Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Clay Cooper's Country Music Express Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID_QZGkY1y8&hl=en
Monday, November 29, 2010
Experience Exciting New Attractions in Branson, Missouri With a Branson Vacation Package
Branson, Missouri is often called the "Live Music Capital of the World," but the city offers much more than just musical entertainment. With exciting new attractions opening in the area all the time, Branson is attracting more and more visitors each year. Branson is growing in amazing leaps and bounds with plenty to see and do for everyone. With a Branson vacation package, you can visit this fun-packed city without paying a fortune and enjoy everything from a great hotel to adventurous tours.
Branson Music and Shows
The musical entertainment in Branson, MO includes music ranging from Broadway to gospel or country music. There are big band performances and even easy listening music shows. There are dinner shows with comedy, magic, dancing, or drama. If planning a Branson, MO vacation soon, you can check show dates and times online and even reserve tickets in advance. Some Branson vacation packages include music and others types of shows in the package at a discount.
Festivities Year Round
Branson offers local festivities all year long. During the holiday season, there are the Ozark Mountain Christmas festivities, which offer millions of lights, production shows with Christmas themes, shopping at name brand outlets and boutiques, theme park festivals and more. During the fall season, there are crafts and fall festivals that only add to the beauty of the local colorful foliage. The Branson Fest is another major event.
Family Fun in Branson
For a family vacation in Branson, there are plenty of fun activities. At the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, families can enjoy rides, festivals, shows, and other attractions all at one central location. Some of the thrill rides include Fire-In-The-Hole, The Flooded Mine, The Giant Swing, The American Plunge, and more. Attractions include the Geyser Gulch, Marvel Cave, and Grandfather's Mansion. Another popular theme park in Branson is Celebration City.
For those hot summer vacations, the White Water Park offers cool, wet rides for all ages plus a huge 500,000-gallon wave pool! Kids love the geysers, water gadgets, and soakers at Rain Tree Island in the water park.
Families can also take an exciting 40-mile round trip excursion on the Branson Scenic Railway. The train travels through the Ozark foothills as passengers learn about the area's history and see unspoiled scenes of nature and beauty.
Other attractions include the Dixie Stampede, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, Titanic Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Butterfly Place, Ride the Wheels show, and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Golf in Branson, Missouri
Branson lures golfers with some of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the nation. Branson golf courses are tucked away in the hills and valleys of the Ozarks, making them very scenic. There are courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. Some of the local courses and clubs include the Branson Creek Golf Club, Ledgestone Country Club (Stonebridge Village), 1000 Hills Golf Resort, and the Holiday Hills Golf Course.
Dining in Branson
Branson offers more than 350 restaurants with international cuisine, delicious buffets, fast foods, or gourmet cooking. Whether you want to dine with the family or enjoy a romantic evening for two, there are restaurants for every purpose. Cuisines include Chinese, Italian, American, Hong Kong, Japanese, and more. There are steak houses, pizza restaurants, dinner theaters, seafood restaurants, and even barbecue restaurants to fit every taste bud!
Branson, MO is a hot travel spot you'll want to visit again and again. Be sure to check online and book a Branson package for your next vacation in advance so you can enjoy all the city has to offer at a great price.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Branson "To Whom it May Concern"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SXYEvZIZ2g&hl=en
Saturday, November 27, 2010
How to Have a Positive Attitude That Propels You to Success - Part 5
From the Ghetto to the Surgical Suite
Have you ever heard of Ben Carson? From a poor African-American boy growing up in the ghettos of Detroit, Michigan, to a world-renowned neurosurgeon, Ben Carson overcame incredible odds beyond what most people will ever face.
He was born in Detroit, where his childhood journey was filled with poverty. He struggled with poor grades and a violent temper. His mother, who only had a third-grade education, constantly challenged him to strive for excellence. Ben rose from the bottom to the top of his class. His achievements earned him academic scholarships to college and medical school.
Today, Dr. Ben Carson is director of pediatric neuro-surgery at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland. He is world-renowned for leading a medical team that separated West German conjoined twins in 1987. He is also credited with leading a team of South African doctors in the first successful separation of vertically conjoined twins in 1997.
Dr. Carson holds numerous honors and awards, including more than 20 honorary doctorate degrees. He is a member of the board of directors of the Kellogg Company, honored by the Horatio Alger Society, as well as a fellow of the Yale Corporation, the governing body of Yale University.
Dr. Carson's remarkable story is told in his first book, Gifted Hands. THINK BIG, his second book, encourages others to develop their intellectual potential. His latest book, The Big Picture, offers an up-close look at a professional surgeon's life, together with his unique perspective on priorities, race, society, success, and living out a life of faith in a complex world. He travels globally to share his knowledge and philosophy with the hope of inspiring people of all ages and educational backgrounds to be-and do-their best.
Is Ben Carson the lucky exception to the rule? Let's find out.
Jason and Matthew versus Goliath
Early in 1994, twin brothers Jason and Matthew Olim began creating CDnow.com, an Internet music store. Working in their parent's basement, on a shoestring budget, they competed against Fortune 500 companies with millions of dollars to spend...and won. In 1997 CDnow.com earned almost three times as much as its nearest rival, and owned one third of the online music business. From first month revenues of $387 in August of 1994, the company grew to sales of $16.4 million in 1997, and currently enjoys over $100 million in annual revenues.
Inspiring Billionaire
Born in 1950, Richard Branson grew up in a traditional family and received his education at Stowe School. While there, at the age of sixteen, he established a national magazine entitled, Student. By seventeen, he had started a Student Advisory Centre aimed at helping young, troubled teens.
At the age of twenty, he founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer. A short while later, he opened a record shop on Oxford Street, London. In 1972, a recording studio was built in Oxfordshire where the first Virgin artist, Mike Oldfield, recorded "Tubular Bells," later released in 1973.
That first album on Virgin Records went on to sell more than five million copies. At the age of 27, Richard signed The Sex Pistols to Virgin Records after the group was turned down by every major label in Great Britain.
