<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509</id><updated>2011-11-27T15:26:47.230-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Word Garage</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>17</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-382611807538299308</id><published>2009-04-11T14:42:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T14:44:41.573-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Sport</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Valuable basics you should know about golf etiquette&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The game of golf has quite a number of rules and it is these rules that make it the gentleman’s game. Playing golf is a whole lot more than just showing up at your favorite golf course with your caddie in tow, and then proceeding to play a round before leaving for home. There are tenets that govern the game and these must be adhered to if you are to blend in with the surroundings; they also determine if you are going to be allowed into a golf course of repute in the first place.&lt;br /&gt;One of the main rules in golf is all about the dress code. This particular rule is fundamental to the game and majority of the golf courses around the world will demand strict adherence to it regardless of whether the course is exclusive or public. The rules of the game demand that the player be dressed in a collared shirt; this applies for both ladies and gents. Along with this is the requirement that the player be in long pants – jeans are not recommended – and in the proper golfing shoes. &lt;br /&gt;Time and punctuality are of the essence in this game. As a player you are required to be considerate and maintain punctuality for the sake of the other players. This of course starts with showing up in time for tee off. Most, if not all, players prefer to apply finishing touches on their swings just before the game. Since this will only take place after you have changed into the proper attire and taken care of other preliminaries like buying golf balls and so on, you should factor in this into your schedule and arrive with time to spare for these activities.&lt;br /&gt;Despite what you may have seen in plenty of movies, the cell phone is an unwanted gadget on the golf course. This is one rule that you must never breach. On arrival at the golf course make a point of reminding yourself to turn it off and if you must leave it on make sure it is in the safe confines of your car, or your locker for that matter. &lt;br /&gt;Golf is a group game. The group determines what rules will be followed prior to teeing off. If you have found a group that you want to play with be sure to know for instance what rule decides who will tee off first. They may have decided that whoever has the most impressive score will be first to tee off on the following hole or that just anyone who is ready to do so will start. With such information you will fit in better and you are less likely to offend anyone.&lt;br /&gt;One rule that stands out as much as the one on cell phones does is the need to maintain silence while on the course. This does not mean that you don’t talk at all; it simply has to do with allowing the player getting ready to swing at the ball the convenience of concentration. Getting to hit that tiny ball with your long golf club is not as easy as swiping at a fly. It demands focus. This is why the crowds are mute when Tiger Woods and his ilk are getting ready to take a swing; they only applaud after the ball has been dispatched to the target hole.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-382611807538299308?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/382611807538299308/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=382611807538299308' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/382611807538299308'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/382611807538299308'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-sport.html' title='Sample article on Sport'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-5423318157308115277</id><published>2009-04-11T14:39:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T14:42:22.144-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample Keyword-rich SEO articles</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Herbal Viagra: The natural alternative to overcome male impotence once and for all!&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Male impotence is also known as Erectile Dysfunction in medical circles. A man who is unable to get an erection or is incapable of sustaining an erection such that there is a mutual lack of satisfaction during intercourse is said to suffer from male impotence. This condition is known to affect 67% of men who are above the age of 70. The incidence of male impotence is known to increase with age but this is not the sole cause of this condition. There are various secondary factors that are known to be responsible for male impotence and these are strongly linked to a host of medical conditions.&lt;br /&gt;Thanks to advances in science, there is a respite for persons who suffer from male impotence. Inasmuch as a remedy is available, the course of treatment should not be sought blindly. The recommended approach here requires that the affected person first seeks clarification as to what the cause of the condition may be. Male impotence is known to result from various factors that have to do with the anatomy, the psychological state, and/or the physiological state. In the past, it was quite difficult to get an accurate confirmation from a physician with regard to whether a case of male impotence was due to physiological factors. Today’s advances have enabled in-depth research to be conducted on the condition. According to these researches it has been established that 85% of male impotence cases are caused by either organic or physical conditions. 