Feed: lavernkkfox - AggScore: 27.7

The Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy

---

So you like the idea of solar energy, but you're not sure that you know enough about the negative aspects? It's true that many sellers of the technology would like to gloss over the less palatable aspects, but our comprehensive list below will keep you well informed. We think that the positive aspects of solar power and energy use greatly outweigh the negatives, and to help you decide for yourself here are the pros and cons of solar energy.

The negatives include:

• The worst thing about solar energy is that it is typically expensive to install. This means that the effective cost of the power is high compared with just buying it from your local utility company.
• 
  
• Solar panels can take up a lot of space.
• 
  
• You may find that your roof is not at a good orientation or angle to the sun, which would make the installation on your roof less effective or not possible.
• 
  
• You can't make solar power at night, so you have to have a way to store it.
• 
  
• Your power output will also be affected by bad weather.
• 
  

On the other hand, here are the positives:

• The greatest thing about solar energy is that it is virtually free to use.
• 
  
• Solar energy causes no pollution when you generate it.
• 
  
• You can get financial incentives from the government to help you pay for your system.
• 
  
• Companies are starting to produce rental plans that allow you to avoid the large capital costs.
• 
  
• There was a law passed a couple of years ago that allows you to "sell" your excess power back to the utility, reducing or eliminating your bills, and covering your need for power at night.
• 
  
• You don't need to order any fuel to be delivered to your house, and you can't run out.
• 
  
• Solar power does not suffer from inflation and increasing prices.
• 
  
• Typically there are no or few moving parts to a solar installation, cutting down on maintenance.
• 
  
• Solar power can be generated anywhere, even if there is no local electrical supplier, so you can have power in remote areas.
• 
  
• Using solar power reduces the amount of fossil fuel burnt, and decreases greenhouse gas creation.
• 
  

Some of the "cons" above about solar energy can be solved. For example, you can get government grants (depending on your location), or even rent your system to avoid the capital cost. I found that this person described this intelligently on this Karrie Thurton web site.

Undoubtedly, solar energy technology is here to stay and it's future looks even more promising!

Sources Of Renewable Energy - A Brief Introduction

---

The aim of this article is to provide a short introduction to the major sources of renewable energy. I found that this website explained this simply on this Norris Boveja webpage.

Why do we need renewable power

Energy is the fuel of everything. The problem is that we cannot produce it ourselves. All we can do is convert energy that is available in one form into energy of a different form. To generate electricity, for example, we are burning fossil fuels to release the energy contained within.

The burning of fossil fuels has at least two major weaknesses:

• Harmful gases are a side-effect of burning fossil fuels.
• 
  
• Fossil fuels took millions of years to develop but it only took us about 100 years to nearly completely consume them.

Luckily, there are other sources of energy available that are being perceived as renewable. Read on to find out why this is not exactly true.

Sources of renewable energy

The sources of renewable energy are usually classified into 4 different groups.

Heat and light released by the sun

The sun produces massive amounts of energy. Incredibly, the amount of energy released by the sun in 30 days equals the total amount of energy generated from burning fossil fuels for over 100 years.

However, solar energy is not limitless. Even the sun will burn out at some point in the future.

The power contained within the wind

The wind is basically a derivative of solar energy. Because our planet is spinning the heat from the sun warms up different parts of our atmosphere. While some parts of the atmosphere are heating up other parts are cooling down. Different temperatures mean different air pressure. The differences between areas of high and low atmospheric pressure give rise to air movements that we call wind.

The energy contained within water

Water that is moving contains energy. This energy can be converted using turbines.

Geothermal energy

The core of our planet is producing heat energy. We can use this thermal energy to heat up water and our houses or to produce electricity.

All of the above mentioned sources of renewable energy are available to us to meet our energy needs. To do this we have to overcome a few challenges.

• One problem is to develop efficient enough technology to harness these powerful sources.
• 
  
• Then, we have to find better ways to save and transport the energy we have generated.
• 
  
• Once the technology has been developed it needs to be implemented at an international level.

Each of these problems will take time to solve. However, with our quickly depleting fossil fuel reserves time is running out. We have no choice but to develop successful new energy technologies and we need to do so quickly.

Solar Energy Overview

---

Solar energy is a renewable, clean energy that has been around for thousands of years in one form or another. Following is an overview of solar energy.

Solar Energy Overview

Solar energy is all about harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy. The sun rains enough solar energy on the Earth in one day to power the entire energy needs of the world for one year. Solar energy is considered a renewable energy source because it will exist for as long as our sun does, estimated to be another 4.5 billion years. Solar energy is also considered a clean energy because it does not produce pollutants or byproducts harmful to the environment.

Solar energy was the first energy source used by mankind. Of course, the use was limited to drying things and heating caused by direct contact, but it was a use. In modern times, solar energy has been a power source since the early 1950s, but was not widespread due to technological issues which rendered it an ineffective and expensive energy source. With technology advancements, solar energy is moving to the forefront as a potential alternative to fossil fuels.