Over the years, he signed many superstar names including Steve Winwood, Paula Abdul, Belinda Carlisle, Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Simple Minds, The Human League, Bryan Ferry, Culture Club, Janet Jackson, and The Rolling Stones. As is evident, Branson managed to turn the Virgin Music Group into a giant success.
In 1992, the Virgin Music Group-record labels, music publishing and recording studios-was sold to Thorn EMI in a $1 billion US deal.
The interests of Virgin Group have since expanded into international "Megastore" music retailing, books and software publishing, film and video editing facilities. In addition, Virgin now has clubs and hotels throughout 100 companies in 15 countries.
Virgin Atlantic Airways, started in 1984, is now the second largest British long haul international airline. It operates a fleet of Boeing 747 aircraft to New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, San Francisco, Washington, Dallas, and Tokyo.
The airline was founded on the concept of offering competitive and high quality first class and economy services. The airline holds many major airline awards and recently earned "Airline of the Year Award" for the third consecutive year.
In 1993, the combined sales of Virgin Group Companies exceeded $1 billion US. In addition to his own business activities, Branson is a trustee of several charities. These include The Healthcare Foundation, a leading healthcare charity responsible for the launch of a health education campaign named Parents Against Tobacco. This organization is aimed at limiting tobacco advertisements and sponsorships in sports.
Since 1985, Branson, while actively engaged in his vocations, has also been involved in a number of record-breaking land and air speed and distance attempts. In 1986, his boat, "Virgin Atlantic Challenger II," rekindled the spirit of the Blue Riband by crossing the Atlantic Ocean in the fastest recorded time ever.
One year later, the hot air balloon called the "Virgin Atlantic Flyer," was the first hot air balloon ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean. It was the largest ever flown at 2.3 million cubic feet capacity, reaching speeds in excess of 130 mph.
In 1991, Branson crossed the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Arctic Canada, the furthest distance of 6,700 miles. Again he broke all existing records with speeds of up to 245 mph in a balloon measuring 2.6 million cubic feet.
Branson admits that his success is simply in "believing that I can do what others believe they cannot do." Branson's key is a powerful attitude.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Social Awareness and Leadership
What makes people want to follow a leader? What makes them - in the most extreme cases - willing to lay down their lives for that person?
At their best, leaders are 'living symbols' of a particular set of values that the followers subscribe to, enabling an almost spiritual feeling of being part of something greater than oneself. Think of what Churchill was to the British in the Second World War, what Gandhi was to the non-violence movement, or, to take some business examples, what Richard Branson is to Virgin staff or Steve Jobs to Apple devotees.
Four hundred years ago, being burned at the stake was the official punishment for the crime of heresy in England. It was less than two hundred years ago that slavery was abolished in the British Empire. Over time, our values system has evolved to the point where we no longer find these practices acceptable. Culture and values systems develop over time. The best leaders assist in the evolution of an organization's values system or culture by calling to and encouraging the elements that are ready to make the leap to the next level. Leaders are also to an extent a blank canvas onto which their followers project elements of their own values systems. Which values are appealed to and projected - the best or the worst - will depend on what the leader says and does.
As part of this projection process, followers make sense of a leader's words and actions by making up a 'story' about them. In the follower's mind, the leader becomes the hero of a narrative constructed partly from pre-existing archetypes (the king, the wise woman, the father, the magician) which are common to society as a whole, and partly from the traditions and culture of that particular organization.
The meaning of what we say, or what we do, depends on its context. Delivering a hilariously accurate character assessment to a close colleague will mean one thing over a few friendly pints, but quite another in the middle of a board meeting. So the words, actions and qualities of a leader are assessed in the context of the culture in which they are operating. Depending on the context against which they are played out, the same actions could be viewed as:
Decisive - or ruthless
Supportive - or mollycoddling
Taking an interest - or overcontrolling
Visionary - or out of touch with reality
(thanks to Peter Freeth of ciauk.com for this insight)
One of the great leadership skills is the ability to 'read' the culture and emotional climate of the organization successfully and to communicate and act in ways that are appropriate to that context. Successful leaders act in ways that are consistent with the 'narrative' that their followers have constructed (if this is a positive view) or that change the terms of the narrative (if it needs to be changed). This consistency does not mean that the leader's actions have to be predictable - the best leaders can surprise their people from time to time, but the surprises will be positive ones - just that the followers can make sense of them in terms of the organization's 'story'.
Without this empathy for organizational culture and the feelings of the people who are part of it, anything that the leader does is liable to backfire and be misinterpreted.
The practical implication of this is that the better you understand the culture of the organization you work in and the feelings of the people you lead, the more effective you will be as a leader.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Things to Do During Lake of the Ozark Vacations
The Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir of water located in Central Missouri. There is only so much one person can do with a large body of water when there is no boat. However, there is plenty to do when you take Lake of the Ozark vacations and bring the whole family on a boat ride!
Around this lake is a full recreation area with many popular tourist destinations. What are some of the most popular activities for families around this famous lake? First, you can cross the Swinging Bridge over Grand Glaize Creek. You can also enjoy a meal at one of many waterfront restaurants. There is plenty of beach to enjoy, since Lake of the Ozarks has over one thousand miles of shoreline. Fishing is a very popular activity at the lake, as are scenic tours on the lake. For some good water sightseeing at Lake of the Ozark vacations, check out the Millionaire's Cove.
In order to reach the happening Party Cove establishment, (where there is plenty of drinking and fun) you will have to rent a boat from a boat rentals company. Remember, boating isn't driving. Get a designated driver to operate your vessel. Come to think of it, you shouldn't be drinking and driving either! You can rent a boat or a waverunner vessel to travel the lake. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park is also a fun spot, and the largest park in the entire state of Missouri.
There is also golfing to enjoy, since the lake counts over 13 golf courses in the area. There are also shopping centers and arcades all along the strip. With Lake of the Ozark Vacations, it's all about the water and the aquatic life that lives underneath. Almost everything in town is lake-related, even the Casino Pier, which lets you feed giant fish.