15% of reported cases have been linked to either psychological factors or a combination of both organic and psychological factors.&lt;br /&gt;There are quite a number of treatment alternatives that have been unveiled in the recent past and amongst the most popular of these is Viagra. Many men who have been diagnosed with male impotence have taken to using such treatment. Though such medication may be effective in tackling the impotence problem, the main predicament i.e. an inadequate circulation level is ignored. These medications have also been linked with numerous deaths courtesy of heart attacks. New research has shown that there are other lethal side effects to confront including the possibility of strokes, permanent deafness, and permanent blindness.&lt;br /&gt;To preempt the chances of suffering these consequences and to also get to the root cause of the male impotence, herbal treatments have been unveiled and any of these alternatives is now known as ‘Herbal Viagra’. Herbal Viagra is normally constituted of a selection of herbal extracts that are known to be devoid of imparting contra indications. The meticulous testing that has been in the course of preparing Herbal Viagra ensures that the product is able to manage male impotence. Herbal Viagra is also credited with an ability to rejuvenate the male organ. This is not all. The use of Herbal Viagra has been proven to be viable in countering associated conditions including low libido, premature ejaculation and reduced sexual desire. &lt;br /&gt;A credible variety of Herbal Viagra will contain a formulation that will facilitate an increased blood flow to the genitals and an aphrodisiac effect that will serve to sexually arouse the male organ. Additionally, Herbal Viagra should be helpful in increasing the sperm count. Such a product should provide the ‘patient’ with vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin E and Zinc amongst many more which are critical for optimal sexual health and performance. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Getting a closer insight on acid reflux&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Acid reflux is also known as Gastro-esophageal reflux disease; this rather long terminology is commonly reduced to GERD. Persons suffering from acid reflux experience a regurgitation of the stomach’s liquid content into the esophagus. Repeated refluxes of this liquid can cause an inflammation of the esophagus’ lining and thus damage. A limited number of people suffering from this condition exhibit these inflammation signs. The refluxed liquid has significant amounts of both pepsin and acid which are both generated in the stomach. In some instances this liquid contains bile. The bile accumulates in the stomach when it is itself refluxed from the duodenum. Of all the three constituents of this liquid, acid has the most damaging effect. Bile and pepsin may have some effects too but this remains unclear.&lt;br /&gt;For persons suffering from acid reflux it is most likely that this condition will persist throughout the entirety of their lives. Both acid reflux and esophagitis are chronic conditions. Though one can receive treatment for the latter, the condition will recur in a couple of months upon cessation of treatment. This implies that such persons will have to be under constant treatment for indefinite periods of time. It has been proposed that persons who exhibit sporadic acid reflux symptoms but have no subsequent esophagitis can receive discontinuous treatment. Treatment can then be sought in symptomatic instances.&lt;br /&gt;Many persons experience such refluxes of stomach liquids into the esophagus. Research has revealed that acid reflux occurs in normal individuals as much times as it does in persons suffering from GERD. However, acid reflux patients have to bear with higher acidity contents in the regurgitated liquid and the fact that this acid tends to be retained in the esophagus for longer. Additional research has revealed that in GERD patients the refluxed liquid climbs to a much elevated level; more than would happen in normal persons.&lt;br /&gt;The human body has its own safeguard measures against acid reflux and the effects that come with it. Reflux is predominant in daytime. Most persons are upright during the day and the force of gravity becomes instrumental in ensuring that these liquids find their way back into the stomach. As long as one is awake it is second nature to keep swallowing. The very action of doing so actually ensures that refluxed liquids are redirected into the stomach. Human saliva contains bicarbonate. As one swallows, the saliva passes through the esophagus and neutralizes the small traces of acid that have escaped both swallowing and the pull of gravity. As one sleeps, gravity ceases to be of much assistance. Swallowing is halted and the mouth’s salivary glands cut down on saliva production. In the event that acid reflux occurs during this time, it is most likely that the refluxed acid will be retained longer in the esophagus. Much more damage to the esophagus is therefore expected during sleep.&lt;br /&gt;Acid reflux is aggravated in a number of conditions. Expectant mothers are chief candidates for these symptoms largely because of the pressure exerted by the fetus in the abdomen and also due to the effects of increased hormonal influences that tend to depress pressure in the mother’s lower esophageal sphincter. The incidence of acid reflux is also elevated in individuals that suffer from ailments that enervate the esophageal muscles including mixed connective tissue disease or even scleroderma.