The future is indeed bright for solar energy as new solar nanotechnology is close to creating solar platforms that boggle the mind. For instance, a few companies are trying to create solar quantum dots, which will be mixed in the paint you use for your home. Yes, you will actually paint on solar energy panels that will power your home

Currently, solar energy is produced primarily through the use of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. The process works by placing the cells in direct sunlight. Sun hits the cells causing a chemical reaction that creates an electric current. The current is then turned into electricity. The problem with these cells, however, is they are only about 15 percent efficient.

Solar energy is typically classified in two ways, passive solar and active solar. Both approaches produce solar energy, but in very different ways

Passive solar is exactly what it sounds like. It does not involve panel systems or other moving mechanisms to produce solar energy. Instead, passive solar involves planning a structure in such a way as to capture the power of the sun with windows, tanks and so on. These systems can be used to heat homes, water and so on. I found that this website explained this really well on this Monika Pansullo webpage.

Active solar energy systems typically involve some form of solar panels. The panels are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun. Depending on the system, the panels will then either directly convert sunlight to electricity, which is then transformed from direct current electricity to alternate current electricity and stored in batteries or fed into the grid system of the local utility. Active systems are more expensive and complex.

Solar energy has numerous advantages over other energy platforms. It is produces no pollution, requires little maintenance and comes with significant financial incentives in the form of tax deductions, tax credits and rebates from manufactures. In a majority of states, solar energy can also be sold back to utilities per a concept known as net metering. This reduces the need for batteries and significantly cuts utility bills.

Unfortunately, solar energy has some disadvantages as well. The initial cost of purchase and installation can be expensive. Second, areas with limited sunlight are problematic. Third, solar energy obviously can't be produced at night. Despite these disadvantages, solar energy is a booming energy platform.

The largest producers of solar energy in the world are Germany, Japan and the United States. California has recently introduces a solar initiative devoting over three billion dollars to promoting solar energy use by residents in the state. As this overview demonstrates, the solar energy platform is coming on strong.

Selling Renewable Energy Credits

---

Selling renewable energy credits is a new and interesting market. Here is some information about selling renewable energy credits and a basic understanding of the market.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are frequently referred to as Green Tags, Renewable Energy Credits, and/or Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs). RECs represent the environmental and economic value of electricity produced from clean, renewable, emission-free energy resources that will never be depleted and are safe for our environment. A REC is not actual energy, just the right to say that you have offset the production of dirty power with clean power.

Producers of green power should consider selling renewable energy credits as well as the power itself, which will increase their profits. Other parties can buy RECs if they need to satisfy regulatory requirements or improve their corporate appearance. When RECs are sold, the organization buying the RECs obtains the right to claim environmental advantage.

Selling renewable energy credits allows energy users across the country to support alternative energy generation. RECs contribute to the growth of the renewable power sector, and with buyer support will continue to help make alternative power even more cost competitive.

In areas which have a REC program, an alternative energy provider (such as a wind farm) is credited with one REC for every 1,000 kWh or one MWh of electricity it creates. The average residential customer uses about 800 kWh per month. A certifying organization gives each REC an exclusive identification number to make sure it isn't sold twice. The green energy is then fed into the electrical grid (by law), and the complementary REC can then be sold on the open market.

Several certification and accounting associations attempt to ensure that RECs are legally sold and correctly tracked. The Climate Neutral Network, Green-e, and the Environmental Resources Trust's EcoPower Program certify RECs. If you are interested in selling renewable energy credits, start with your local electric company or one of these organizations.

There are two main markets for selling renewable energy credits in the United States - compliance markets and voluntary markets. A policy called the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is responsible for creating the compliance markets. Renewable Portfolio Standard requires electric companies to supply a predetermined percent of their electricity from renewable sources by a specific year. I found that this individual explained this really well on this Dayle Oberlander web page.

For example, California electric companies must provide 20% energy from renewable sources by 2010. Electric utilities in these areas with RPSs must demonstrate compliance with their requirements by buying RECs. In the California sample, the electric companies would need to hold RECs equivalent to 20% of their sales.

Want to help companies and property owners go green? Sell your RECs on the voluntary market. Voluntary markets allow customers to purchase renewable power, generally out of a desire to go green. Most commercial and domestic purchases of RECs are voluntary. Alternative power providers can sell their RECs to voluntary buyers, usually at a lower price than compliance market RECs.

Detractors indicate a flaw with this system. It is argued that it does not necessarily replace dirty energy. Since some alternate energy resources, most notably wind resources, are irregular and unpredictable, their production does not replace an equivalent amount of other sources, per kW of capacity. However, they do replace on a per kWh basis, electricity from combustion sources, thus reducing greenhouse gases and undesirable byproducts.

What Are Green Energy Sources? How to Use Green Energy

---

Green energy sources are being discovered by the Tree Hugger crowd and many of them are looking toward  building it into energy efficient and environmentally safe homes.

