My Utile Center

Ok, you have finished your great new web site. You’ve spent hours upon hours working on the design until you have made it perfect, you have chosen an excellent domain name to use for the site, and a great deal of content. Of course, your next question is “What step do I take next?”. Choosing the best web hosting provider for your needs can be the difference between a successful web site, or a failure.

An excellent site running on a poor host is a recipe for disaster, if your provider cannot keep your site online 24 hours, 7 days a week you could be missing out on visitors and if your site is for your business, this could mean lost sales as well. It is very important to consider several elements when choosing your first web host, too many people are dissatisfied with their current web hosting provider. First and foremost, the best web hosting provider is the one that suits your needs.

Disk Space

The first thing to take into consideration is disk space. The amount of disk space your will require depends on the size of the web site, and of course how much money you can afford to spend. Ideally you should always go with a plan that has room to grow, if your site currently is around 200mb you must ask yourself, how large will the site be in 12 months, or even 2 years. If you plan to serve media files from your site such as videos, flash animations, or any other type of content that tends to be large in size, you will need to allow for this as well.

Bandwidth

The second thing to consider is bandwidth. Bandwidth is the amount of data you will be serving to your visitors, if you have plans of having a high traffic site in the future, you should consider a plan that allows for a high amount of bandwidth. As with disk space, it is also wise to consider more bandwidth than what your site will require initially, not less.

Serving Speed

The speed that pages are served from the host is often overlooked when it comes to choosing a hosting provider, you should always track down other sites hosted at the web host you are considering. If pages are not served in a timely fashion, your visitors may not wait around to view your content.

Final Words

Each of the above elements need to be taken into consideration when you are choosing a web hosting provider, for all the hosts out there this can take considerable time and effort, take the time to research each hosting provider as well as you can and you will be rewarded for your efforts, rushing into a hosting choice is more often than not a bad decision.

David J. Smith writes about Dreamhost and other top web hosting providers at http://www.Webhost-Advisor.com.

Using sexual lubricants during sexual intercourse, masturbation and for use with sex toys enhances the experience for most people. The slippery texture of a lubricant adds to the sensual feel of almost any sexual encounter with a partner or when you are engaged in self-pleasure. It can also help those women who’s bodies don’t manufacture enough natural lubricant.

Studies of women that use sex toys report that women found using a lubricant with their favorite vibrator greatly enhanced the experience. With all the new male sex toys available today, the same increased pleasure can be enjoyed by men when adding a lube when using many sex toys. Lubrication makes toys glide sensually in, out and about. However, be sure to choose a lube that doesn’t damage you or your erotic sex toys.

It is very important to use the correct lubricant for the sexual activity and other sexual items involved. Certain lubricants disintegrate condoms, others will destroy sex toys, some work better for anal sex and others are preferred for masturbation.

There are four types of lubricants: Water-based, petroleum-based, those made from natural oils, and silicone-based. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Water-based Lubes: These are the most versatile, safe and popular lubricants for all situations. Typically made of de-ionized water, glycerin, and propylene glycol, they are safe to use with condoms and all forms of barrier birth control. It is rare that water-based lubricants cause irritation, and they don’t stain clothing. They are safe to ingest, and they come in both flavored and unflavored varietiesusing one of the many flavors available can add to the pleasure of oral sex. They tend to dry out over extended periods, but a little water or saliva will get you slick again.

Petroleum-based lubes: These include Vaseline products, mineral oil products and baby oil. Unfortunately, these products all destroy latex, so they cannot be used with condoms, cervical caps or diaphragms. In addition, they can inflame and irritate the vagina. They also stain clothing. Petroleum-based lubes do tend to last well, so they are often used by men during masturbation.

Natural oil-based lubes: These are derived from natural oil sources such as nuts or vegetables. Like petroleum-based lubes, they too destroy latex (condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps) and stain clothing. However, they do have one key advantage over petroleum-based lubes: they don’t cause vaginal irritation. This makes them excellent for female [and male] masturbation, unprotected vaginal intercourse, and for massage.

Silicone-based lubes: These have the benefits of water-based lubricants with the addition of being waterproof, so they may be used in the bath, or the Jacuzzi, or… In addition, they tend to lubricate longer than water-based lubes. Silicone will not hurt latex, so they’re safe with condoms and other forms of barrier birth control; however, they can affect adult toys made from silicone.