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prudency in choosing data recovery labs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The choice of data recovery lab that you opt to hire for the recovery of your data must be the right one in the light of the importance of the valuable data that may be lost permanently. The data recovery team must be fully qualified and versed in the profession and you should be able to ask as many questions to that effect that will dispel your fears and affirm their capabilities as a firm. Professional and seasoned data recovery experts are capable of retrieving data from many various types of data storage media including laptops, desktops, servers, CDs, and DVDs. A proper lab worth its salt will be adequately manned by thorough and experienced professionals who will have the innate capacity to make the right diagnoses with regard to every data recovery task that is presented to them. The technicians in such labs should be capable of proffering a wide array of data recovery services ranging from full server to raid data services.&lt;br /&gt;Data recovery services are indeed necessary but many businesses and corporations can avoid the costs of having to resort to these options by simply making back ups of their data. The importance of data back up for your business computer system as well as the home PC does not have to be overstated. Clearly, a prudent person will find the need to make regular data back up to preempt possible hassles that may come with data loss. Having backed-up data is also very reassuring to say the least. In both these circumstances such a person will find it easy to restore data just in case media failure arises. &lt;br /&gt;Though data recovery services are becoming increasingly better with advances in technology it is important to note that small percentages of hard disc drives are permanently unrecoverable. In the event that the data can be restored by means of data recovery applications, the costs incurred will be too prohibitive and the amount of time that is spent on this exercise also tends to be inconvenient. Some people hold that their hard discs are dependable given that they have never experienced problems while using them. While this may be true one must be continually open to the fact that these components are susceptible to failure at a certain moment in their working life. Data can be lost in other ways apart from hard disc collapses. Some of the most common means by which data has been lost have included virus attacks, unintentional deleting, and in some cases baleful damage. It really boils down what reserve plans you have at hand especially considering a business scenario that calls for a quick return to normal operations. &lt;br /&gt;Landing the services of a competent full service data recovery lab is vital since you will be assured that the technicians are using the latest in software technology to recover the lost data. In addition, such an adroit lab may provide you with wholly encrypted and automated services that will deliver more convenience for you. Such professionalized data recovery firms have laboratories that are fully equipped to handle various types of data recovery tasks. Such investments in these labs are necessary for research and development and an optimization of service provision even as efforts are made to stay abreast with technological advances. Data recovery labs are not usually accessible to untrained staff and visitors. Professional labs are ISO certified in Class 3 cleanroom grades of cleanliness. In addition they are ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safe.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-5423318157308115277?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/5423318157308115277/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=5423318157308115277' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/5423318157308115277'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/5423318157308115277'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-keyword-rich-seo-articles.html' title='Sample Keyword-rich SEO articles'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-8635757108231868692</id><published>2009-04-11T14:36:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T14:39:08.445-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample Furniture Blog</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Breathing new life into old furniture&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;After inheriting an old item of furniture from your grandparents one of the best in-house projects you can undertake is to restore the piece so that it blends well with the room you intend to place it in. By deciding to do the restoration on your own you remain true to the essences of home décor – the project is bound to be both engaging and unforgettable. Not only will your home be intimately unique, the effort will save you some good money too. You shouldn’t be in a haste to get rid of an old cupboard or dresser despite its aged looks; under the varnish may lurk some flawless wood that you can convert into an amazingly modern cabinet or whatever else that your creative imagination figures out.&lt;br /&gt;As soon as you have a picture of what you want to create you should get busy gathering all the necessary materials for the task. You have the option of creating a modern masterpiece out of the old piece or alternatively you may decide to craft something bound to be a timeless classic. In case your grandma’s old piece strikes you as an antique then it’s obvious that your home developed furniture skills may not be best suited for the item’s restoration. The best advice in this case is to have professionals handle the task lest you devalue the piece. Employ your skills on old pieces that are bound to look stunning even with your amateur skills.