There's no question that, distractions aside, the greatest benefit of Lake of the Ozark vacations is that you can ride along the lake at your own pace. You can take your entire family on a paddleboat, a waverunner, a bassboat, or a speedboat to sample the great lake. Imagine being able to walk from the hotels' quarters just a short distance to your boat rental and then set course for a full day of fishing or sightseeing! You can also find a boat rental nearby some popular condo rentals. The only thing better than staying in a Lake of the Ozark vacations hotel is staying in a condo by the beach!
This is a great opportunity to bond with the family and relax. A Lake of the Ozarks visit is not complete without a boat rental!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Your Sales Elevator Pitch
Last week I presented my How To Double Your Sales conference at one location in the USA and another in the UK. Before the conferences start, I always mingle with the delegates. I go up to as many as I can in the time available and I say: In order that I can tailor some of the material I present during the day to what you are selling, please tell me very briefly what you do and how it might help your customers". In other words I am asking for their sales elevator pitch.
Most of the people who attend my 'How To Double Your Sales' conferences and MasterClasses are Sales Directors, Business owners and of course salespeople. Most have many years experience in selling and yet with only a few exceptions, they are unable to deliver a clear, brief and stimulating description of that they do and what they can do for their customers or clients; in other words a really effective 'sales elevator pitch'. I used to be shocked by this. Now I expect it.
Later, during the conference, I explain that there are three main reasons for having a clear, brief and stimulating sales elevator pitch. They are:
1: For when you are networking amongst a group of people. You want to create an impact and be remembered for what you do and what you can do for a potential customer or client.
2: For when anyone asks you 'what do you do?' You want to create an impact and be remembered for what you do and what you can do for a potential customer or client.
3: For when someone, who is usually likely to be a very important customer in the future, says to you "You've got fifteen seconds to tell me why I should be doing business with you and your company". If that hasn't happened to you yet, I guarantee it will one day and you had better be prepared.
I also give examples of elevator pitches and how I have helped clients to take their very boring sales elevator pitch and turn them into one that will have an impact. And I am often criticised by some of the delegates who think they are too punchy and forceful and will put people off. There is a lot of shaking of heads in disagreement with what I have said.
This happened again this week and I took a little barrage of criticism from some of the delegates. Then another stood up and told the audience of an experience he had that week. He had been at a networking meeting which was also attended by Richard Branson. He had a brief encounter with Mr Branson who said to him - You've got nine seconds to tell me what you do and why we might be doing business with you. He was half prepared for something like this and managed to respond with something reasonably clear, brief and stimulating. Mr Branson immediately picked up his mobile telephone, dialled the managing director of one of his many companies and told them they needed to be speaking to this person. This person is now honing his sales elevator pitch ready for the next time a similar situation occurs.
Here's one of mine: I'm Bruce King - people call me The Sales Guru. I help salespeople who are struggling to meet or exceed their sales targets to achieve a dramatic increase in sales in just a few weeks. Could that be of interest to you or someone you know?
Over the top? Some people might think so - but it works!
How is your sales elevator pitch? Could it be improved upon? Do you even have one?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Safety Tips for Lake Lovers
Ahh... the lure of the lake... its sparkling blue water... the refreshing coolness as it splashes over your skin on a hot summer's day. There's nothing quite like it, and with so many ways in which to enjoy spending time there, it's no wonder millions flock to their local lakes each year.
While the desire for fun and relaxation may be everyone's draw to the lake, it's important that sun and water safety be first and foremost on every lake lover's mind. With so many types of lake activities, there are equally just as many ways that accidents can occur. The following safety tips will help to ensure that you and your loved ones have positive lake memories and not negative or even tragic ones.
1.) Sun Protection - It may sound simple, but nothing ruins a day at the lake like a painful sunburn, and with incidents of skin cancer ever rising sun protection should not be taken lightly. To help prevent sunburns, sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer, you and your family should not rely on sunscreen alone. Choose a good quality waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply it every two hours as recommended on the label and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
Wear a lightweight shirt with sleeves, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses for further protection. Even the eyes and scalp can get sun burnt. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Your body will not stay hydrated just by being in the water. Furthermore, avoid the sun if at all possible between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the harmful effects of the sun are strongest.
2.) Swim Safely - Learn to swim and ensure that all of your family members know how to swim. If you or your loved ones don't know how to swim, contact your local American Red Cross chapter and enroll in a swim course. Choose a clean, well-maintained, supervised area. An area with a lifeguard is even better. Any swimmer, even good ones, can have an unexpected emergency in the water. Never swim alone. Stay clear of areas with murky water, drop-offs, and underwater plant life as these can be dangerous. Avoid diving. Enter the water feet first. It's much safer.
3.) Boating and Personal Watercraft - An outing on a boat or the use of personal watercraft such as jet skis can be very rewarding. They can also be very dangerous if basic safety rules aren't followed. Before operating any boat or watercraft, make sure you know your local laws and regulations on operating them and obey them. The driver and any others on board should wear coast guard-approved life jackets that are in good repair.
Be extremely cautious around swimmers, other boats and watercraft, and others in the water. Operate at a low speed until you are in the open water away from swimming areas and docks. No horseplay! Do not pass close to other boats or watercraft and do not jump wakes. Not only is this behavior dangerous, it is usually illegal.
In addition to the guidelines set forth above, never mix swimming or boat/watercraft operation with the use of alcohol. A little common sense along with the desire to keep yourself and your family safe will go a long way to ensuring your lake activities create pleasant memories you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Theatre Overview of shows at RFD-TV The Theatre in Branson, MO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu82bM6m4ms&hl=en
Saturday, November 20, 2010
12 Traits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs
What are the traits of successful entrepreneurs that set them apart from everyone else? What trait do entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Lawrence Ellison and Richard Branson have that the ordinary entrepreneurs don't? All these questions are going to be answered in this article.
After understudying the lives of these great entrepreneurs, i was able to pinpoint 12 traits that make them successful. Without wasting your time, below are the 12 traits of successful entrepreneurs:
1. Successful Entrepreneurs are proactive learners
Entrepreneurship is a life long process and successful entrepreneurs know this. Things change so fast in the business world; you could be an innovation today and become obsolete tomorrow. To stay on course and adapt swiftly to the ever changing trend, they keep studying and learning.