So, pick a personal lubricant that’s compatible with your sexual activity and any birth control or sex toys you are using. There are many companies manufacturing each type of sexual lubricant, so if you don’t like the consistency, scent or other qualities of one lube you have plenty of other choices. Enjoy yourself!

Lance Russell is the author of the book “Recipes for Better Sex: 75 Delicious Ways to Spice Up Your Love Life” and he has lectured on human sexuality at Universities in California. In addition, he is co-owner of the sex toy store http://www.PleasureMeNow.com, Sexual Lubricant

Recently our website had one of the “gurus” test out our Solo Sweepstakes program. Frankly, it was sort of exciting to know we were about to be, or could possibly be, put on the hot seat. We didn’t hold our breath LOL, but truly it was a kick!

With this order, as with every single order we’ve ever had
and ever will, we wished this advertiser the very best. We
like to help people succeed!

The results of his “experiment” because admittedly that’s
what it was, were “just less than break even” at best.

I guess for some of us a having 1 person out of 130 buy
a $97 product might appear to be nothing. But that translates
into 0.76% conversion rate. Not too many of us ever hit that
high - especially not the first time out.

Let’s also consider that this was a totally cold market.
Most of us would consider that to be, well, satisfying
by way of a return on our investment - especially ordering
only one group, trying only one ad, and running it only
one time. The advertiser didn’t quite see it from my point
of view, but I also know we weren’t totally flamed either -
and I thank you for that *smile!*.

Positive results…

On the plus side, his experience by tracking his ad showed
us that a feature we thought to be a plus, sending traffic
physically to a website, definitely works for some but not
for others. Yep he has the numbers to prove it - and so
should all of us! - so we now offer free ad tracking and we
set it up for you.

Okay then, let’s take one possible look at why a $119 order
generated only one $97 sale.

First, this was not targeted advertising. This was the
same solo ad sent to six well-known and respected
ezines of varying interests, styles, and formats to run
one time - and basically (because, hey lets face it) hope
for the best.

The solo that was chosen as the “guinea pig” had the
subject line: Ezine Publishers & eBook Authors.

Okay then, this is a very specific, narrow ad, sent to
six ezines with a wide-range of readers. Hmmmm….

My first impression is that this sort of program would
have received better attention as a simple 6 line ezine
ad - well placed in numerous ezines. We have over 150
of those to choice from, broken into interesting and lively
groups and it costs less than this solo. Numerous
advertisers return to advertise on a steady basis (thank
you!) so I’d say it’s safe to say it must work.

Know your market. Learn what works best and where!

Most of us don’t have the luxury of relying on our names
to assist with sales. Another harsh but true reality -
which leads me now down the inevitable road where I say,
like I always say (over and over because this IS the truth,
and I believe we all know it), the responsibility of sales
rests in YOUR hands. Plain and simple fact.

If it is, as these big guys have you believe, easy enough
to sell virtually anything online, it is very interesting
to note that one of the major “themes” of software programs
and program recommendations by others IS how to put a good
salesletter or ezine or ezine/solo ad together. I’ve used
them myself with tremendous results - for the right
situations.

They also let you know in no uncertain terms that what you
SAY and HOW you say it will make or break your sale -
and to believe that the right words in virtually any market
will sell virtually anything to anybody.

Hmmmm… okay…

Perhaps the choice of product?

Take a look at the testimony on our solo sales page.
This wonderful woman returns on a regular basis, having
had fantastic results with what she was selling - and we
have many, many others. She found what works for her, and
she runs with it! Different products…

It all depends on what you are selling, when you are
selling it, and how you get that across to your fellow
readers. Plain truth.

There also is no denying that the ultimate responsibility
for anything in this world, including your own advertising,
rests with YOU and only you. Big or small, you.

Look closely at your program or product, your overall
market type, and above all else - your ad - decide where
and how to promote and get out there and do it! Discover
what works for you and your products - no one can tell
you that - not for 100% fact - because they don’t know
YOU.

Okay, so we’ve got one order, one time, with one sale and
an almost break even accomplishment. Hey, I’d say not
bad!

