So you say, "I have the idea, but not the tools. What are these tools and where do I get them?" Let me answer that question with a question. Have you ever heard of web site templates? If not, they're your answer to a professional website at a very reasonable price, usually around $60 to $70. A website template is a ready-made website design created for you to use as the foundation for quick and high-quality web development. There are thousands of templates available online so you are virtually guaranteed to find something that suits your design and format needs.

It can be as easy as simply adding your text to the template or rearranging photos along with your text to produce the outcome you have been searching for. Finding web site templates is easy, but be aware of the differences in template providers you will come across. Performing a Google or Yahoo search with the phrase "web site templates" will yield several vendor choices and not all of them offer the quality you demand. They all promise the best templates around, but that is obviously not the case. So, how do you find the right template vendor? First, visit some of the sites you come across and examine their templates.

You will know you are on the right track if you answer "Yes" to the question, "Am I impressed with these templates?" Always trust your taste. Next, explore how many templates the vendor offers and how often their database is updated. As a rule of thumb, the more they have the better they are. This helps assure you that your choice will be more unique than otherwise. If you choose a template from a vendor who only offers a few select quality templates then the chances are that a great deal of other customers have chosen that same template.

You certainly don't want a website that is practically identical to dozens of others online. You will also want a vendor who updates their site on a regular basis. Weekly updates are good, but daily updates are even better. This guarantees that they will have fresh templates on a regular basis for you to choose from.Finally, you want to make sure that your template is editable. This means that your template will come with the appropriate files (PSD, HTML, SWF, and FLA) that will allow you to make the necessary changes to your template.

Ask you vendor before making your selection. Most templates come with these files, but it is better to be safe than sorry. You should be able to download your selection immediately or your vendor will provide a link to do so.Great! Now you have a really impressive template and can't wait to make the changes that will get you a completed website that blows away your competition. Well, you're halfway there. You have one more important choice to make.

Who will do the editing? You will either have someone internally run with the project or you can hire someone and outsource the job. If you decide to handle things internally make sure you have the necessary software to edit your files and someone who is somewhat familiar with how to do the editing. This is what your template vendor probably didn't tell you. Certainly it isn't as easy as purchasing a template and plugging in text. If it were then there wouldn't be a market for web design and development companies.

If you're confident about handling it yourself then great, but be careful. You might find yourself investing a lot of time and money trying to get your desired results.Your alternate choice, hiring a development firm, will almost certainly get your site looking and functioning the way you want it, but for a fee, of course. It is easy to find a development firm to handle your needs and you can find several online. Simply search with the keyphrase "web site design". Call or email a few of them explaining your situation and needs and ask for a quote to perform the editing for you.

Depending on the amount of editing you will require you should receive price quotes in the $500 -$1500 range. This is a very reasonable price to pay for a professional website. Most likely, you will be glad you did..

Well, except for the time when he said "I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family." And lets not forget he also stated, "I am honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein." On second thought, it's clear that we have to deviate from the articulate angle. What a pity!9. He is so charismatic. Whenever I see the president, visions of Howdy Doody spring to mind. For those 30 and under, Howdy Doody is the puppet from a 1950s children's TV show.

And just like Howdy, Bush too has an exaggerated smile. Another similarity the two share is that they're both stiff as a board. Which explains why the president's decision to invade Iraq was equivalent to that of a puppet on a string. 8. His patriotism.

Unlike many young men who opted not to go to Vietnam, Bush served his country by enrolling in the National Guard. And as soon as those military records are found, just like the weapons of mass destruction he adamantly refers to, everyone will appreciate this man's love for his country. What a man, What a man!7. He always tells the truth. That's right our president is so honest you can believe everything he says and then some.

And for anyone who disagrees with him, they're depicted as "lip scrunching, jaw-jerking, anti-patriotic liberals." Case in point: If Bush says John Kerry is too progressive to be elected president, it's probably true. After all this is the man who told us umpteenth times that Saddam Hussein has ties to Al-Qaeda. And on that note I can honestly say, Dubya gives new meaning to the phrase TALKING LOUD AND SAYING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. 6. His sense of humor.