&lt;br /&gt;Sanding is often the first thing done when restoring old furniture. The next step after this is painting and the paint job may be done in a variety of styles. You may opt for a motley or single color coat or you may decide to go for a squiggle or chessboard finish. For a more profound effect the paint finish can be adorned with decoupage. This art form involves sealing embellishes onto surfaces thus creating an attractive inlay effect. Perhaps you have inherited an old table that has a really distasteful tabletop you want to improve – a mirror top may be a suitable option. An old chair may be reinvented with a neat paint job, new padding, and new material covers. Summon your creative abilities and set about transforming your relic into a stunning piece of furniture art.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-8635757108231868692?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/8635757108231868692/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=8635757108231868692' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/8635757108231868692'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/8635757108231868692'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-furniture-blog.html' title='Sample Furniture Blog'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-1391053487190214738</id><published>2009-04-11T13:27:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:29:37.263-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Beauty and Wellness</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Helpful information on silicone breast implants&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Women have been able to acquire the shape and size of breasts they desire courtesy of using breast implants. These have indeed become the way out for lots of women around the globe who have become dissatisfied with what nature has endowed them with. &lt;br /&gt;Breast implants come in a couple of variations. These include types like the silicon-saline variety, saline-filled, silicone gel filled, plant oil filled, and the PVP-Hydrogel filled varieties. One can also go for the anatomic breast implant or the rounded breast option. The latter option results in a fuller looking chest with cleavage, (suitable for women with small breasts), while the anatomic option results in a more natural look. This particular variety is also known as the teardrop breast implants.&lt;br /&gt;Depending on the type of breast implants that you receive, the texture may be textured or smooth. Implantation procedures may result in a couple of adverse effects but the textured variety of implants do go a long way in ensuring that the negative eventualities that come with capsule formation around the implant do not arise in the first instance. A breast implant can be achieved through a wide range of surgical techniques. The size of breast implant you settle for is dependent on both the physical conditions and the nature of your aspirations.&lt;br /&gt;Saline filled breast implants contain sterilized or saline salt water and it these alter the size of the breasts. Many breast surgeons are of the opinion using such procedures has the highest chance of ending up with deflated or leaking implants as compared to when silicone implants are used. Women who settle for the saline implant option have little to worry since in the event of breast implants gone wrong and that this leakage happens the solution will be absorbed into the body without any complication. Silicone gel takes the form of a clear thick liquid that when packed into the elastomer envelop has similarity consistence with natural breast tissue. This is the type of implant that is most favored by surgeons who do such procedures globally. Implants filled with plant oil normally contain Trilucent and this is known to have a greater safety for the woman concerned.&lt;br /&gt;The technical term for breast implant procedures is augmentation mammoplasty. This is one of the most frequent surgical procedures performed for cosmetic reasons. The average cost of breast implants procedures is in the range of $4000-9000 depending on the options you settle for. Consult your breast surgeon(s) extensively before making such choices.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-1391053487190214738?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/1391053487190214738/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=1391053487190214738' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/1391053487190214738'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/1391053487190214738'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-beauty-and-wellness.html' title='Sample article on Beauty and Wellness'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-776081464763890325</id><published>2009-04-11T13:26:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:26:48.286-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample Newsletter</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Renewed hope in the global effort to eradicate cervical cancer&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Cervical cancer has been recognized as being one of the principal cancer varieties that cause the highest deaths in women around the world. Thanks to the novel approaches that have been designed to prevent this disease i.e. HPV testing and vaccination, mankind may have finally developed the right techniques that will help in eradicating cervical cancer. HPV has been determined to be the leading cause of this type of cancer. This knowledge and the technologies at the disposal of the medical profession have reduced the threat of the disease significantly and its total eradication is certainly just a matter of time.