What is all this "green" stuff? The reason for the green name is this type of energy contributes nothing or very little toward global warming, if such a thing even exists, and none toward polluting the environment.

Green energy sources are found in the sun and wind. This energy is converted into usable electrical power through the use of solar panels and windmills and passive heating for space or water heating. I found that this web page demonstrated this well on this Idella Scarnato article.

The sun is by far the most popular source of energy. The energy captured from the sun has many options.

• It can be used for converting the sun's energy into electrical energy. Harnessing the suns energy using solar panels containing photovoltaic cells converts sun energy into electrical power for use in the green home.
• 
  
• Passive energy can be used to heat water for domestic hot water use in the kitchen, bathroom and the laundry.

Utilizing passive energy or converted solar energy can greatly reduce the homeowners electrical bill or even eliminate it.

Wind has been used for centuries to perform various mechanical tasks like running windmills to pump water. Windmills can be used to supplement solar panels in the alternative power configuration. As with the sun, there are no pollutants. However, it is good idea to live in a windy location to take full advantage of using the wind as an alternative power source.

Water can also be used as an alternative power source. However, it is a good idea to live close to a source of running water. It also non polluting as are the wind and solar energy sources.

Green energy sources are not dependent upon fossil fuels and are pollution free, but they can greatly reduce or eliminate the homeowners electric bill.

Amega Zero Point Energy Wand

---

If you look at your finger under a microscope, or a table top, when you go far enough, the electrons, protons, and neutrons are similar! When going beyond that you are in the sub atomic. The space we find between the sub atomic particles were discovered by Einstein. He called it zero point energy field.

Everything we see in the physical 3D universe has its energy source from it. This Amega zero point energy wand should be called a magic wand, but what it really does is remind your body's cells that are in pain, to go back to source, or the time they were in a near homeostasis condition. Pain free and happy so to speak! Your body's cells go back to what we like to call zero point energy field as source. So it is your body realigning itself so to speak, not any magic, just science!

The recent use of this amazing wand has created quite a stir. As a matter of fact, that is the motion you use when demonstrating the wand. A sort of stirring motion. Rotating it in a clockwise manner near the area you want to be told to go back to source. (This would be an area that you are experiencing pain in of course).

An interesting and quite convincing test is to take a lemon, cut it into 4 pieces. First wanding two pieces for 30 seconds. Now let your friend eat the wanded lemon that will taste marvelous. After that, let them enjoy the unwanded lemon! You will see that expression on their face every time of astonishment, conviction, and of course disgust, from that sour taste of the pesticide engulfed lemon. I found that this blogger demonstrated this intelligently on this Virgie Uhas article.

Testimonials of knee pain gone, migranes gone, aches and pains undetectable in a couple of minutes etc.

This wand is a combination of a proprietary process that blends together granulated minerals that create this zero point energy field that literally emminates from the pen sized device.

This sub atomic energy is truly an amazing technology that is changing lives for the better in just minutes!

Can you imagine, let's say one million distributors with this wand, helping their neighborhood to get rid of aches and pains? Talk about do unto others as you would have done to you!

To listen to truly amazing testimonials you can click zero point energy wand

I believe this is the greatest invention since the wheel! By the way a recent meeting in Vancouver scheduled for 7pm had people lining up at 6pm! With room for 20 people in his home the 60 that were there had to duke it out to get in! No really there were 60, and 20 or so had to come at a later time!

Very exciting times we live in!

How to Start a Charity

---

If you have a passion for a worthy cause, and if you recognize certain needs in your community that aren't being addressed, you may want to consider starting a charity.

Charitable Causes

Starting a charitable organization may provide assistance to members of your community or even individuals in any part of the world. It is important, therefore, to first determine the needs of the individuals you are interested in helping. Are they being assisted by other charitable organizations? Are there areas in which the assistance is lacking or nonexistent?

Steps on How to Start a Charity

Once you have determined the direction you want to take regarding your charity, there are a few important steps that must be taken to ensure that your charitable organization is recognized by the state and the federal government. Here is a guide on how to start a charity:

? Decide whether you want your charity to be a charitable organization or a charitable trust. In general, a charitable organization is a non-profit corporation that is involved in charitable activities or the allocation of community services, while a charitable trust is involved with the allocation of money. You can find more information on the difference between charitable organizations and charitable trusts by visiting the Internal Revenue's website.

? Once you have determined which kind of charity you want to start, you should then draft a mission statement. Your mission statement will be a short, defined description of the overall focus of your charity and how it will serve the community. Most mission statements are just a few sentences.

? Next, you will need to draft your charity's Articles of Incorporation, which is an important document that essentially answers all of the important questions about your charity. Some of the points covered in your charity's Articles of Incorporation will include the purpose of the charity, the duration and type of charity, and how the charity will be structured. Most states have online forms to use when constructing your Articles of Incorporation.

? After your Articles of Incorporation have been drafted, you will need to create a set of bylaws for your charitable organization. Your charity's bylaws will deal with the decision-making of the charity, who will make the decisions, how the charity will be set up, and which governing structure will oversee and direct your charity.