They read industrial journals, books and magazines. They attend seminars and update themselves regularly with the latest industrial trend. Successful entrepreneurs know that their cup is never full; they know that they don't have the right answers to all questions. So they humble themselves and learn when availed the opportunity.
2. They thrive on risk
I have never seen a successful entrepreneur who rose to the pinnacle of success without a measurable amount of risk. Successful entrepreneurs are risk takers; they risk their time, energy and resources with the hope of building a strong business. If they fail, they risk losing everything they've ever owned. Risk is the main reason many employees fail to start a business.
3. They work for free
Working for free is one of the traits of successful entrepreneurs that set them apart from others. It's hard to find individuals who will be willing to work for free, without pay for many years but successful entrepreneurs do this. They work on their business for many years without pay.
Being an entrepreneur, i can attest to this trait because i have built businesses without getting a dime from them for some years. All profits generated are re-invested into the business. To be a successful entrepreneur, you must always bear in mind that you are not building a job for monthly pay. Instead, you are building an asset that can generate residual income for you and add value to humanity in the coming years.
4. They work longer hours than employees
Successful entrepreneurs are known for their extraordinary resilience and long standing commitment to the course of building a business. Building a business is never easy and it requires time and dedication. Some entrepreneurs are known to work for 70 - 80 hours per week while average employees work less than that.
So if you are going to join their league, then you definitely need to develop the trait of working longer hours than normal.
5. They learn quickly from mistakes
Of all the traits of successful entrepreneurs, this one interests me the most. Many individuals shy away from the game of entrepreneurship because of the fear of making mistakes. They perceive mistakes as bad because mistakes sometimes cost money and pain; so they avoid it like a plague. But great entrepreneurs see mistakes as a learning tool; they see it as an opportunity to learn something new.
"Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement." - Henry Ford
They make mistakes in business but they don't quit. They know mistakes are part of the process of entrepreneurship, so they learn quickly from these mistakes and move on.
"Excuses cost a dime and that's why the poor can afford a lot of it." - Robert kiyosaki
6. They have the ability to run on debt
As a rule of life, we are all indebted to someone in one way or the other. With respect to building a business, i have never seen a successful entrepreneur that hasn't been in debt. Everyone owes but these set of entrepreneurs know how to use debt to their advantage, they know how to use debt as an instrument and leverage to build a business and get richer.
"Be careful when you take on debt. If you take on debt personally, make sure it is small. If you take on large debt, make sure someone else is paying for it." - Rich Dad
7. They are accountable and responsible
Successful entrepreneurs are accountable and responsible for the failure or success of business. They shoulder the responsibility of piloting the business through its trying times. If they succeed, it becomes a plus to them but if they fail, they will be held responsible.
8. They thrive on criticism
Another trait successful entrepreneurs share in common is the ability to forge ahead in the face of criticism. Building a business comes with its own challenges; as the entrepreneur, you are bound to be loved and hated by the public. But they always devise a means to use every bit of criticism to make themselves better and stronger.
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." Henry Ford
"Sometimes, i think my most important job as a CEO is to listen for bad news. If you don't act on it, your people will eventually stop bringing bad news to your attention and that is the beginning of the end." - Bill Gates
9. They are ambitious
Ambition is one of the traits of successful entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs think big and do things big. They are never satisfied with their current achievement; they believe there is always room for constant improvement and they go for it.
Take a look at Mukesh Ambani's achievement in building Reliance Group; the world's largest refinery. Lakshmi Mittal built Mittal Steel, the world's largest steel producer. Look at Larry Ellison's ambition to surmount Microsoft. In generality, entrepreneurs are very ambitious personalities.
10. They are opportunist
This is another trait of successful entrepreneurs. They share a common ability to see opportunities, where others see problems. They know that behind every problem lies an opportunity. Great entrepreneurs are the drivers of creativity and innovation.
"The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets." - John D. Rockefeller
11. They are great leaders
Successful entrepreneurs are great leaders with a proven leadership strategy. They possess the ability to bring out the best in their employees. They inspire creativity and foster innovation. They also have the ability to hire and lead smarter individuals.
"Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people." - John D. Rockefeller
12. Successful entrepreneurs are team players
"I want to start my own business," 'i want to be my own boss,' 'i want to do this my own way.' These are the words i often hear from would be entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs know that entrepreneurship and investing are team sports. So therefore; they never work alone, they join forces with other entrepreneurs and professional advisers to build a stronger business.
"Go to the wolf, consider its ways and be wise. A wolf will never hunt alone; it hunts in packs because it knows the power of team work." - Ajaero Tony Martins
In conclusion, these are the 12 traits of successful entrepreneurs which you must possess to succeed. These entrepreneurs were not born with these traits, they developed them over time. You can also develop these traits if only you are willing.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Bart Rockett Variety Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbR17q2p5H0&hl=en
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Protect Your Skin With Natural, Biodegradable Sunscreen
Does going natural mean absolute safety? Despite many schools of thought on the matter, one needs adequate discernment before jumping on the bandwagon and joining the many who extol the virtues of unproven theories. Natural, in the basic sense of the adjective, implies its origin or existence from nature. Although that should result in a general thumbs up from all quarters, does bearing this tagline mean that something is good? Consuming wild mushrooms, foraged from the woods, without prior knowledge or experience is food for fools. Albeit their natural state, it is potential cause for a tummy upset or even premature termination of one's life.
Natural sunscreens, as such, are no different from aforementioned fungi. The list of ingredients which decorate the label at the back of the bottle or tube may boast perfectly harmless components to man and environment. Despite occurring in nature, zinc oxide, the pride of the parade, is not necessarily extracted from air and water itself. Many a time, laboratories analyze components and perform some reverse engineering to ascertain their basic elements. Certain factors may also dictate production via laboratory involvement is more effective from an economic standpoint. Further manipulation of elements to produce a better outcome also tips the so-called natural balance of things.