&lt;br /&gt;According to the World Health Organization, the number of women diagnosed with this disease annually is in the range of 500,000. Of these, approximately half the number succumbs to cervical cancer every year. One issue that is of particular concern is the fact that cervical cancer tends to be diagnosed in women who are relatively young.&lt;br /&gt;Majority of the cervical cancer cases reported are attributed to the human papillomavirus or HPV. This virus is markedly common in many persons who are sexually active. Many people carry the virus without their knowledge and this has been attributed to the fact that it has the ability to maintain a dormant state for months or even a number of years. In the event that the person suffers from a persistent HPV infection then the chances of developing either cervical cancer or cervical disease are increased. The consolation here is that this cancer develops at a very slow rate and as such it can be preempted quite early if the cancerous cells are detected and remedied early.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-776081464763890325?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/776081464763890325/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=776081464763890325' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/776081464763890325'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/776081464763890325'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-newsletter.html' title='Sample Newsletter'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-6860497657534268303</id><published>2009-04-11T13:18:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:18:54.797-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Self Improvement</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Gaining control of your life by overcoming mental barriers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There is no emotion that is more reassuring than that one felt when a person is sure that he or she is in full control of their lives. Persons who have experienced such emotions feel self-empowered; they are ready to face life and its challenges and they do so with a confident stride. It is often the case that these feelings are shared amongst people who have some degree of accomplishment in life. Most of these achievements are in terms of a successful education and an ensuing career that then guarantees a stable and progressive lifestyle. Ideally, the feeling of being in control is a positive mental state that is shared among all people who have purposed to take charge of life.&lt;br /&gt;On the other hand, there exist many people who have emotions that are the exact opposite of the above. This lot of people knows nothing but despair, depression, anxiety, and vulnerability. They are perpetually in a state of uncertainty as to what the future holds for them. The countenances of their faces tell the entire story; a gloomy existence. For such people, their lives are controlled by fear. It is often said that life deals some people bad cards. Unfortunate situations do occur in life. Some happenings are so severe that sometimes even those who have the strongest of wills succumb. Rising from the ashes to meet the challenges with determination is the hallmark of a great self. This is what all of us should aspire to do.&lt;br /&gt;The tone used up to this point is one that seems to focus on the extremities of life and the topic may seem to be quite vague. A more apt approach would be to focus on the day to day lives that we lead. Life is full of twists and turns; sometimes all seems well but in a split second things go awry and amiss. In one moment you could be having a pleasant mental picture of what you hope to achieve but in the next instance you are suddenly worried about your health, your finances etc. There is no constancy in place. This see-sawing of emotions wears you out. The only way out of it is to become self empowered.&lt;br /&gt;Self empowerment is not an end but is always a means. One constantly has to work at it to reach it. It takes lots of repeated effort and practice in terms of ensuring that the choices you make are always conscious. Whether the issue is emotional, physical, or mental, the self empowered person will always prefer to take the healthiest and most positive option. Start small…replace the tiny negative thoughts in your mind with empowering substitutes. Resist the urge to shift blame and accept the consequences if they are of your own making. Similarly, do not blame yourself in case something goes wrong and you had tried your absolute best to make it a success. Take the lead position in your life and make things happen for you; nothing will happen if you just sit and wait. Lastly, beware of the company you keep. If you are always listening to complainers and criticizers you may start being negative as well.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-6860497657534268303?