? Next, file an application with the Secretary of State for your particular state. Most charities are considered corporations in the eyes of the state, so you will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork and pay the related fees to create a corporation for your charity. I found that this page demonstrated this well on this Jame Zacchini page.

? Contact the Internal Revenue to receive your charity's Employer Identification Number, or EIN. Your EIN is important for tax purposes and is required for hiring employees. You can apply online through the IRS's website at http://www.irs.gov, or you can call them at 1-800-829-4933.

? You will also need to file for a charitable status with the IRS. This form, which is available online, requires that you first become accepted by the Secretary of State and that you have completed your Articles of Incorporation and bylaws.

? Arrange a board of directors, as well as a registered agent for your charity. A registered agent will receive all necessary communication from the state regarding your charity.

With an understanding of how to start a charity, you can now begin to truly make a different in your local community or even the world.

Tax Benefits of Donating Your Car

---

Everybody has seen and heard advertisements for donating your car to a charitable organization and receiving huge tax returns by the end of the year. Previously this was correct also it had been quite simple to figure out the amount you'd save on the tax refund. You used to be able to look at the Kelly bluebook and write off the trade in value of your vehicle, no questions asked. That has stopped being the case anymore.

Because of many individuals using this deduction in malicious ways the IRS was forced to make changes. An individual cannot really blame them too much once you hear stories concerning individuals writing the worth of a 2000 Ford Escort as $15,000 on a tax statements. The newest guidelines tend to be far more complex to make it so that the vehicle owner does not be aware of the specific amount of the value when making the car donation.

With the new system if your car is worth under $500 you won't have anything at all to concern yourself with, the IRS will accept this minimal amount without any queries as long as you have the proper paperwork from the charity you contributed the vehicle to. In case your vehicle is more than $500 then it get complicated.

The quantity of the tax break above $500 is now based on the automobile price as well as the amount of utilization the charitable organization get as a result. For instance should you donate an automobile valued at $2000 to the ASPCA vehicle charity and they will sell it off immediately for $1500 then that will be your highest possible tax break. The charitable organization will have to let you know within 30 days from the sale and supply a written form, that you should provide the IRS with your tax return. I found that this weblog showed this intelligently on this Alfredia Turnham web post.

But, if the charitable organization makes use of the same vehicle to taxi animals about for a few months prior to selling it for $1500, then you can declare the $2000 value in your return. This is because the charity got extra utility from the vehicle which was not fully reflected within the sales cost.

The new tax regulations have a few beneficiaries nevertheless. If you have a really reduced value vehicle (under $500) you are able to usually state that minimum sum in your return. For example when the charitable organization turns around and sells the contributed car for $300, you can in many instances, nevertheless state $500 while filing your tax return and have no problems.

Just like any charitable gift you wish to obtain a tax deduction for be sure you check out the charity prior to signing the car over. If they're not really a authorized as tax exempt under IRS guidelines your deductions is going to be exactly zero. Request to view their federal charitable status documentation, or contact the Internal revenue service to verify the charity's name.

When filing your taxes the vehicle donation is designated on Schedule A and also Form 1040. Remember that the discount is not an add-on for your tax return, but simply a deduction of your taxed income. For instance if you make $30,000 per year and give an automobile that returned as valued at $2000, the taxable earnings for the year would be $28,000 to the year (less any additional write offs).

How to Raise Money For Your Favorite Charity - Seven Easy Steps

---

Most people want to make a positive difference in the world but many people are not sure how.  Even if we have limited time, we all have some time, and another thing we all have is influence.  Everyone has a certain amount of influence over their friends and family.  The reason for this is trust.   Your friends trust you, otherwise they probably wouldn't want to be your friend!  People will gladly support a cause if they see that it is important to someone they trust. 

The seven steps to running your own fund-raiser are as follows:

Step 1: Decide the specific cause

It is important to choose an organization that you are passionate about.  Your family and friends will need to see how important the issue is to you.

Once you know the cause, contact the organization directly.  Ask for the director of development or anyone in the development department and tell them about your plans.  They will be a wealth of information, and will be overjoyed to hear that you've picked their charity.  Ask for brochures, newsletters, or any other materials that might be helpful.  They may even have ideas to help you get started.  Some charities even have a kit prepared for individuals who want to run their own fund raising event.  Also, make sure to learn as much about the charity as you can.  People will want to know more about it, and will expect you to have some answers.

The final part of this step is to establish a specific goal.   If you're raising monetary donations, pick an amount that is tied to something particular.  The charity can help you out with this.  The goal doesn't necessarily need to be publicized but in most cases, it's probably a good idea.  A monetary goal that is specifically tied to something tangible is best.  For example, some charities allow you to sponsor a child.  You could set a goal to raise enough money to sponsor ten children for a full year.  That way, when the fund-raiser is successful, you and your friends will know exactly what your efforts have accomplished.