So, what does it take to pick out a natural sunscreen, suited to one's skin condition as well as state of mind? If the many varieties lining the store shelves are too confusing to decide on one, it may be ideal to cook up one's own concoction. One recipe revolves around various types of oils and wax, slowly heated and then added with distilled water to thin it out. Short of sounding like a salad dressing, the mixture is then beaten to an emulsion and finished off with a shot of zinc oxide. Some may opt to add some tea infusion as they claim to steer away free radicals. Frequent application is advisable as sweat as well as contact with external elements such as water, clothes and towels rub off the protective layer, leaving the skin exposed to harmful rays.
If sourcing ingredients for home blends is too much work, ready-made versions are easily available from health and sports stores. One should bear in mind that commercially produced natural sunscreens may boast a higher level of protection as they tend to incorporate stronger ingredients.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Gene Soucy and Wingwalker Teresa Stokes - Entire Performance - 2009 Branson Airshow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uGicUGmMIA&hl=en
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Branson's Top Rated Hotels
Branson welcomes its visitors with abundant entertainment venues as well as natural beauty. Visitors will have a wide variety of choices to enjoy their vacation. From the sports-minded to the nature lovers, Branson is the perfect place to go.
Among the major attractions in Branson worth visiting are Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show, Dollywood Wax Museum, IMAX Entertainment Complex, Branson scenic railway, go-cart tracks and miniature golf.
Branson also offers a wide selection of cuisines from international to local dishes. With many restaurants around, guests will surely find good dining of their choice. Many restaurants offer free food delivery to hotels.
To complete your vacation, there are top rated hotels in Branson that will provide you the comfort and services you ever wanted from a hotel.
Grand Oaks Hotel
Among the top rated hotels in Branson is the Grand Oaks Hotel. It maintains high standard accommodation with great service and hospitality. The moment you step at the lobby, you are greeted with the warmest welcome from the hotel staff.
A deluxe accommodation does not have to be expensive. At Grand Oaks Hotel, guests are treated in a deluxe service but with an affordable price you will truly appreciate.
Grand Oaks Hotel features a haven wherein you can have plenty of relaxation and enjoyment while allowing you to have easy access to numerous attractions and entertainment venues nearby.
All guestrooms come with complete amenities combined with superior interior for maximum comfort and a pleasurable stay. Guests will surely experience a sound sleep with the comfortable bedding.
Hotel Amenities include:
o Indoor & Outdoor Pool
o Hot Tubs & Jacuzzi Suites
o Indoor Corridors
o Fitness Center
o Cable TV with Remote Control
o Free In-Room Coffee
o Free High Speed Wireless Internet Access
o 24 Hour Front Desk
o Guest Laundry
Great Western Branson Towers
The Great Western Branson towers stands right in the heart of the world class entertainment area of Branson. Nearby are some of the tourist destinations like the Mansion America, Tri Lake Center and the Musical Palace. It is a three storey hotel which houses 208 guestrooms. A complimentary breakfast is served daily. Guests can enjoy the indoor pools, spa tubs and arcade games.
The hotel has a business that features a high speed wireless internet and also provides fax services, photo copy service and courier services. Conferences or corporate meetings can be conducted in this area.
All guestrooms are equipped with amenities such as:
o Cable TV
o Coffee maker
o Hairdryer
o Iron and ironing board
o Desks and chair
o In room safe
Hotel Amenities include:
o Hot tub
o Whirlpool
o Daily housekeeping
o Fireplace at the lobby
o Safety deposit box at the front desk
o Secured parking
Landing View Towers
This property is a seventeen story hotel ideally located nearby Lake Taney Como Bridge. It boasts a four star rating that has 131 units available. The structure is made up of the most elegant architecture composed of steel and glass. It is located near entertainment centers, shopping centers and restaurants.
An indoor swimming pool is available where guests can have a refreshing dip to escape the heat of the sun. A fitness center equipped with the most modern equipment is available for any workout you need.
Hotel Amenities include:
o Private balconies
o 24 hour security
o Full service lobby and concierge service
o Conference rooms
o Private parking
o Cable TV
o High speed wireless Internet access
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thinking Outside the Box
Do you think that Bill Gates thinks there's a box? Or Warren Buffet? Do you think that Muhammad Ali thought there was a box? What about Sir Richard Branson? How do you think Tiger Woods or Roger Federer would feel if they thought that they had to operate inside 'the box'.
Very often, I hear business leaders - I mean 'normal' business leaders, not the people whose names we all know - talk about 'thinking outside the box'. This phrase is frequently used in business, whether it relates to problem solving or innovation. Lots of business people talk about it - very few ever rise to what is in fact not much of a challenge at all. What very few of them have realised is that there is no box!
Only special people, unusually successful people - in other words, not normal people - realise this fact. That's why we all know their names - they stand head and shoulders above the rest of us.
There is no box - other than the box we create for ourselves. From a very early age, society and education fashion a box for us - and because we're all in the box together, it seems OK. "Get yourself a good education" (Bill Gates dropped out of university) or "Get yourself a good job" (Richard Branson left school when he was sixteen and started Student magazine).
When you do get yourself a good job, you're taught how to be a "team player" - that really means "Don't do anything that would upset anyone else on the team, play by the rules and, for God's sake, don't do anything unusual or innovative." And, of course, organisations have a "corporate culture" - that means "this is how we do things around here - conform".
So the box - that you've effortlessly slid into - is all around you, supported by the mindless behaviour of all the other clones. And when I hear people talking about "thinking outside the box", I know for a fact, that most of them never will.
Never mind "thinking outside the box" - what about living outside it?
The Buddha knew there was no box - it just took him a while to experience it. And the people I've already mentioned had some inkling too - although, perhaps, only in relation to certain aspects of their lives, where they were more driven towards the achievement of their goals.
The box that you live in - the box that you think inside - was created for you during your formative years - at home, at school, at college, in your first job or two. It's based on what other people told you - and, like a sheep, you've conformed - you've followed. The blind have been leading the blind.
It's time to step outside the box.
But, actually, you already know how to do that - we all do it from time to time, without realising we're free! For example, I mentioned problem solving earlier. When are you most likely to think of the solution to something that's been bugging you? When you're not thinking about it, of course! When you're in the toilet, the bath, or brushing your teeth.
