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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.

What's That Ur Reading???

Posted by Charna on July 3, 2008 at 3:30am

What is it that I'm reading... stop by my blog and see for yourself...http://majestiqueworld.blogspot.comSee you there!

Power Wednesday Call ~ July 2, 2008 @ 9pm - 10pm Free Call ~ Going Above & Beyond

Posted by The Black Business Cafe on July 2, 2008 at 10:35pm

Wednesday Power Call tonightJuly 2, 2008 at 9pm - 10pmGuest: Quiana MurrayQ & A Consulting LLCTopic: Going Above & Beyond-Creative ways to create a High touch Business Model-Learn how to position your business to compete with your competitorsUnited StatesDial-in Number: 712-432-1600Access Code: 100749#International Dial-in NumbersAustria: 0820 4000 1552Belgium: 070 35 9974France: 0826 100 256Germany: 01805 00 76 09Ireland: 0818 270 021Italy: 848 390 156Netherlands: 0870 001 920Spain: 902 886025Switzerland: 0848 560 179UK: 0870 35 204 74

Just an update..........

Posted by Dominique on July 2, 2008 at 10:31pm

My magazine From A Writers POV was recently updated. My column Spiritual Advice/Motivation was updated as well. My new article for the month is "Don't forget how you got here" Checkit out here:http://www.creativewritings-designs.com/tmp/Spiritualadvice/spiritual_advice_motivation.htmlBe sure to check out all the other writers and their articles.http://www.creativewritings-designs.com/tmp/index.htmlLastly, my new column D-determined L-live W-woman~DLW~ is updated daily with different topics about things going on around us. It's something new I've started just for and those who like to read my work. Be sure to check it out and join the mailing list. http://dominique101.bravejournal.com/God Bless, Dominiquehttp://dominiquewatson.webs.com

Author Ananda Leeke's Atlanta Book Reading is July 24.

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on July 2, 2008 at 9:08pm

For Immediate ReleaseJuly 2, 2008 - Washington, DC -- On Thursday, July 24, 2008, TaxConcepts, LLC’s will host a Client Spotlight featuring Author Ananda Leeke from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 236 Auburn Avenue (in the Atrium conference room), Atlanta, Georgia. Leeke will discuss her writing journey and experience as a life entrepreneur. She will also read novel excerpts that reference Atlanta, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Savannah State University. A book signing will follow the reading. TaxConcepts, LLC is a progressive multidisciplinary practice offering innovative business, legal and tax solutions conveniently located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, in the "Sweet Auburn" district.Leeke will facilitate “That Which Awakens Me,” a contemplative practices workshop for women at the Black Women's Arts Festival on Saturday, August 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Sanctuary, 2737 Cambridge Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The workshop includes meditation, breathing exercises, chair yoga, Reiki healing touch, poetry from Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One, and journaling exercises based on collages. The workshop fee is $15. To register for the workshop, visit www.bwafphilly.org.Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Public Library will host a book reading and signing for Leeke on Wednesday, August 13 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Program Room of the Washingtoniana Division located at 901 G Street, NW, Washington, DC. She will read novel excerpts that celebrate DC neighborhoods such as U Street, Shaw, Adams Morgan, and Dupont Circle.Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke tells the story of Karma Francois, a thirtysomething California-born BoHo BAP (Bohemian Black American Princess) with Louisiana roots and urban debutante flair. The book shows how a woman uses therapy, yoga, meditation, art, music, poetry, and support from family and friends to confront the effects of her poor life choices and embrace a spiritual journey of healing and love. The book was published by iUniverse, Inc. in August 2007 and is available on www.amazon.com.The novel was written to encourage self-discovery and healing, illustrate the diversity of loving relationships, emphasize the importance of yoga and meditation practice, and cultivate HIV/AIDS awareness. It was also written to celebrate Black history, colleges and universities, sororities and fraternities, art, culture, and music; Washington, DC neighborhoods such as U Street, Shaw, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle; cities such as Oakland, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York; and the cultural connections that African Americans share with Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America.About the Author: Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke is a writer, artist, yoga teacher, Reiki Master practitioner, creativity coach, radio host, and life entrepreneur. Her poetry appeared in Beyond the Frontier: African American Poetry for the 21st Century. Leeke is a graduate of Morgan State University, Howard University School of Law, and Georgetown University Law Center. She lives in Washington, DC.Contact Information:Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn LeekeKiamsha.com, LLCkiamshaleeke@yahoo.comwww.lovestroubadours.comwww.youtube.com/kiamshaleeke