Step 2: Decide on the method

There are many methods that you can use to raise funds and the right one for you will depend on your time availability, experience, and the local circumstances.  Usually, your best bet will be to use a fund-raising technique already shown to be successful like a walk-a-thon, a community yard sale, or a department wide collection drive at your office.   But don't be afraid to either come up with your own idea, or to modify an existing method with your own creative ideas.  Do not underestimate the importance of creativity!   

Some businesses conduct something called "undie-Monday" where employees bring in new underwear on the first Monday of the month, to support local homeless shelters.  This simple creative name increases the effectiveness of the campaign, and makes it a little more fun for participants.  A nominal incentive often helps encourage participation.  Some companies will allow employees who donate to a given cause wear jeans to work that day.  

Ultimately, you need to make sure that you have the time and resources needed to carry out whichever fund-raising method you choose.  So make sure you pick one suitable to your skills and availability.  

Step 3: Discuss the idea informally

This is an important step but easy to overlook.  Before you make any major announcements, bring the idea up in casual conversation with some of your closest friends or family to gauge response.  Those closest to you will be the most likely to volunteer to get involved early in the process.  You will be much more successful if you are able to recruit a friend or two to help you and take ownership of the project.  Your friends may also give you helpful ideas as you talk about it or bring up hurdles that you may not have considered.  Don't neglect this step.

4. Make a formal announcement

Now that you've decided the charity, contacted the development department, established a fund-raising goal, decided on a method, and talked it over with some of your closest friends, it's time to make the official announcement.  Simply use common sense; don't let the announcement get drowned out by competition.  For example, if you're going to make the announcement by email at work, don't send it on Monday morning or Friday afternoon!   

Use multiple channels; different people respond to different communication methods.  In addition to your work email, consider printing up some flyers to place in mailboxes and or post in locations with high visibility.   Those who are most likely to be interested deserve a personal follow-up after a few days.  Personal contacts are best in person, ok by phone, and a personal email is an acceptable last resort.   You will need key volunteers and key participants.  Use the personal contact follow up to make sure you get them.

Step 5: Conduct the fund-raiser

Just do it.  Everyone wants to do good work; the secret to actually doing good work is the doing part.  Enough said.

Step 6: Present the money to the charity

It is preferable to have some sort of photograph of you presenting the money to the charity if possible.  Consider taking one or two of the key volunteers who helped in the event with you.   Ask for a thank you letter that you can share with your group in step 7.

7. Follow up with participants

Your fund-raiser was a smashing success and everyone involved had a wonderful time.  Best of all, the charity now has enough funds to move ahead with that new project they've been needing.  You're exhausted from all the hard work you put in, but your work is not quite done yet.  Within a week of the completion of the fund-raiser, be sure to contact everyone who was involved with a thank you.  A mass email may even suffice if you had a lot of participants but especially make sure to give your key volunteers a heart-felt personal thank you. I found that this webpage described this amazingly on this Lacie Pembrook post.

This step is important.  Many of these fund-raisers go on to become annual events and those who helped you in year one are your most likely candidates for year two.  Often, your key volunteers will be so moved by the experience that they'll volunteer for an even larger workload next year. 

At the end of the day, in addition to ensuring that the mechanics of your fund-raiser were successful, you want to practice good, people-oriented fund-raising policies.  It is the people who made this success possible and you need to make sure they know that their contributions were appreciated. 

When Charity Is Not Enough

---

Carlos Slim went on to explain that trillions of dollars have already been spent on poverty, yet poverty persists.

Furthermore, Carlos commented that giving money to charities is easy for someone like him -its mindless, painless, quick and easy.

Instead, he advocated people should be more active in their "giving" and seek to apply funds to the creation of new, sustainable businesses. Businesses are the entities that can really make a difference. Businesses create jobs, find innovative solutions and ultimately multiply wealth far more effectively than charity. I found that this person showed this well on this Bernardo Lufsey webpage.

As an example, he noted that Microsoft has given more to the world than the millions of dollars donated to charity by Bill Gates.

By this point, I had to say I was over my initial shock from his comments and starting to see some logic. It sounded similar to the famous saying;- "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime"

Carlos Slim went on to talk about the idea that charity is "inefficient" and creates a sort of "dependency" between the giver and the receiver. It is aimed at solving the immediate need, not the cause of the problem.

Philanthropy however, in his eyes was aimed more at facilitating self-sufficiency. It is about identifying the root of the problem, and investing private capital to finding a cure.

He says to do this right "charities" and philanthropic doners needs to think more strategically.

Social entrepreneurship is the answer.

A social entrepreneur is someone whose primary motive is to make a social return, in equal or greater measure, to the financial return of the business. Slim's premise is that social entrepreneurship is a far more effective model than charity. It ensures sustainability, innovation and importantly a higher rate of return (socially and financially) from the use of available funds.

This concept goes against the inspirational simplicity of another quote attributed to Nelson Henderson, a pioneer, who apparently said to his son "The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit."