Of course, you're not being a team player in the toilet - corporate culture is never squeezed onto your toothbrush! You solve problems when you accidentally wander outside the box. What you need to be able to do is wander outside the box when you decide - who knows, you might even stay outside and, in doing so, realise that, in reality, there never was a box.
Artists, scientists, inventors all wander outside the box too - Picasso called it inspiration, Thomas Edison cultivated his ability to wander when he felt like it. You've got to do the same.
How? Well, does 'sitting on the toilet' give you a hint? We need to make space in our lives to do nothing - to daydream (which is completely different from being distracted or letting your mind wander - but other articles deal with this). The Buddha became enlightened when he was sitting under a tree. Newton discovered gravity while he was doing the same thing.
The best way to be inspired, of having ground-breaking ideas, of innovatively solving problems, is to take a step back from what you're doing, to slow down, to give your mind the space it needs to be inspired. And, to do this as an integral part of your daily life.
I'm not talking about power napping, nor am I talking about meditating in the conventional sense, nor am I suggesting you go for a walk to think things through. I suggest to you - to all my clients - that you set aside a little time most days to sit down - by the river or canal, at a pavement cafe, on your patio or balcony in the evening - and do absolutely nothing.
You might be surprised by what dawns on you.
Copyright (c) 2009 Willie Horton
Sunday, November 14, 2010
YAKETY YAK appearance adornment - 24K Gold Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE0N3_WqzcA&hl=en
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
4 Ways To Create A Professional And Successful Trade Show Booth On A Small Budget
Today's cut throat competition in marketing consumer products and services make it inevitable to use all available sources to gain visibility and increase the client base. Taking part in trade shows is an effective way to achieve this. Though it is an effective way, it is also an expensive way to promote one's services or products. Expenses for a trade show queue up in a variety of ways such as cost of the raw space, promotional material, trade show booths or displays, temporary stall assistant if it takes place in a different city or country, transportation and travel expenses, and so on. Among these, one of the elements that contribute a great deal towards these expenses is the trade show booth or display. Not all businesses can afford expensive stalls, in such situations one is forced to play within a given limited budget yet remain catchy and professional.
There are many ways to create a professional and successful trade show booth on a small budget.
1. Plan ahead - If you prepare for your show at the eleventh hour then you will be forced to spend more on your booth. Preparing at the last moment gives you very little time or no time to juggle between various options on the creation of your booth, in terms of both cost and the booth design. Maybe if you had enough time to shop around, then you would have come across a cheaper deal and you would not be forced to buy the first booth display that you see. If you plan ahead maybe you could visit discount sales that take place during various times of the year and have the material ready for your tradeshow.
2. Keep your booth simple and uncluttered. Do not have too many design elements, but leave enough room for the visitors to move around. This would make your booth look spacious and at the same time will cut down the unnecessary expenses on the design elements that clutter the stall. Use bright colors in your booth that will stand out.
3. Until you participate in a number of shows, avoid creating your own displays. Many think that creating their own display will cut down the cost. Most often, the contrary proves to be true. You would always go out of your budget as you progress with the design with no guarantee on the quality of the final design output. You would rather be well off to use experts in this field while you concentrated on the other promotional activities.
4. A physical visit to the booth in advance is always useful to create a cost effective design rather than just looking at the dimensions of your stall in writing. Many stalls are mentally designed in virtual space and when they go to the real spot, they realize that the design or the layout they had in mind will not workout, leading to double expense. When you visit your stall, you will be able to decide whether a rollup display will be suitable or a tabletop display unit would be ideal. Rollup banners and tabletop display units are often cheap and they can be reused for your future shows too.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Business Like Branson Exposed
Innovation is a key for growth today and understanding innovation is a massive advantage for business in the 21st century.
As we can be certain of 4 issues about the future;
It will be a time of great uncertainty
It will be very different from today
The difference will come at an ever increasing pace
Those who don't innovate will become obsolete!
Innovation is quite often misunderstood, so I'll go through some key points;
What is Innovation?
Innovation I a nutshell could be summed up as continual improvement on steroids. Continual improvement is taking baby steps forward, where as a successful innovation is taking a giant leap forward.
Innovation is the successful implementation of creative ideas, which begins with people thinking creatively.
It's about asking smarter questions;
How can we do it better?
How can we do it faster?
How can we improve on quality without blowing out the costs?
How can we achieve more with less?
The best businesses today are the innovators!
The leading corporations of today all embrace Entrepreneurship & Innovation. There are countless examples of junior team members identifying an opportunity to make the company millions of dollars that senior management has missed. This is why leading corporations hire entrepreneurs internally to champion innovation projects.
Virgin Blue airlines are a great example; Richard Branson has created a fun environment to work in, resulting in people wanting to work for them even though they can earn more working for Qantas, and which airline do you get more smiles from staff... Virgin wins hands down! - This is a great competitive advantage today when it is so competitive to retain staff.
"An innovative business is one which lives and breathes 'outside the box'. It is not just good ideas, it is a combination of good ideas, motivated staff and an instinctive understanding of what your customer wants." - Richard Branson
Quite often, the words creativity and innovation are used interchangeably, which should not be the case, as while creativity entails coming up with ideas, it's the "bringing ideas to life" . . . that makes innovation the distinct undertaking it is.
Through encouraging innovation throughout your business can result in exponential growth and ensure long term sustainability. There is no point in growing your market share with a product that is almost obsolete, like vinyl records or videos, whilst the competition has moved on to the next big thing.
The 3M Post-It notes
3M were trying to develop a glue so powerful that once it was applied could not be pulled apart. Initially this project looked like a failure, however they had invested a large amount of R&D in this project so rather than just scrap the project they brain stormed to work out if the product could be used for something else.
To cut a long story short 3M Post-It notes was born and what a successful innovation it has been. Post-It notes are used in most offices all over the world today. Plus 3M didn't just stop there they continued innovating and 3M Post-It notes come in all sorts of sizes and applications.
Innovation is not only a major key for business success today, but a key for survival.
Today it's Innovate or Die!