For instance, whenever the president comes on my TV screen I automatically burst into laughter. Yeah, that silly grin and lumbering walk gets me every time. Perhaps if he stopped flashing that bogus smile the laughter would stop. Or perhaps not. 5.

His Moral Fiber. Oh man what a saint. Besides doing a "little drinking" in his youth, this guy is so morally pure I want to tell the whole world. I bet you won't catch an intern kissing this president Besides, he's too busy extolling his role as the "war president." Ah, why can't we all be this perfect?4. His intelligence.

Honestly, have we ever had a commander-in-chief who was so smart? Hey, can you spell dummylicious? pronounced dum-e-lish-ous. Don't worry he can't either.3. Compassion. He has it in droves, especially when targeting special interest groups and organizations. For example, lauding the immorality of same sex marriage to secure his conservative voter base.

That's right George, when your administration fails to scare everyone with its vague terrorist threat alerts, the next step is to play the family values card. The president is probably thinking, if I can't scare the American people into re-electing me by raising the terrorist alert when it suits me, I will remind them about those men and women who get a thrill out of drilling each other instead of the opposite sex. We humorists call such behavior the incorrigible jabs of a real GIRLIE MAN. 2. Honesty: Oh how can I say it? Let me count the ways.

I would love to but time doesn't permit me to engage in such fantasies. 1. Major Insomnia Reliever: Within seconds after seeing or hearing the president, I quickly fall asleep. So who needs over the counter sleep aids when George W. Bush is available? According to sources who requested anonymity, the president is so boring, he would make a dead man rise from his grave.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ! And there you have it, 10 reasons why conservatives love George W. Bush. And if you can't figure out the logic behind this commentary you are truly an admirer. So, what does that say about you?.

Do not be afraid to tell the salesman straight away what your budget is either. Don't waste your time looking for cameras that don't fit this budget.2. Know what you want to use the camera for. Is this for a professional or to take pictures of your kids? Will it be used mostly indoors, outdoors, or both? Knowing this information can help narrow down your search as well.3. Needs versus desires.

Okay so just about everyone wants the digital camera that is loaded with features and added bonuses. But, is it really what you need? Cutting down all these extras will help you cut the extra costs as well. But, don't skimp either. Take some time to check out several of the available digital cameras in your price range. Know what to expect for your money.4.

Do your research. Trust me, once you walk into that saleroom, chances are you are going to want to lay your hands on a camera and leave with it. But, this is not a smart choice. You need to either decide not to do this until you have checked out several places or you can do the smarter thing. That is doing your research online from home, far away from the store itself.

Just keep going from site to site to determine what are the basic cameras available in your price range. Who is offering the most bang for your buck?5. LCD screen or not? Most of us want to be able to preview the image we are going to take using the LCD screen. But, it is a costly addition to the camera. Consider whether it is right for you or not.6.

Memory Cards. Will you need to purchase a memory card for your digital camera as well or will one be provided. How many should you buy depends on how much you will use the camera in between downloading them. How much memory will be on the cards for the camera you plan to purchase?7. Pixels and Resolution.

Just, what is all that about? The better quality cameras which have higher pixels and resolution provide a clearer picture with much more detail then others. Again, compare the different models once you are at the store. Which model, in your budget range, has the best picture? Or, which camera has the best picture for what you are willing or able to spend. Test them out prior to purchasing to see the difference here.8. Is the camera compatible with your computer? This is very important here since this is how most people download and even print off their pictures! This is usually not a problem unless you own an older computer.9.

Ease of use. Purchasing a digital camera is supposed to make your life easier, right? Make sure you are choosing one you can understand how to use and one that is simple to use. When you want to take a picture, you usually don't have 5 minutes to figure it out.10. Cost of features over name brand. Our last comment has to do with name brands.