But as self-less and wonderful as Henderson's statement is, it's hard to argue with Slim's logic when you look at how 'commercial' movements like Fairtrade are making a difference.

Fairtrade ensures fair wages are paid to workers in communities which previously lacked sustainable employment. This money creates local wealth, ensures people can afford food, education, healthcare and housing. Yet there is no doubt Fairtrade delivers equal benefits to the businesses involved.

So I can sort of see what he means. I'm still not 100% sure how I can be more strategic in my giving and thus move from addressing the symptom to treating the cause.

But I'm happy to try, because I also liked Slim's parting comment that;- "It is important to leave a better world to our children, but its even more important to give better children to the world."

Start a Blog - Making Money Blogging

---

If you're here reading this now, then it's probably because the question of making money blogging, has been strong enough to cause you to search for that 'very' topic.

Well now that you're here, let me share my 'blogging journey' with you.

Where I started from

My family had grown up, moved away from home, and all of a sudden I had so much more time to start questioning why I do what I was doing. That is, working in the office of a school, and letting life pass me by.

I had moved up to Sydney (from right down the bottom of Victoria) and after three years moved back again. I worked in supermarkets, administration offices and finally schools, as an Aboriginal educator and assistant.

I loved sharing the Aboriginal culture with children in schools and kindergartens, but was 'hankering' for something even more fulfilling in my life.

I'll be honest with you here, I also yearned to make more money and live the lifestyle I had always dreamed of.

My search led me to personal development seminars

Like many others, I jumped online, and searched for money making opportunities. Making money blogging had not even entered my 'imagination' at this time. What I did come up with, was an opportunity making money through eBay.

So I signed up, dragged my partner at the time along, and off we went to a four day workshop to learn how to make money from eBay. Now don't get me wrong, eBay is a great opportunity for many, and I came away from the workshop determined that I could make it my career.

However, at the workshop, one of the speakers, Pat Mesiti, also caught my attention. So I signed up for his Prosperity seminars, and came away feeling very inspired.

I have now attended many of Pat's seminars and workshops, and have found his motivational strategies, extremely beneficial in building my confidence, and own personal development.

What's all this got to do with making money blogging?

Through personal development, or self development seminars, you meet many people who are looking for the same things. That is, a better lifestyle, more opportunities to not only make money, but help others along the way.

Prosperity becomes a lifestyle that embraces much more than just finances, but rather, mindset, relationships, giving to others, and much more.

Through the many speakers I've heard, and online research I did, I came across Sean Rasmussen's internet marketing site, webvision 2020, and his Year of the Affiliate coaching program.

Joining Sean's forum started me on an exciting journey of blogging. Now let me say up front, this was not an instant 'get rich story', that some will often give us the impression of. I was impressed by the integrity and honesty of Sean's personality.

I started out slowly, blogging about a passion for Aboriginal art. Had a few 'hiccups' along the way, but as with most things, success comes when you don't give up.

That original website has now become established and successful, and I have built more websites along the way.

Persistence - a key to success

A recent comment on my site, reminded me about something I've heard many times during my search to educate my own personal development, and that is 'persistence'.

To achieve success in whatever you put your mind to, whether it be making money blogging, eBay, property investment, or the many other strategies for making money opportunities, you must keep persisting.

Those who give up, are often just a 'breath away' from achieving great success.

You hear so much wonderful information, that can change your mindset, and your life, when learning about personal development, that you can sometimes forget some of the important facts. Like persisting. I found that this blog demonstrated this really well on this Guy Gronosky page.
I found that this website showed this incredibly on this Santos Guadagnolo post.

Persistence is a necessary element to achieving success, and profit, through blogging, but the results are worth it.

I'm proud of you, as you've been 'persistent' to read thus far, and the rest I'll keep for another day.

I wish you well in your journey, and your persistence, in achieving your dreams (hopefully through blogging).

If it is your desire to start blogging, then I recommend you take action, 'bite the bullet' and just make a start.

You can find tips and resources to get you started on your blogging journey at my website.

Cheers and best wishes.

Finest Travel Writing - Top 10 Travel Novels

---

It's difficult to find great travel writing, but it's out there. Component of the reason for this is that so much travel writing is also regarded as nature writing or narrative non-fiction. Part of the reason is that the field is so competitive simply because of a lot of very good authors competing for a fairly tiny market space. But there is a wide array of wonderful travel fiction out there, and here is my list of the finest ten travel novels I've read over the past couple years.

10) Via Painted Deserts, by Donald Miller. This is 1 I actually discovered in the "Christian Non-Fiction" section, which can be unfair. There's no question Miller is a Christian, but he's a writer very first and foremost, he's not preachy, and his questioning of his own faith, of reasons for existence, of who and what he is or is becoming is reminiscent of the great soul searching that came from the travel writing of the Beat generation. Miller's account of his trip is wonderful, going through the moments of beauty, the necessity of very good road trip music, and admitting his moments of embarrassment and fear as freely as any other part of his journey. I found that this individual demonstrated this nicely on this Hanna Napolitano website.

9) Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald. The early reading of this book can be hard, simply because after the first few chapters there's a lot of the Western perspective, the whining of living conditions and poverty, the kind of scorn you don't care to read from travel writing. I'm glad I read the rest, since like "By way of Painted Deserts," "Holy Cow" is about the author's journey. Sarah evolves and adjustments chapter to chapter in front of you as she sheds the scornful nature of an atheist "too smart" to fall for superstition, and she opens up, traveling by way of India and sampling all the various religious beliefs and practices as she becomes a humble Theist who learns happiness, learns to grow, and learns that alien cultures can have a lot to supply the open traveler.

8) Into the Wild by John Krakauer. I 1st caught sight of this book at a Barnes and Noble on one of the feature tables. I was on winter break from Alaska and visiting family in Iowa. I picked up the book, sat down, and read the entire work in one sitting. Travel book, journalistic book, nature book, adventure book-whatever you call it, this is 1 heck of a read, and the debate this book causes is deep and passionate. As a wanderlust traveler, I recognize the drive the most important character feels, as an Alaskan, I recognize the native perspective of irritation, of the lack of understanding that nature is brutal and particularly Alaska requirements to be respected as such.

7) Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown, by Paul Theroux. Paul Theroux is at his greatest in "Dark Star Safar," where his skills of observation and his dry wit are on full display. Paul takes readers the length of Africa via overcrowded rattletrap bus, dugout canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train in a journey that is difficult to forget. There are moments of beauty, but there are also a lot of moments of misery and danger. This is a narration of Africa that goes beyond the skin deep to dare to look at the deeper core of what is frequently referred to as "The Dark Continent."

6) Blue Highways: A Journey Into America, by William Least Heat-Moon. This is an auto-biographical travel journey taken by Heat-Mean in 1978. After separating from his wife and losing his job, Heat-Moon decided to take an extended road trip around the United States, sticking to "Blue Highways," a term to refer to tiny out of the way roads connecting rural America (which had been drawn in blue in the old Rand McNally atlases). So Heat-Moon outfits his van, named "Ghost Dancing" and takes off on a 3-month soul-searching tour of the United States. The book chronicles the 13,000 mile journey and the people today he meets along the way, as he steers clear of cities and interstates, avoiding quick food and exploring local American culture on a journey that is just as astounding these days as when he initial took the journey.

5) The Lost Continent, by Bill Bryson. There are tons of amazing Bill Bryson books out there, and any one of them could hold this spot here. "The Lost Continent" is Bryson's trip across America, visiting some typical locations (the grand canyon), but also exploring the back roads and looking for that familiarity that helps him bear in mind house.

4) Wanderlust: Real-Life Tales of Adventures and Romance by Pico Iyer. Almost certainly one of the finest travel writing collections released in recent memory, this collection is under the name Pico Iyer, who helped to edit this collection. These stories come from the "Wanderlust" section of Salon.com and generate a varied tapestry of travel writing that will maintain the reader flipping from one writer to yet another.

3) A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. This is 1 of the all time modern classics in travel literature, as Peter Jenkins recalls the story of his 1973-1975 walk from New York to New Orleans. For numerous readers, this remains a rare travel book that grips you and keeps you. Known as a travel writer who will walk anywhere, including Alaska and China, Peter Jenkins says, "I started out searching for myself and my country and discovered both." That sums up what travel writing should be all about.

2) Travels w/ Charlie by John Steinbeck. This was a novel that helped John Steinbeck win a Nobel Prize in Literature. "Travels with Charlie" is a fantastic travel narrative that gets to the heart of travel, the point of the trip, and the strange confrontation and realization that the places and individuals you bear in mind are gone once you are. As he revisits the locations of his youth that numerous of his books are based on, he realizes on seeing old buddies that they're as uncomfortable with him being back as he is with being there. A good story about travel, about home, about mourning lost history, about aging, and about America-this need to be needed reading for each and every high school student.

1) The Dharma Bums, by Jack Kerouac. The beat generation was full of good travel narratives, and Jack Kerouac was the master of powerful, moving, passionate language that unfolded stories like few people today have ever managed. Even though "On the Road" is the most generally pointed to travel narrative by Kerouac, "The Dharma Bums" is a greater book. Full of passion, fascinating characters and stories, and the type of passionate language and powerful prose that made the beat generation writers preferred, this Kerouac book is extraordinary and deserving of its number 1 spot.

Write-up Writing Jobs - Where to Come across and How to Win Them

---

This write-up is for freelance article writers who have no clue as to where they can come across write-up writing jobs that they can work on. In here, I will not only tell you the greatest places to go but I will also share some ideas that can help you boost your chances of obtaining the projects that you want, so you better read on! I found that this weblog demonstrated this well on this Dot Vosburg blog post.