This article is an excerpt of Aaron Parsons Best New Book "How To Make A Million Dollars In Your Business In The Next 3 Years Or Less". To claim Your FREE copy of this priceless book go to http://www.BusinessGrowthGuru.com
Plus you will also receive a free success audio of Robert Kiyosaki's former business partner DC Cordova, mentor to Billionaires, World Leaders and CEO of Money & You.
You're welcome to use this article provided the active links and the author signature box is included.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Yakov's Moscow Circus Dinner Experience
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs8LjZWKh8U&hl=en
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
George Jones on The Ronnie Prophet Show 1978
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Cq4K1T5ABM&hl=en
Monday, November 8, 2010
Magic Show Dancing Hank Routine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uXtZAhx8uc&hl=en
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Cara Mia - LIVE Music Show! - 24K Gold Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiNqiyWQicA&hl=en
Saturday, November 6, 2010
10 Reasons to Visit Branson Missouri in 2010
1. New Branson Municipal Airport - Branson has a new regional airport. The Airport offers low-fare flights through AirTran, such as $99 flights to & from Atlanta.
2. Table Rock Lake - The lake is a jump away from the new airport & Branson. It is among the cleanest lakes in the nation and a great environment for fun.
3. Affordable Live Entertainment - Branson is within two tanks of gas of half the population of the United States and has over 100 daily live shows with ticket prices well under $50. Where else can you get that much entertainment for a better price. Branson features shows like, "The Oak Ridge Boys."
4. Golf - Branson is an avid golfers delight! Affordable top-notch golfing. Branson is home to #1 public golf course in Missouri (Branson Creek Golf Course) and three other signature golf course. John Daly's Murderrock Golf Course, Payne Stewart Golf Course, & Ledgestone Golf Course.
5. Shopping - Branson has more shopping (per capita) than anywhere else in the nation. The Branson Landing is a waterfront Branson shopping destination with name brand stores and restuarants.
6. Big Cedar Lodge - Is a rustic family fun resort in the beautiful Ozark Mountains just south of Branson. The lodge offers access to Table Rock Lake, horseback riding, fine dining, cabins, & much more. Most people continue to come back and stay at Big Cedar Lodge year after year.
7. Silver Dollar City - Is an extraordinary theme park in Branson. It began as a natural cave tour and expanded into a family retreat as popularity increased. You will find rollar coasters, good food, water rides, shows, unique stores all themed after the Ozarks.
8. Chateau on the Lake - Is a four diamond luxury Branson hotel & convention center. The resort sits over-looking Table Rock Lake, 10 stories high. Enjoy fine dining or take a retreat to the spa area.
9. Restaurants - Branson has over 400 restaurants to choose from covering all your dining wants! You will find many local restaurants and the well-known chains too.
10. Affordable - Being centrally located in the middle of the United States, Branson offers travelers an affordable vacation alternative. The travel is less expensive, and where else do you get so much entertainment and restaurants at such a reasonable price.
There you have it...10 reasons to visit Branson Missouri in 2010. There are of course more than 10 reasons...but you can figure those out when you visit!
Friday, November 5, 2010
How to Flirt With Lesbian Or Bisexual Women
Knowing when and how to flirt can be a little tricky, especially if you're new to the lesbian and bisexual scene. Here are some guidelines to help get you started flirting with lesbian, bisexual or bi-curious women.
Consider how you feel when someone flirts with you. You probably enjoy the attention and feel flattered even if you aren't interested in the person doing the flirting. They will most like feel the same way when you throw subtle flirts their way. Just muster up your confidence and give it a try.
Flirting can be obvious such as walking up and making conversation or more subtle such as shifting your body toward her while flashing a faint smile. Lesbians particularly enjoy flirting of the eyes. Everybody is different, but women who are attracted to women generally seem to flirt in a more subtle way than men.
Flirting is part art and part observation of human behavior. Here is a list of some common ways women flirt with other women;
-Starting conversation with her
-Complimenting her
-Locking of eye contact
-Glancing down at her lips while you're talking
-Smiling at her
-Smiling with your eyes
-Standing or sitting close
-Leaning toward her
-Biting your lips
-Twirling or playing with hair
-Touching her on the arm or leg to make a point
-Picking lint off her clothes (even if it isn't really there)
If you're going out on the town and you're ready to get your flirt on, try these tips to get yourself prepared. The first step is to look and feel good before you even walk out the door. Get dressed in something that makes you feel good and confident about yourself. When you arrive make sure you hold your head up and walk with an air of confidence. Loosen up and smile. Get out and mingle. Talk to people and flirt when you feel an attraction. See if they respond in kind.
When all else fails just walk up and say hi, my name is (insert your name here), what's yours? If you end up in a conversation that's great. If not, you were being friendly and that's always nice, right? This simple approach works more often than you might think.
Remember that most of the women you bump into in a bar or social setting are going to be sitting there waiting for someone to approach them. They probably haven't read our guide on how to flirt with women. Be bold - go get 'em!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
When is the Best Time of Year to Put Your Home on the Market?
One consistent question heard by Realtors across the country is when should I list my property?
Of course, the answer depends in what part of the country your home is located. For example, Florida's high selling months are probably different than the best time to sell in Missouri. One thing to always remember is that real estate data is local.
In the Tri-Lakes area of Missouri, analysis of the sale of properties for the past five years revealed that the months with the highest amount of closed transactions were May through August. The two months with the most sales were June and August, followed by May, then July. The month that was often ranked the second highest sales month was July.
It will probably come as no surprise that January and February had the least amount of closings. January has typically been the time that most Realtors schedule a vacation, at least in our area.
Keep in mind that the months listed were for closings, not the date the properties went under contract. It usually takes around thirty days to close a transaction; but, it can be longer, depending on the circumstances of the sale. Therefore, if you want to sell your home; don't wait until May to list it. March would be a better time to catch the first wave of springtime buyers.
On the flip side, the slowest time as far as showings and properties going under contract isn't January and February, it's November and December. Again, you have to account for the time between when the buyer and seller come to a written agreement and the time that the property actually changes hands.