Advertise. And then do it again and again and again.
Ezine publishers are there to help. Just ask!
Longevity. One shot wonders are few and far apart.
Personally name brand yourself, they’ve done it.
And hang in there with integrity.

Just don’t shoot the messenger.

© Theresa Cahill - All Rights Reserved. Feel free to distribute this article. Please keep it intact and with the resource box included below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Theresa Cahill, a two decade veteran of marketing, is the owner of http://www.mywizardads.com and invites you to take a look at the services of MWA and download fr.ee helpful information and more at http://www.mywizardads.com/sitemap.html

I’ve been hearing innumerable comments of how well the Clippers are doing this year. Yet they’ve won just 4 of their last 12 games and have looked downright awful in some of their recent appearances, including blowout home losses to Sacramento and Boston. In fact I’m going on record right now saying that these darling Clippers won’t make the playoffs.


Before the bashing, I do have to admit that the Clippers are a fantastic story. People have leaped from “LA has two basketball teams?” to “It’s about time the Clippers beat the Lakers”. Mike Dunleavy should be right up there with Flip Saunders for the Coach of the Year award. However the faade is unraveling at the seams.


It began several weeks ago when SF Corey Maggette got injured for a month and won’t be seen until February. Howard Eisley was waived and now Shaun Livingston is playing backup to Sam Cassell, which takes away the veteran feel this team had going for them. Injuries have to be of some concern; I doubt Chris Kaman or Elton Brand can withstand the remaining 50 games without at least one abrasion.


The Clippers haven’t done well protecting their home court. Sellouts make the home court bounce but they’re rather scarce (which is the obvious downfall of having two teams play in the same city and arena).


With Maggette they have enough components to score 100 each night. Without him they are perhaps too old and struggle to reach triple-digits. Brand and Mobley can score a combined 40 points when they have Cassell feeding them the ball. But Cassell’s struggles last year make me doubtful that he can keep up the pace with the Clippers for a whole season.


I admit that my cynicism of a legitimately good Clippers team is holding my opinion. The day the Clippers or the Arizona Cardinals make the playoffs is the day the sun burns out. This losing streak proves that everything’s right with the world. If they so happen to cling to the #8 seed, I’ll root for them.

There are Free Picks in Basketball available daily.

Everyone, man or woman, has an image in their head of the perfect proposal. Guys see themselves shouting it from the biggest billboards in the city, in the middle of the biggest sports event of the season, maybe even on your favorite TV show. The women, simply see hope that the man of their dreams will declare their love, drop down on one knee and ask her to marry him. After which she says yes, they kiss and voila! It’s time to get ready for the wedding.

Creating perfect wedding proposals does call for a little planning and forethought (others call for a lot of planning). It is quite easy for something to go, well not exactly wrong but off the planned track, and make the event not quite how you hoped it would be. Here are some examples of funny happenings at wedding proposals.

AJ had arranged to have dinner with his intended bride at his favorite restaurant. He placed the ring in the folds of the napkin she’d be using so that she’d find it shortly after she sat down. Unfortunately, she pulled the folds open too fast, and the ring flew out and rolled away. AJ had all the waiters and guests suddenly looking under their tables for the tiny golden ring. Quite a sight with everyone suddenly below deck, so to speak. The ring was found, the proposal made and she did say yes….laughing all the time.

Sam on the other hand planned a romantic dinner for two. He had everything ready, or so he thought. He had carefully placed the ring her champagne flute so that he could ask her to make a toast, then propose. He didn’t expect that she would knock back her drink so fast and almost swallowed the solitaire. Take note: a glass is never a safe place to put the ring in.

Philip and Lisa met in a charity event held in the park over a year ago. He decided to propose to her on the same spot where they met. Everything was going well. He was all set. He got down on one knee and just as he was about to ask her to marry him…the rain came pouring down. It didn’t stop her from saying yes though they did end up soggy from the rain.

Greg knew his girlfriend Cindy was absolutely crazy about these Russian matryoshka nesting dolls. He’d purchased one that she said she really liked and lay out a trail through their house for her to follow. He’d placed the largest piece about two steps from the doorway with a note asking Cindy to find the next doll. She managed to find all but the last piece he’d set up. Inside it was the engagement ring. The only problem was, the halves got stuck and Cindy couldn’t get the ring out. It took a while, but yes they managed to get the ring on Cindy’s finger and they now have very happy memories associated with the dolls.