Love's Troubadours - What's New in July - Celebrating Black Women Who Rock and BAP Living Radio on 7.6.08

Posted by Ananda Kiamsha Madelyn Leeke on July 2, 2008 at 3:37pm

Blessings All,This month Love's Troubadours web site is celebrating Black Women Who Rock in teaching people how to live well with interior design and wine. How did you like my rhyme? Is it the beginning of my career as a BAP Hip Hop artist? No need to answer. I'm gonna keep my day jobs!Love's Troubadours web site is also celebrating Black Women Who Rock for 100 years this month. These women are members of my Aunt Jane's sorority - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. For more information, visit www.lovestroubadours.comAlso, check out the BAP Living social networking site for women of African descent who self-identify as Black American Princesses (BAPs) and Educated Black Women (EBW) just like Love's Troubadours' main character Karma Francois and myself. http://baplivingforbapsandebw.ning.com.BAP Living Groups are now on Myspace and Facebook. See the links below.-BAP Living Myspace Group - http://groups.myspace.com/bapliving-BAP Living Facebook Group - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=15124364305Enjoy July!Be love, love light, and live as the spirit of life!Ananda LeekeGo Green BAP Author and Life EntrepreneurPS: Be sure to tune into BAP Living Radio on Sunday, July 6 from 7pm-8:30pm. Visit www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598 to listen to the show. If you miss the program, you will be able to listen to a recording that will be posted immediately following the show. The July 6th program theme is “Exploring the Best of Black Womanhood in Indie Music, Books, and Internet Media” (web sites, social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, radio and television shows, and YouTube videos). A guest panel featuring the following women will share their expertise:-Khadijah Ali-Coleman, writer, educator, performer and co-founder of Liberated Muse Productions, an arts-based planning group coordinating the Capital Hip Hop Soul Fest in Washington, DC-Corynne Corbett, a blogger, writer, editor, former editor-in-chief of Heart & Soul and Mode, and founder of That Black Girl Site and My Black Girl Site, a magazine-style blog collective and a social networking site in New York, New York-Shawna Renee Madison, a radio host/producer, blogger, and founder of Cocoa Mode in Washington, DC-Monica McInyre, an independent musician (cellist), lyricist, vocalist, and creative director of the Black Women's Arts Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-Diane Williams, an author, radio host, founder/publisher of 22nd Century Press, and co-founder of Black Author Showcase social networking site in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Check your Online Image

Posted by Christine on July 2, 2008 at 2:31pm

As many of us are online merchants of goods and services and may not have regular face to face contact with our clients it is important for us to present an online image that is personable and approachable. I have visited many websites where I cannot get a sense of who the vendor is. There are no pictures, no “about me/us” profiles and sometimes the vendors offer only an email address or a number where they can be reached. I visited a website the other day where they had beautiful scarves and children’s attire from Kenya and Ghana, but I could not locate any information about the vendor besides an address, a number and an email address. I could not get a sense of with whom I was dealing and thus was reluctant to whip out my credit card and make a purchase, even though the prices were great!Some may say, ‘well you don’t know who owns Target or Walmart, so….’. Well, we’re not Target or WalMart. Actually, on second thought, I do know the face of Walmart – Sam Walton! Remember Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s? I do. How about Colonel Sanders? I remember the KFC commercials when they were Kentucky Fried Chicken and the Colonel had that commercial wearing that ol’ white suit! They put themselves out there as teh face behind the chicken, the burger, or the really inexpensive short set for your child. The point is, who are you to visitors to your website. Are you a jar? A bag? A scarf?I’m going to talk about few of our members here, and I hope they don't mind. I ran upon the Smell Goods Lady, Itiel, a long while back (when I was still mashing my shea buttah with a spoon) before I “met” her on BBWO. And I remembered her…why? Because I remembered her picture with the beautiful, long dreadlocks and I thought, wow, this picture really embodies the whole ‘natural bath and body products”. How appropriate! Erin Anthony is the face (and hair) of Nappturosity. When I think of Nappturosity, I see her artfully braided hair.Now, I’m not saying everyone has to do as Itiel or Erin. But think about it, what is your online presence….what do people feel is the “real you” when they visit your website. Do you have a picture? Do you have an about us/about me page? Are you accessible? The Internet can be an very impersonal place - how do you make yourself stand out?

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.