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/6860497657534268303/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=6860497657534268303' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/6860497657534268303'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/6860497657534268303'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-self-improvement.html' title='Sample article on Self Improvement'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-233414666825818674</id><published>2009-04-11T13:10:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:17:42.054-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Business</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;The advantages of outsourcing your bookkeeping requirements&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The foremost advantage about outsourcing bookkeeping services is that your business gets to save money. The very notion that money can be saved may spark incidences where poor decisions can be made; what is important is to ensure that you  always seek persons who can offer quality, this is the only way in which you will get your money’s worth. Another very vital advantage that is worth considering is the fact that you won’t be required to pay for the myriad of costs that come with hiring a full-time bookkeeper including the employers payroll tax expense or the workman’s compensation. &lt;br /&gt;Before you make the final decision to hire a particular bookkeeper on an outsourced basis, it is prudent that you pay attention to the figure that the prospective bookkeeper will quote when stating their fees. This is one test of ensuring that the person you are hiring really understands the intricacy of the work at hand. The well informed bookkeeper will charge a fee in the range of at least three times what the hired bookkeeper is paid. The reason for this is that they have to fix in costs that will cover or compensate for lost fees that they would otherwise be paid if they were in full-time employment.&lt;br /&gt;In the first paragraph we had mentioned that engaging the services of an outsourced bookkeeper would reduce the business’ expenses. How will the business save money when it is paying this bookkeeper three times more? To drive this point home one has to consider the bigger scope of matters. Outsourcing these services will mean that you will not have to recruit, interview, or train an employee for that position. These are moneys that have been saved for your firm. The trend nowadays is for businesses to get sued with all types of lawsuits; you will not have to bear with a suit on sexual harassment, age discrimination, or unlawful firing. In addition to saving money, you will be spared the hassles too. &lt;br /&gt;That was just the beginning of your advantages. Majority of the freelance bookkeepers have their own offices and their own equipment at that. This will save you the with regards to space and convenience. The business will not be required to spend money on purchasing items like computers, cabinets, desks, etc. All the work will be done elsewhere and be availed to you on time; that is if you get a thorough professional. There are quite a number of small and niggling expenses that you will never get to hear of including the need to buy pencils and pens and paper. The fact that you will have the convenience of just sending over your work to the bookkeeper and then expecting to receive it back in kind is very reassuring.&lt;br /&gt;Last but certainly not least, outsourcing will afford you the advantage of getting to limit the amount of money that you intend to spend on these services. You are the one who will state the number of hours that you are ready to pay for depending on the load of work that you have at hand. The advantages of outsourcing for services should really be harnessed by every business.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-233414666825818674?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/233414666825818674/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=233414666825818674' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/233414666825818674'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/233414666825818674'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-business.html' title='Sample article on Business'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-1003648259917708061</id><published>2009-04-11T13:08:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:10:15.830-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Home &amp; Gardening</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Greenhouse Gardening&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What choice of structure typifies your backyard?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keyword: Greenhouse&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The appeal of having a greenhouse in one’s very own backyard has never ceased to awe the sturdy farmer.  The notion that one can maintain some greenery even during the harshest of winters may be seen by some as a triumph over the elements. The best part about owning a greenhouse is if it has a functional benefit for you and your family. Who would not want to enjoy a sumptuous winter dinner replete with fresh tomatoes and greens? This is all the more reason why you should make an informed choice about the sort of greenhouse that you want erected in your backyard. The intended function of the greenhouse is the main motivation behind selecting what the size and variety of the greenhouse will be.&lt;br /&gt;There are different types of greenhouses each of which is suited to a different desired function. All-year-round farmers will be well advised to go for a solar greenhouse. This variety is recommended granted that it will rarely require a supplemented source of heat. Persons who are interested in rearing seeds will obtain satisfactory results from a hoop house covered in polyethylene. Some people don’t have ‘green’ fingers but they love reading amidst lush greenery; a sunroom or attached greenhouse will be most recommended in this case.&lt;br /&gt;Apart from the structure there are other factors that facilitate the choice of greenhouse that you settle for. Appearance and aesthetic appeal are major consideration points; many people will want the greenhouse to blend in well with their homes and landscape. Another crucial aspect that must be looked into is your location and the climate of the area. In moderate climates the greenhouse need not be so modified. However, areas which are perennially faced with severe winters need greenhouses that have been readied to be effective amidst the harsh weather. Such greenhouses must also be adaptable to the hot days experienced in summer.