In order to avoid these funny scenes, just keep it simple. The ladies will appreciate a simple, heartfelt proposal without the razzmatazz just as much. They’ll still say yes if you’re the one they want and you get to avoid a potentially embarrassing and funny moment.

If you ask a friend or a group of people/companies with websites for a suggested ISP (Internet Service Provider), you will get as many recommendations as there are those replying. You may also hear “horror stories” about some of the hosts that others swear by. So, how in the world can you ever choose? In this article, I share my thoughts and opinions on ways to make a sensible choice, but with a happy and prosperous outcome free from disasters.

How do I choose? Price can vary from as little as $3.00 a month to more than $100 per month. (Warning: what follows are the opinions I have formed from my experiences with several different hosts!)

I check to see how long a company has been in business and what corporate backing and rating it receives. Some of the very new hosts may be great, but you don’t want one that comes and goes quickly after you have paid for a year or two of hosting (I never sign up for more than one year at a time).

I make sure that the host offers an excellent statistics package. It is important to know all about your traffic, and especially important if you are designing for others. Their boards and bosses want to know how well the site is doing.

If it is a personal site that I use just for hosting sites on which I am working at the time, then I don’t worry as much about the features, but I do want a site with excellent uptime.

And probably, for me, the most important feature is the amount and professionalism of the technical and customer support. I want to be able to reach a live, polite and knowledgeable person at 3 a.m. in the morning on the weekend, who will solve my problem with ease and pleasure (over a toll free line). Even though most of the hosting companies brag about this feature, many do not follow through to my satisfaction. The only way to find out is to try them.

There are a variety of reasons for choosing your ISP. Write down what is important to you and/or your website designer, and go from there. Happy Hunting!

Chris King is a professional website creator / designer, storyteller, writer, free agent, and fitness instructor. You will find her business website at http://www.creativekeys.biz where you can sign up for her monthly Internet Tips E-zine. In addition visit Chris’ information website at http://www.creativekeys.net and her blog at http://www.curiositycubed.blogspot.com

Sunglasses are a necessity first, and a fashion accessory second. They are necessary for protection from ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays of the sun. Ultraviolet rays affect our eyes, and prolonged exposure can lead to cataracts. Infrared is basically a heat wave that leads to discomfort in the eyes after extended exposure in the sun. Youngsters and teens are more susceptible to the harmful effects of UV and IR rays. Damage to the cornea, lesions on the eyelids that may become malignant, and wrinkles around the eyes from squinting due to the sun’s glare are some of the problems that can occur from prolonged exposure to the sun’s rays.

You are more susceptible to UV and IR rays in the mid-day sun, especially during the summer season. Good quality sunglasses can successfully block 99% to 100% of UV rays; however, it should be understood that the cost of a pair of sunglasses is not related to its ability of blocking UV rays. There are several reasonably priced sunglasses that offer excellent UV protection. The lens color does not impact the UV protection ability of sunglasses. Green and gray shades are good for general-purpose use, whereas blue, brown, and amber may alter the perception of color a little. The darkness of a lens should be such that in bright light, your eyes are just about visible.

Sunglasses with polarized lenses are useful for filtering out glare that may be scattered off a shiny surface such as water, snow, and car windshields. These glasses are no more effective against UV rays than glasses with non- polarized lenses but can be very useful if you work in high-glare environments.

Apart from the utilitarian value of sunglasses, they have an undeniable appeal as fashion accessories. Several major fashion brands have their own line of designer sunglasses. Sunglasses are available in several shapes, sizes, and form and they cover a range of looks such as sophisticated chic, sporty, formal, etc.

Along with sunglasses to protect your eyes, always use sunscreen on the exposed skin while stepping out of home, whether in winter or in summer. Sunscreens offer protection against harmful UV rays and minimize the risk of contracting a skin ailment such as melanoma. Sunscreens are available with different Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values. There are different skin types such as very fair, fair, light, medium, and dark and they all react differently to exposure to sunlight. People with very fair skin burn quickly and they rarely ever get a tan; a dark skin rarely burns and can get tanned easily. If your skin burns easily, you should choose a sunscreen with a high SPF value. The highest value is SPF 30. The bottom line: when you go out in the sun, don’t neglect your eyes or skin!