There's no "magic" time to put your property on the market. It often comes down to chance, the right buyer happens along at the right time. However, those chances do improve when the most buyers are looking, which is March through August.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Interesting Facts About Britney Spears
"Oops I did it again"...and she did it making her place at one of the top spots in the music world. The lady in question is none other than Britney Spears. Bold and beautiful, this American song writer and singer created waves with her hysteric performances. Britney is one of the best selling music artists to date. Her popularity becomes more than evident from the fact that she has sold an estimated 83 million records worldwide.
Talent seems to be running through and fro the veins of this pop diva. No wonder her first debut single itself "Hit me baby one more time" topped the Billboard hot 100. The chartbuster that was released in October 1998 remained the numero uno for two weeks in a row. The song was a huge success and even went on to be certified fourteen times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Following the talent and the success that Britney had seen with her debut single aloe, awards had to follow. In the December of 1999, Britney was awarded with four Billboard music awards. Now that's pretty much. And that's not just it. She even won the Favorite Pop/Rock New Artist award at the American Music Awards.
After her first album Britney came up with yet another album "Oops I did it again''. This album too became a roaring success with 1,319,193 units were sold during its first week. Though Britney became increasing popular with each album, she was surrounded by one set of controversies after the other. Her alleged relationship with Justin Timberlake brewed a rake of controversies for the pop star.
The female pop singer will always be remembered for the chartbusters that she has given.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
LUCILLE appearance adornment - 24K Gold Music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4yrt6cgg9M&hl=en
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ten Simple Ways to Meet Lesbian & Bisexual Women
Many women have become comfortable with the fact that they are attracted to other women, but they often have no idea how to meet other women who feel the same attraction. It's perfectly understandable. Many of us have been married, have busy work lives and just haven't had the time to keep up on our social activities, let alone socializing with lesbian or bisexual women. Here are ten ways you can meet lesbian and bisexual women, both online and in the real world.
1. Online discussion forums and chat rooms for lesbians and bisexual women. Start searching google for lesbian social sites, discussion forums and activity groups. Take the time to post messages, get involved in the groups and join the live chats. If you see someone who piques your interest send her a polite private message to introduce yourself. Most of all, have fun and get involved. You'll share and learn knowledge in the process.
2. There are a number of lesbian dating sites online. Lesbian dating sites can be a great place to meet women who are looking for the same thing you are. Lesbian dating is big business online so if you're serious about wanting to meet someone then there are some things you can do to greatly improve your odds of successfully meeting the right woman online. Join several of the bigger dating sites. Write a profile and include a recent photo of yourself. Make yourself sound interesting. You can do it - tell them about your hobbies or interests. Keep it light and fun to invite responses. Don't just sit there and wait. Browse through the profiles and send a few friendly messages to let women know you're interested in them. Finally, don't stop too soon. It may take months to find your Ms. Right. Anything worthwhile is worth the wait, right? Give it a little time and you may just be successful.
3. Social networking sites have only been around a few years but they have quickly become a way to meet interesting people both locally and worldwide. Be careful of game players but there are thousands of potential friends just waiting to be found in these networks. Most social networking sites allow you to search by geographic location (and sexual orientation) to meet new friends in your area, or perhaps in areas where you'll be traveling.
4. Gay and lesbian bars can be a good way to get out and socialize with women who speak your language. Most larger cities and many smaller towns have gay and lesbian bars or hangouts where you can meet lesbian and bisexual women. If you're shy find a friend to go with you the first time, then get to know some folks so you don't have to go in alone. Do a little research before you go. Many of these bars and nightclubs have a web site where you can check to see when they have women's night, karaoke, shows, etc. Sometimes it's easier to show up when there is something of interest to you going on. My maternal instinct kicks in here so I should tell you to be careful of alcoholics and druggies but you can meet some nice people out at the bars and nightclubs.
5. Gay and lesbian social groups exist in many cities. A quick Google search might uncover a local Gay and Lesbian Center, Gay Straight Alliances at local colleges/universities or even a lesbian social group. Look for local lesbian mailing lists at Yahoo and similar services. Sometimes these groups have web sites or print publications where you can introduce yourself. The more you mingle and meet people, the more new people you will meet as you are introduced to friends of friends.
6. Lesbians love sporting activities whether they are playing or watching. Softball, volleyball and basketball are common lesbian interests. So is watching professional sports teams. Many communities have women's professional sports teams such as football or basketball. If you happen to show up you're bound to find lesbians both playing and watching. This is an especially useful tip if you happen to live in a smaller town where there are no openly gay and lesbian activities.
7. Church - yes churches can be a great way to meet lesbian women. If your community has a "welcoming congregation," that usually means the church welcomes gay and lesbian people. Metropolitan Community Churches, Unitarian Universalist Churches and The United Church of Christ among others are known to be welcoming churches. You're very likely to meet lesbian and bisexual women who never go to the bars. If you're looking for a committed relationship this might not be a bad place to meet suitable women.
8. Gay neighborhoods and business centers exist in many larger cities. Do a little research to find out if there are gay and lesbian neighborhoods in your area. If so, there are sure to be lesbian friendly coffee shops and hangouts in the neighborhood. You will often find LGBT businesses clustered together in a shopping mall, on a street or in a neighborhood.
9. Local gay publications usually contain personal ads, organizations, welcoming businesses, a calendar of upcoming events, concerts and news of interest to the local community. You can try a Google search for these publications or look at local gay and lesbian bars or businesses. They frequently stock LGBT publications for their customers.
10. Perhaps one of the most effective ways to meet lesbian and bisexual women is through friends. Don't ever discount the power of friends and networking. If you can only meet one or two lesbian or bisexual friends, that's enough to get started. It's great to have friends anyway, but they can introduce you to their lesbian and bisexual friends and before you know it you'll have a bunch of friends. With these new friends comes the opportunity to meet even more people, engage in fun activities with your new women friends such as hiking, sports, card games or whatever.
I have dedicated much of my life to helping other lesbian, bisexual and bi-curious women work through their feelings and develop meaningful relationships. I sincerely hope something here can help make a difference in your life.