. In order to be successful, assume that things will go wrong unless you prevent them from doing otherwise. Eliminate what can go wrong, and things will start going right.4. Thou shalt knoweth that authority comes first to those who seize it.It you want more, then do more. Authority comes quickly to those who take responsibility and assume ownership. If you want a job, then do it.5. Thou shalt remember the 30-second rule, and make it thine own.You have 30 seconds to get your point across to a busy executive. This rule is the same whether it's a memo, a chart, or a conversation. If you can't say it in 30 seconds, then it's probably not simple enough to pass this test.6. Thou shalt prepare thy homework.No meeting should be held if participants have not done their homework in advance. Poor preparation wastes time; if you're not ready, then it's better to reschedule the meeting.7. Thou shalt rely on thy gut.A hunch is your creativity trying to tell you something. Your first gut instinct often proves to be right. Learn to recognize it and to act on it.8. Thou shalt admit thy mistakes.Since we all make mistakes, only a fool doesn't admit them. Learn how to say, "I made a mistake." It's only after you've learned how to admit your mistakes that you'll learn how to correct them.9. Thou shalt walketh from Point A to Point B.When you start working on a new project, first assess where you are (Point A) and then where you are going (Point B). In order to finish the project, focus on how to get from Point A to Point B.10. Thou shalt remember that it will take 20 percent longer to do it right.Whenever setting a deadline, remember that it usually takes 20 percent more time to do it right. Tasks almost always take longer than you think they will, and having extra time in the schedule will help when you encounter these unknown challenges along the way.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------About the SubmitterThis piece was originally submitted by Keith Herrmann, Director of Finance, Exide ElectronicsEdited: June 28, 2008 06:20PM

Airline Baggage Policies & Pricing

Posted by Teresa on July 3, 2008 at 2:52pm

Airline Baggage Policies

The following carriers have made changes to their checked baggage policies;

Air CanadaAirTran AirwaysAmerican AirlinesContinental AirlinesDeltaFrontierJetBlueNorthwest AirlinesUnitedUS AirwaysAir Canada:Air Canada has announced a new checked baggage policy for tickets issued on or after May 15 for travel on or after July 15, 2008. For those traveling before July 15, 2008or have booked before May 15, 2008, the baggage allowance of 2 bags per person would still apply.Under the new policy, customers who purchase tickets on Air Canada which carry a cancellation penalty, may check one bag at no charge and a second bag for a $25 service fee. The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.This policy applies for travel within Canada and between Canada and continental U.S. including Hawaii.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on carrier's Web site.AirTran Airways:AirTran Airways has announced a new checked baggage policy effective May 15, 2008.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $10 USD fee if paid through AirTran Airways' Online Check-in or $20 if paid at the airport, then $50 USD per bag thereafter. The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on carrier's Web site.Note: Military personnel may check one duffel/sea bag in place of a 61-inch bag.American Airlines:American Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy effective for tickets purchased on or after June 15.This policy applies for travel within the U.S. the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada.Customers may check one bag for a $15 USD fee ($30 USD round-trip) and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy, including exceptions, posted on the carrier's Web site.Back to TopContinental Airlines:Continental Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on the carrier's Web site.Note: OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders, active military traveling on orders are not impacted by this policy change.Delta:Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008.This policy applies to domestic travel.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change.Frontier:Please be advised of the following baggage fee changes that Frontier has implemented effective Jun 10.Customers who purchase tickets for travel on or after June 10th will be charged a $25fee for a second checked bag.Customers who have already purchased tickets before that date will not be affected. Our EarlyReturnsÂ® Summit and Ascent members and active duty military personnel will be exempt from this fee.The policy for pets traveling in the aircraft cabin will be discontinued effective June 10, but all existing reservations will be honored.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on the carrier's Web site.JetBlue:JetBlue has announced a new checked baggage policy that will take effect June 1, 2008.This new policy applies to customers traveling on/after June 1, 2008.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $20 USD fee ($40 USD round-trip). Subsequent bags will be assessed at $50 USD per bag. The fees may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of each baggage.Northwest Airlines:Northwest Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within North America on or after May 5, 2008.This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within North America on/after May 5.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on Northwest Airlines' Web site.Note: Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerksÂ® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will not be impacted by this policy change.United:United has announced a new checked baggage policy for nonrefundable domestic economy tickets that were purchased on or after February 4 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.This policy applies to travel within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on United's Web site.Note: Customers with Mileage Plus Premier status or greater, Star Alliance Silver status or greater, government fares, military fares, standard Award Tickets, first and business class award tickets, or first and business class upgrades granted prior to check-in are not impacted by this policy change.US Airways:US Airways has announced a new baggage policy for tickets purchased on or after February 26 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.The new policy applies to all flights within the United States, to/from Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.Click here for complete details regarding the baggage policy posted on US Airways' Web site.Note: Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairmanâ€™s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.

Blue Jean Bandits

Posted by Kamilah Campbell on July 3, 2008 at 2:15pm

These crews of bandits are really beginning to hurt small boutique businesses in Atlanta. For the past year, many women’s and men’s boutique in the Atlanta metro area have been burglarized by these bandits, who have stolen designer jeans retailing at $200 and selling them on the black market for as low as $70. Talk about a deeply discounted product.With most boutiques being hit more than once, these thefts are severely affecting the businesses and some boutique owners say if they are hit again by these perpetrators they will have to close their business. Some of the most popular brands targeted are True Religion, Rock N Republic, Citizens of Humanity, Red Monkey and Evisu. In one hit these thieves are getting away with on average about $100,000 in merchandise. Some business owners have had to pay to hire security guards and not mention their insurance premiums have nearly tripled.Since I’m a solution minded person, I came up with a possible solution. Here goes, let me know what you think….· Discontinue the sale of designer jeans in these boutiques and let your customers know that they are Web Exclusive items that can be ordered via your stores website and only keep samples of each size per brand in the store so that your customer will know what size to order via the web. This will also help drive additional business to the stores site and help boost sales in a tech savvy way.I know it’s a great feeling as a customer to actual go into the store and walk away with the merchandise. However, I’m one of those customers that loves to shop online and would rather make my purchase this way.

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Note: this page contains paid content.

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Note: this page contains paid content.