Nathan Sauer recommends custom Oakley sunglasses. See http://www.technical-gear.com/sunglasses/by_brand/oakley/oakley_sunglasses.htm for more information.

Emerald Green Arborvitae are easy to grow in Buckingham Township
Pa. This article will help you understand this landscape plant.

Arborvitae have masses of small fiberous roots which allows them
to transplant at most times of the year. The Emerald Green has
the best year round color, but is narrow in form. In real dry
years this plant does not survive as well as the more open arbs
such as the American, Techny, Nigra, and Elegantissma. This
variety, because its foliage is more dense than other varieties,
is less tolerant than more open cultivars. In an urban area with
deer problems, this variety will be consumed before the next
season. We have in stock and ready to pickup these arbs from
seedlings (6-10″) to 6-8′ trees. Emerald Green arbs are easy to
plant but afew tips will help your success. When planting,
remember that the symptoms of overwatering are identical to
underwatering. More trees, shrubs, and houseplants are killed
from overwatering than all other problems combined. Water
thoroughly upon planting then water thereafter as needed
depending on soil and environmental conditions. At no time
should the planting zone be kept soggy. Feel the soil with your
finger to test it. It should be moist not spongy wet. The plant
should be dried to the point of dampness to the touch before a
complete re watering. This regime should be carried out at least
through the first few months. Soil moisture should be monitored
closely for the next two years with corrective action taken as
needed. Fertilizer spikes should never be used. You can tell
when the arbs are happy with their new location by looking at
the interface of the root ball and the new location. New
fiberous roots should appear within weeks of planting. You can
get more information on This and other plants at the following
web sites http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.zone5treees.com
and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

While studying online for IT investment opportunities, I found that one main factor was constant. All of the biggest money makers have eye-catching, simple, innovative, and the cleanest websites online!

Having a corporate style website may greatly increase your business!

Looking professional online is extremely important, especially if you want to attract big money to your door. There are literally 1000’s of people and companies searching every single day for their next big purchase, will your company be the next one they contact?

Here are a couple of “corporate style websites” I am talking about:

http://www2.sprintcanada.ca/Enterprise/default.asp
http://www.bell.ca/shop/index.jsp
http://www.cogeco.ca/en/index_o.html

As you notice with all three of those examples, they are clean, simple, innovative and easy to navigate. You won’t notice any flashing buttons, 10 different text colors, everything packed into one page, banner ads in every corner, etc.

The point is - keep it clean!

Have you ever visited a website and you left with a headache? This might be the same for your visitors. People notice when they find clean websites, it actually increases your chances of people reading your content more often than not.

Appearance is everything online. What your website tells people subconsciously is the message they perceive about your business. The more “Mickey mouse” your website looks, the more “Mickey mouse” visitors will think about your business. The internet is very impersonal and in order to increase our business, you need to find ways to subconsciously tell your visitors that you mean business and you’re the right choice for their purchase online.

It takes 2 seconds to look bad online:

This whole process happens within seconds of visiting your website. Let’s say that 70% of your visitors are 1st time visitors and only 4% ever come back, by simply cleaning up your style, it may actually increase that 4% return visitors into 10% overnight. It is that simple.

Redesigning your existing website is very important:

Many people who Redesign their existing website once every 3 years end up increasing their business overnight. Those of you who have had the same website for the last 10 years should really consider updating right away. Updating your website is like turning over a new leaf and coming up with new and innovative ideas to connect with your visitors.

Yahoo.com & MSN consistently update their template(s):

Yahoo & MSN also understand the importance of “keeping up with the Jones’s”. Keeping your website fresh and up to date will give your existing visitors another reason to browse through other sections simply because they have a new found interest and curiosity. Please note: Changing everything around every month is not the key, this method may actually confuse your visitors more than increase their curiosity.

Humans get bored easily:

It is actually really easy to have your visitors lose interest in your company. What would spawn such loss?