Surely, you know that just because a name brand sticker is on an item it is not a way to tell if it is the best model out there. Compare the features and items listed above to find the best camera available to you, not the label.Putting all of this together can produce a great digital camera that suits your needs, your budget, and even your desires. Now, that you have an idea of what to look for, go ahead, run to your retailer with the best deal and get the digital camera you have been waiting for!.

These restrictions are, so far, limited mainly to advertising. But, without quality advertising, how can one's business acquire customers? For example, search engine giant Google made a policy change which prohibited online pharmacy advertisers from using its AdWords pay-per-click ad service; that is, unless they had a SquareTrade online pharmacy license. I won't even get into the problems with that system.In the past months, anyone who watches the health news sector has read all the stories of online pharmacy owners going to jail for 4 years on average and being required to forfeit most of their assets such as Porsche sports cars and penthouses. After all, when you get away charge large fees for services you don't provide, the cash should just roll in.Recent news reports talk of the software company Microsoft and Pfizer teaming up to shut down a whole network or ring of illegitimate online pharmacies. Out of a total of 17 law suits, named operations include "CanadaPharmacy," "E-Pharmacy Direct," "DiscountRx," "VirtualRx", and "EzyDrugStore."The reasoning behind this latest group of law suits stands on the platform of ridding the online pharmacy industry of sellers of counterfeit drugs.

These cases involve counterfeit versions of Pfizer's flagship medication, Viagra, a safe solution to the embarrassing and stressful problem of erectile dysfunction. If this is about drugs, you ask, then why is Microsoft involved? Well, as the owner of the Hotmail free email service used by millions of people, the company seems to have vowed to do all it can to kill off the companies such as those above, who send out hundreds of millions of emails to Hotmail customers, carefully crafted to get past current spam filters.For questions regarding this article, contact : ian@shoppe.md.

If thousands, or even tens of thousands, of people filed individual lawsuits against the same company for the same reason, the courts, both at the Federal and state levels, could become hopelessly clogged with nearly identical cases. Another advantage is that it allows people who may not have individually suffered enough harm to justify a lawsuit by themselves to seek compensation as a group, or "class" where the harm committed is cumulatively large.The courts decide whether or not a case is to be heard as a class-action suit, as the court must decide if the merits of the case justify handling the suit in that way, and whether or not the attorney or law firm in question can adequately represent the victims involved. Should the case proceed as a class-action suit, only one or two representatives of the class need appear in court. They will represent the class; it is not necessary for all members of the class to be present at trial.Once the case is certified as a class-action lawsuit, all parties representing the "class" are notified by their attorney either via mail or public notice. They then have the opportunity to "opt out", should they not wish to be represented in the case by the attorneys in question.

Unless the notified individuals opt out, they are included and will share in the award, should the lawsuit proceed to a successful conclusion. Individuals who choose to opt out may then elect to hire their own representation and perhaps file a lawsuit on their own.Class action lawsuits typically take several years to reach their conclusion, particularly if the suit is followed by appeals by the losing party. It is not uncommon, however, for class action lawsuits to be settled out of court.As always, should you find yourself in a situation where a lawsuit might be warranted, be sure to consult with a qualified attorney..

Successful companies are led by visionary founders or executives who inspire those around them to achieve ? the R&D and manufacturing engineers, the marketers, the customer service people, even the accountants. When crafting core PR messages, it is critically important to get inside the heads of the people who designed the latest widgets so that the product copy reflects their vision. Just as important, their voices need to be heard through written quotes and even public appearances. Why? Brand image. As consumers in the modern-day medina, we want to believe that we do business with people who care about us, with organizations that reflect our values.