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-1003648259917708061?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/1003648259917708061/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=1003648259917708061' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/1003648259917708061'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/1003648259917708061'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-home-gardening.html' title='Sample article on Home &amp; Gardening'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-2102251704879064137</id><published>2009-04-11T13:05:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:07:47.196-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Travel</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;Sights to behold in Montreal&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;You will be delighted to see the various attractions that have made Montreal famous all over the world. Le Château Dufresne is a luxury hotel that has 42 rooms. It was built by Jules Renard and Marius Dufresne based on the Petit Trianon that is found in Versailles. In 1976, this hotel was declared to be a historic monument. On a visit to Mont Royal you will not miss St Joseph’s Oratory which is an unmistakable landmark. This chapel is the site of many ‘miracle cures’ and there are number of masses along the day. Cheese lovers can visit Fromagerie du Vieux-Saint-Francois to see how country-style cheese is produced. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Clock Tower has been faithfully keeping the time since 1922 when it was erected to fete the men lost in WW1 as part of the Merchant Fleet. You can get an excellent view of the city from here. You certainly will not want to go home without having climbed Mont Royal which is the city’s signature. The Montréal Botanical Garden is a 75 hectare array of over 21000 species and is a must see for nature lovers. Tourists are not restricted to nature only. The Montreal Exchange offers glimpses into the rigors of trading through viewing galleries and there are lots of stations and shops to visit whilst there.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Montreal Olympic Stadium is a testament to the 1976 summer games and it contains the famous leaning tower. It is near the Biodome complex. Exquisite architecture can be beholden at the Notre Dame Basilica, a replica of the one in France. The family tourists must make a point of visiting the La Ronde which is the biggest amusement park in the whole of Montreal. Historic sites are always captivating and among the best are the Cabane a sucre Costantin and the Old Port.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-2102251704879064137?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/2102251704879064137/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=2102251704879064137' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/2102251704879064137'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/2102251704879064137'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-travel.html' title='Sample article on Travel'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-7836821370868238858</id><published>2009-04-11T13:01:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:04:14.811-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on Academic Writing</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;TITLE: WHAT ARE THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF US ECONOMIC SANCTIONS&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;     A unilateral economic sanction is an economic measure imposed by one country on another. The United States has been the world’s only major country to make frequent use of economic sanctions to change what it perceives as the objectionable policies of other countries (HighBeam Encyclopedia). The imposition of sanctions by the US has elicited mixed reactions from concerned stakeholders. Some feel that the costs incurred far outweigh the benefits achieved. Others feel that the benefits accrued justify the costs incurred. Therein lies a subject of debate. A comprehensive review should be undertaken to establish the facts about US unilateral economic sanctions.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Achievement of objectives/goals&lt;/strong&gt;     &lt;br /&gt;A working paper from the Peterson Institute indicates that US economic sanctions have had a limited utility for changing the behaviour of target governments (Hufbauer).  Studies conducted by Hufbauer et al observed that sanctions were 36% successful while other studies found even lower success rates (HighBeam Encyclopedia). &lt;br /&gt;     What are the costs incurred by both the US and target countries with respect to sanctions?&lt;br /&gt;Econometric studies on US sanctions imposed in 1995 revealed that the volumes of lost exports amounted to $15-19 billion, affecting 200000-250000 related jobs. There was also a cumulative weakening of US competitiveness in friendly markets (PEC). &lt;br /&gt;The real costs of the sanctions are however felt as a result of impeded FDI , missed joint venture opportunities and broken financial relationships. These have long term effects that are felt long after bilateral trade ties are restored (HighBeam Encyclopedia). &lt;br /&gt;Therefore, in addition to dismal attainment of set objectives, sanctions have also fragmented international business relations that may take many years to mend.&lt;br /&gt;Should sanctions continue to be used, amended or abolished?