- Old outdated content
- Broken links everywhere
- Contact forms that don’t work anymore
- Website templates from the “50’s”
- Content that isn’t related to their search

We as humans have a short attention span. If the website we are visiting doesn’t pique our interest right away, as we say “there they where, GONE!” This is the very reason why BLOGS attract a huge amount of attention online. Not only can you read people’s thoughts, but you can read them every day!

Blogs are a great way to connect with new & existing visitors on a daily basis. Don’t forget, search engines tend to like updated content as well.

Getting back to making more money…

The better you look online, the better your checks will be. People want to know that they made the right decision for their family, friends, or business. Going with a company that doesn’t feel right may embarrass them and decrease your chances at repeat business. People will always recommend a company that they are proud to do business with. It’s the same as getting “recognition” for their recommendation.

Bottom line is this:

Re-think, Re-design, Re-vamp whatever you have to in order to turn over a new leaf for your business. Do this properly, and you too will increase your business over night!

Martin Lemieux is the owner of Smartads. We help companies to increase their business online and offline.

Martin Lemieux’s Internet Marketing Archive:
www.smartads.info/newsletter/archive/

Internet Marketing Tips:
web-marketing.smartadsa.info

Massage feels sinfully good, doesn’t it? The truth is, massage is one of the best things you can do for yourself; especially during times of change such as menopause.

This soothing therapy has been shown to lower blood press, reduce muscle pain, improve joint flexibility and alleviate headaches, just to name a few of its healing powers.

Most people think of massage in terms of muscle aches, but it’s much more than that. It increases blood flow to your muscles, tissue and every cell in your body which brings oxygen and nutrients to these critical areas. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and the immune system.

Here are some of the different strokes you have to choose from:

Acupressure
An ancient Chinese technique involves the therapist using his fingers to press key points on the skin to release muscle tension and promote circulation and energy flow. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture involves needles. The pressure restores balance to the body and treats ailments such as headaches, menstrual cramps and constipation.

Swedish Massage
This is probably the most common form of massage in the US. Its main goal is relaxation and improved circulation. The therapist applies oil to the skin and uses flowing strokes and kneading movements to relieve tension from the muscles.

Deep Tissue Massage
This type of massage is more vigorous and uses various styles to loosen the muscles. It helps break patterns of tension, relieves chronic pain, including inflammation-related pain such as tendonitis and improves range of motion.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is Japanese for “finger pressure.” This technique is similar to acupressure where the practitioner uses their finger, thumb, palm, elbow, knee (and sometimes even walk on you) to put pressure on acupuncture healing points. This unblocks the flow of energy and encourages blood and lymphatic flow. It also promotes relaxation and strengthens the body against disease and restores balance.

Sports Massage
This treatment incorporates several massage techniques which is great for athletes. It keeps the body flexible, increases performance and assists in rehabilitation from an injury.

Hot Stone Therapy
During this therapy, heated stones are placed strategically on the body which dilates blood vessels and gets blood and oxygen flowing into tense areas. It can feel like a body “rush.” The soothing heat can also prepare the body for deep-tissue work as well as alleviate PMS symptoms.

Aromatherapy Massage
The therapist incorporates essential oils extracted from herbs, flowers and roots into the massage. They select the proper oils based on a particular physical condition and blend them into a massage oil or lotion. The end result is a relaxing massage tailored to your individual needs.

Reiki
This therapy is an Eastern method meaning “universal life energy.” It brings healing energy to the organs and glands in order to bring the body back into balance and help prevent disease. The massage practitioner places their hands on or just above the body to realign chakras and dissolve toxic substances from your physical and emotional being. People often feel warmth or tingling sensations during Reiki.

Pregnancy Massage
This massage focuses on a pregnant woman’s needs including swollen hands and feet, stress on weight-bearing joints, exhaustion and lower back pain. And of course the practitioner positions you to accommodate your baby bump.

Craniosacral Therapy
This therapy involves the Craniosacral system which extends from the skull to the bottom of the spine and consists of the brain, spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and surrounding membranes. The practitioner uses a light touch to restore cerebrospinal fluid movement. This can help treat such conditions as headaches, eye and ear problems as well as whiplash and back pain.

Cathy writes frequently on mid-life issues for women and men particularly menopause, and a copy of her book can be found at www.howtoconquermenopause.com
To read a sample of this book go to www.everythingmenopause.com/currentissue.htm