Our purchases are an extension of ourselves and we want them to somehow matter. If a company is faceless, we aren't going to take the time to figure out who they are; we are going shopping at the next kiosk. When an entire industry loses its identity, their products become simple commodities and we are left to ask our friends for advice and price shop. Need examples? Airline companies today struggle with the public's frustration born out of confusing fare structures, long delays, cramped seating, and poor customer service. It is hard to believe there was a time not so long ago when we all dressed in suits and dresses whenever we flew and gladly put up with numerous irregularities; flying was special and we were treated that way.

Today, we are reduced to shopping for the lowest airline price. And yet, at the end of the flight, many of us will climb into cars that cost thousands of dollars more than basic transportation because we believe in the manufacturer's publicized commitment to high-performance, safety engineering or fuel conservation.People matter to consumers, and it's not just in regard to for-profit companies. Non-profits are particularly susceptible to the capriciousness of human philanthropy. When we give our dollars to a cause, it has to matter. If we suspect the sincerity of the organization, if it seems to be foundering with no one at the helm, or if we doubt that our donations are reaching the intended beneficiaries, we immediately suspend our support.

And then we tell everyone we know, creating irreparable harm to the organization's image.Because people matter and no two are the same, every organization, no matter how large or small, is unique by definition. Herein lies the secret to every successful PR effort. When you tap into the distinctive character of an organization, an effective PR strategy awaits..

I draw the line at drinking from toilets. Splish splashIn addition to my regular veterinary care, I'll need a flea and tick collar at a bare minimum. How would you like those critters crawling all over you? Please help me to prevent them from crawling on me. If you want to show me off for company, how about you pick up some grooming aids so I can look my sexy best? I SO look forward to weekly shampoos. Who needs rubber duckies when you get to splash at humans at bath time? I understand that humans multitask, and I love those massages with the grooming gloves, so we could watch TV together while you give my coat a nightly massage.

I cannot vacuum after myself (but maybe you could suggest that as an advanced course at obedience school), so you might want to pick up some of those hair pickup tools for yourself.A bowl of my very ownI could use a doggie bowl or two, something simple, yet elegant, perhaps something with my name on it. It's not that I mind sharing your everyday bowls, but it would be nice to have something that's all mine when it comes to feeding and watering troughs. I'll need one for food and one for water, and an everyday pattern will suffice?no need for an expensive china pattern.Collars and other jewelryI look forward to our walks together, but it's just too tempting for me to stray when you walk me without a leash. I think the government suits must be on to us doggies, since they've enacted those pesky leash laws everywhere. So, if you want to continue spending this quality time with me, you'll need to find a leash that fits me properly, is strong enough to hold me, and is the proper length.

If it's too long, I'll trip all over myself, but if it's not long enough, I won't have the room I need to roam. I know that there is a dizzying array of leashes available, but please use a little discretion and choose one with the right "look" for my breed so that all the other doggies don't make fun of me. They can be so darn cruel!Creature comfortsI was told that most humans have jobs, so I understand that you'll be spending time away from me. If you could see your way clear to leaving a few creature comforts behind, it would really help. First, I don't want to hog your people furniture?it's too big for me anyway.

I could use one of those nice, comfy doggie beds. Floors are meant to be walked on, not lounged upon. I know that there are a number of places that I should not go when you're gone, so spray that indoor repellent, and I'll learn the first time. I'm a quick study?something about Pavlov!Dogs in toylandToys will help me pass the time, assist me in my development, and most importantly, distract me from the fact that you're not here. I could have some REAL fun if you'd get me my very own cat, but I realize that is not likely.

Here is a list of things that I would really, really enjoy if you cannot get me my own cat:

• A nice supply of those rubber, chewy thingies
• Squishy, squeaky, talking toys
• Rawhide chews, dental chews, anything that I will mistake for a bone
• Treats, treats, and more treats ? a never-ending supply of treats

Treat me right, and I'll be your best friend for life.Love and kisses,Your beloved doggie.