Come across article writing jobs. 1st step is to Google search the phrase "article writing jobs." In seconds, you'll get hundreds if not thousands of internet websites that are paying individuals to write articles for them. Just before you sign up, make certain that you do your research initial. You want to know if these web sites are reputable and if they're actually paying their contributors. Search the name of the internet site and you'll surely discover feedbacks from their users on forums and blogs. Of course, you would want to sign up with those article writing web sites that have confirmed track record in paying on time.

Freelancing web-sites. You'll also be able to come across a lot of article writing projects on freelancing internet sites. These sites are gaining popularity these days as they make it simpler for buyers and freelancers to locate every other. Once more, do your research before you sign up. You would want to choose a freelancing site that offer security features for their service providers and those that are charging reasonable quantity of dollars for commissions on each project that you win.

Get hired. It's comparatively uncomplicated to get hired by write-up writing web sites. People behind these websites will commonly give you a test article. If they're impressed with your writing abilities, you can simply begin correct away. What I suggest is that you put your ideal foot forward when writing your sample copies. Make certain that your grammar is perfect and that your articles are incredibly informative and content-rich. Also, make your articles simple to realize and simple on the eyes. In order to ensure lengthy term organization relationship with your new employers, make it a point to deliver the articles on time.

Win writing projects on freelancing internet sites. Here's the truth; winning excellent-paying write-up writing projects on freelancing websites can be quite challenging specifically for beginners. This is simply because you'll be going up against a lot of freelancers and some of them have already proven their talent in this field. Nevertheless, you'll get a great shot at convincing buyers to do organization with you if you can prove to them that you can provide much better articles compare to your competitors. When placing your bid, attach sample articles that are just impressive. Then, charge a bit lower. Most buyers will appreciate it if they can save at least $1/article. It will also aid if you supply them with unlimited revisions. This will give your buyers a guarantee that they'll get precisely the type of articles they require ought to they determine to hire you.

Strengths of Buying Camping Gear On the net

---

The only factor you actually have to be troubled about is choosing the suitable products that suit your requirements from the huge array of solutions supplied on the net. I found that this site showed this nicely on this Irving Gidaro page. Good quality, sturdiness, service and the correct value is your principal objective when purchasing from on-line merchants. The only point you genuinely have to feel concerned about is picking the proper on-line store. But the most crucial point you require to know is who will offer you the finest purchaser service. Assortment:

Is their one thing you could come across in a physical keep that you can not discover on the internet? Probably, but most all manufactures will have their items distributed through on-line merchants as very well as physical storefronts. Top quality:

Getting important brand names offered on the internet implies you can get the identical wonderful good quality as purchasing everywhere else. Some merchandise like Trek Tents or Chinook Tents are readily readily available on the internet but may well extremely tough to come across at your neighborhood dealers.

Buyer Service:

Any organization worth its salt will tension and guarantee self-confidence in their buyer service on 1 or all of the above pages.

Pricing:

Don't be afraid to pay more for any item if terrific client service will be made available when necessary. Those firms who do provide good consumer service commonly charge the same or somewhat much more for their items. The reason for this is they may possibly have unique departments dedicated to service, extra personnel or may possibly provide totally free return delivery on faulty items or when some dilemma has occurred.

Returns and Troubles:

Every single corporation really should provide a return coverage that is at least 30 Days. If a warranty has expired and a substitute merchandise is necessary, the original store ought to give you a discount or free shipping to aid offset the substitute price. The only area I know of that offers this form of client service would be an on-line retailer. So, up coming time your in require of a new tent, electronic gadget or even a auto, start off your on-line search with getting fantastic purchaser service in brain.

The Power Of Successful Blogging To Make Dollars On the internet

---

It is properly verified that efficient blogging is the bedrock of driving targeted visitors to your website. You may well care to ask me how so I would quickly present you how it is completed.

1st and foremost, you want to open a blog page and this can be completed by registering on blogger.com or other sites that give trustworthy blog site companies. Right after signing up for the blog site, go round the handle panel and master the overall consumer interface given that this is exactly where all the set up and design of your blog site would be done. Your articles should be top rated notched content articles that have the capabilities of attracting anyone even if your weblog wasn't the 1st page he had at any time opened on the web.

You also should be able to create a very good client connection with your prospects and you can do this by making use of automobile e mail responders to get their emails in your collection for frequent conversation. The benefit of a very good client connection is that you would get to know your buyers like and dislikes as nicely as your buyer understanding yours and this would lead to the creation of a sturdy bond that may possibly not be breakable in the nearest future.

For your blog page to be helpful, you should also put your marketing adverts beneath every guide you create. A banner ad would be greater due to its significant and visible formats. It is not always compulsory that they wait till the finish of your guide to purchase your item.

You by no means know the energy of combining RSS feeds, keywords and phrases, phrases and blogging proficiently guides all in a single weblog till your revenue begins exploding as a outcome of clients subscribing to your feeds which generally reminds them that there was a weblog they visited some months in the past. This reminder would make them pay a visit to your weblog yet again and, who knows, the go to could be fruitful this time.