Your logo should be able to build a positive, strong and long lasting impression on existing and prospective customers. The very moment a person views your logo, even a part of it, he should think of your company. Just think of some of the all time great logos, McDonalds', IBM, Nike? the moment you see their logos, even if you see a part of it or may be in Black and White (there comes another important aspect!) are you able to think of anything else than the respective company? The answer is definitely NO! The first thing that comes to your mind is the name of the company. This shows how strong an impression their logo leaves in our mind. Isn't that, what all of us are looking for?How do you get your logo to leave such a strong long lasting impression? The key to this question is to make it easy to remember.

Companies often make the mistake of thinking that a complicated artistic design might work well for them, while the reverse is true, in most cases. The simpler your logo is, the easier it is to remember and so it leaves a stronger impression on the people.You also need to think of all the possible mediums where you are going to use your logo. You are not going to use your logo in only one medium, you might use it on your business cards and stationery, you might use it in your website, you might also use it in the conventional media like newspaper classifieds and magazines. This is why it is most important to inform your logo designers about the possible mediums where you are going to use your logo. You should also check if your logo looks good in Black and White, because tomorrow if you need to get a document in black and white with your logo on it, it should be very easily compatible to that as well.

In the beginning of this article, I have mentioned, that your logo can successfully convey the character and nature of your business to its viewers. How do we do that? There are a host of factors that are considered before designing a logo. When you place an order for a logo design, as a client it is your responsibility to give a clear brief of your company profile, the industry you are in and the nature of logo that you are looking for, to the designers. If you are not sure about the nature of logo that suits your company, let the logo design firm decide on that. There are many logo design companies who are experienced and they will be much better equipped to suggest you the correct type of logos.

Any good logo design firm would conduct a market research about the different types of logos used in your industry by your competitors and their impact on the people. Based on that they will deliver you a set of logos from which you can choose any one and then they will customize !that to your perfection.If you have any corporate colors, as we have red for McDonalds', it will be wise to suggest the designers to use that color in your logo-any good designer would anyhow do that.One last word, as with any other industry, it is definitely beneficial to buy professional service than to go for any amateur designs just to save a few dollars. You might be the best in your industry but they know their job better than you, so if you want to get a good result, try to depend on your logo design company. I do understand that there are certain logo design companies that charge exorbitant rate to create a logo design but the industry is changing. These days there are companies that offer excellent logos for nominal charges (check out http://www.mycorporatelogo.com ).

So before you decide to place your order for your logo design, check the portfolio of the company and then check the price tag. You can definitely find some professional logo designs at affordable rates..

At least the weather was easy. My life started to crumble before my very eyes.At the ripe age of 38, I almost had a stroke on my job and was ordered by my doctor to quit my job. Quit my job! What was I going to do? We were in a small town and jobs were scarce! I could never find a job with the job security I had with the State of California. The good part is I had a choice, if you could call it that. I could stay on my current job and risk dying there or I could quit and live for my child.

What a choice! For me, there was only one choice. My child came first.The only work I had ever done was in offices and most of the jobs listed in the local paper wanted you to type 80 words per minute. I must admit typing was never my best attribute and 80 words per minute was way out of my range; 60 words per minute was more in my range.I had managed to save a little nest egg while I was working and drew out my retirement money. I tried to start a home business, but failed with that. My money was almost gone and I didn't have anything to fall back on.On top of all of that, it was getting close to Christmas.

Now what? The only alternative I had was to go to the Dept of Public Services [better known as welfare]. They told me it would be two months before I could receive any money, although I would get food stamps right away. Well, at least I knew we would eat at Christmas time! What about gifts, a tree and all the other things that my daughter and I had gotten used to all those years? You know, the "traditional" things all families in the United States had at Christmas? I knew one thing, I couldn't and wouldn't let my daughter down!I took sewing in school, had made men's suits at one time and had an old sewing machine. A friend of mine had given me ten bolts of material they had stashed away when cleaning out their garage. I would make my daughter some clothes for Christmas.

My daughter, at 11 years old, was so brave. After I explained our situation to her, she set about asking one of our neighbors to teach her how to do macrame. If you aren't familar with this craft, it was used to make the plant holders they had then out of yarn.I didn't know she was doing this and I set about sewing her Christmas gifts while she spent time at the neighbors house. I thought she was playing and having a good time.I still had one problem. What would I do about a tree? I told my daughter that we wouldn't be able to have a tree this Christmas.

She said to me, "Mom, why not use a tumbleweed?". I thought about it and said why not? They were plentiful in the dessert and free.We went out and chose a tumbleweed just as if we were picking out the perfect Christmas tree. When we found the right one, we came home, put lights on it and popped pop corn and strung them for the tree.Christmas morning we arose full of anticipation and excitement. I was surprised to find two gifts under the tree with my name on them. How did my daughter get me two gifts? She had no money.When I questioned her about it, she said, "Just open them mom!".

I opened them and was pleasently surprised! They were simply beautiful. They even matched my decor! She explained how all the time she had spent at the neighbors house, she had been learning to make these for me. This touched my heart to the core. I have never forgot it to this day. Neither has my daughter.

When she talks about Christmas now, she always mentions our tumbleweed Christmas and how she remembers that Chistmas over all the rest. She always refers to it as the best Christmas we ever had.(c) Jane Fulton/Smart.

The waiver is primarily a proof that the participant acknowledges, understands and accepts this risk, and as a consequence has waived the right to hold the sports organization responsible should an accident occur.Are you really waiving anything?The legal implications of waivers can be somewhat different. As liability suits generally take place in state or provincial courts much variance exists between the jurisdictions. However, most do adhere to the rule that you cannot sign away your rights. So if the accident is due to negligence, the participant may, in some cases, be able to hold the organization liable regardless of the waiver.Further, many waivers are incorrectly worded and in some jurisdictions, these wordings may even be illegal. This is the case for all jurisdictions that forbid a parent or legal guardian from waiving a minor's right or in the case the law holds one party strictly liable for certain acts regardless of any waiver.Other elements that will affect the legality of waivers include when a hardship is placed on those who will not sign the waiver, where the organization is for profit, the age of the participant, cause of the injury, and where the person signing the waiver adds terms such as "under duress".How do you proceed? If you are a participant, read the waiver and if you are in agreement sign it.

Behave in a responsible manner, and assume that the waiver has waived your rights and therefore it is up to you to behave in a prudent manner. If you are the coach or part of the organization, read the waiver and if you are in agreement have your players sign it, then, behave as if no waiver or insurance is in place. Personally check the field and facilities for things that may cause accidents, and do not hesitate to call the game if you believe people are going to be injured. Form and ContentThere is no guarantee of a summary judgement, but improperly worded waivers are almost guaranteed rejection. Insureds should rely on their own insurance and legal counsels when preparing the waiver and process for actual use.Guidelines for preparing waiversKeep wording as clear as possible.

Keep form to one sheet and to a single purpose. It can be confusing if it is part of a ticket or registration form. Make the form a serious legal document with red ink, use of legal seals, bold print and headings. The title should be bold, large, and obvious that this is a waiver of important rights. Make it clear that the signing participant understand and accepts that the risk of serious injury exists, whether from a known risk or unknown risk.

Put all phrasings in first person ("I acknowledge?I accept"). Specify that the waiver also applies to negligence (liability through breach of a duty of care). Include specific risks only if they are unusual and relevant. The release of the insured (and all who act for the insured) should be on behalf of his/her heirs, assigns, and next of kin. To document their assumption of risk, have minor participants sign prior to their parent or guardian.

Have the parent/guardian release and indemnify the insured, as well as agree to the participation of their minor child. Have your waiver and related procedures reviewed by your insurance broker and lawyer. Finally, even summary judgements entail legal expenses. Be properly insured. http://www.baffincommercial.comCopyright (c) 2003 Baffin Commercial.