&lt;br /&gt;     The US has used economic sanctions to target concerns objectionable to its national interests. These concerns include terrorism, drug trafficking and abuse of human rights. These vices negatively impact not only the US but every other country. The use of sanctions as opposed to military action represents a more diplomatic solution in trying to curb the aforementioned vices. By all means therefore, the imposition of US sanctions should be upheld. &lt;br /&gt;     It is however paramount to address the bones of contention linked to these sanctions; the high costs incurred and the meagre benefits accrued.&lt;br /&gt;A survey by the President’s Export Council (PEC) in 1996 reflected the absence of transparent policies and processes for dealing effectively with targets on whom sanctions are imposed. Further, it indicated that sanctions were being imposed without a sufficient examination of the impacts to US national interests (PEC).&lt;br /&gt;     In conclusion, members of this council made the following remarks:&lt;br /&gt;                       Concluding that neither costs nor benefits are well enough understood to form a basis for prudent decision making, we recommended the creation of a bipartisan panel of government and private sector experts to direct a comprehensive and independent assessment of sanctions laws, practices, costs and benefits, and to recommend policies that would guide the future use of such measures.&lt;br /&gt;The use of US economic sanctions is therefore set to continue until such a point in time when recommendations suggested fail to bring about the desired goals and benefits as well as a substantial lowering of negative economic impacts.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Works Cited&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Askari, Hossein, John Forrer, Hildy Teegen, and Yang Jiawen. Business Economics. “U.S.          Economic Sanctions: Lessons from the Iranian Experience. (Statistical Data Included).” July 2001. 11 Nov. 2007. http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc&lt;br /&gt;Hufbauer, Gary C., Kimberley Ann Elliott, Tess Cyrus and Elizabeth Winston. Working Paper SPECIAL. “US Economic Sanctions: Their Impact on Trade, Jobs, and Wages.” April 1997. 11 Nov. 2007. http://www.petersoninstitute.org/&lt;br /&gt;President’s Export Council (PEC). “Unilateral Economic Sanctions: A Review of Existing Sanctions and their Impacts on U.S. Economic Interests with Recommendations for Policy and Process Improvement.” June 1997. 11 Nov. 2007. http://www.usaengage.org/archives/studies/unilat 1.html&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-7836821370868238858?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/7836821370868238858/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=7836821370868238858' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/7836821370868238858'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/7836821370868238858'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-academic-writing.html' title='Sample article on Academic Writing'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-8286809150464743123</id><published>2009-04-11T12:40:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-04-11T13:00:32.356-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Sample article on The Environment</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;An effective means of ridding the environment of mercury from spent fluorescent lamps&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As compared to other forms of lamps, fluorescent lamps are recognized for their ability to cut down on energy consumption. This particular quality has been credited with reduced electricity bills as well as a decrease in the volume of harmful emissions released to the environment. On the downside of these lamps is the fact that when they break, as they may quite often, considerable amounts of mercury are released into the environment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The mercury contained in lamps is both volatile and invisible. When this mercury gets airborne it is easily dropped onto land and in water. In the latter case there is a possibility that methyl-mercury, a highly toxic compound of mercury, is accumulated in many edible fish. In the event that these fish are consumed with the levels of the said compound having accumulated quite considerably, there are very high risks of getting damage to the lungs, brain, kidneys, heart, and the immune system. When the levels are not as high consumption of the fish has been known to result in the impaired development of fetuses and babies as well as young children.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It is undeniable that an efficient way of reducing the release of the mercury into the environment has to be sought. This is in light of the fact that to date there is no viable alternative for mercury in as far as lighting fluorescent lamps is concerned. It’s estimated that a lamp free of mercury would require as much as three times the energy required by a mercury-lit lamp in order for the same intensity of light to be achieved.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Industry experts are of the opinion that fluorescent lamps should be recycled as much as possible to effectively manage the release of mercury to the land and water. There are several ways in which lamp recycling can be done. Pick-up services are by far the most used. This option is composed of both lamp recycling and lamp crushing. Spent lamps are stored in fiber drums or boxes until they can be recycled. This option is cost friendly but quite slow as well as lamps can be stored for as much as a year in the absence of the requisite permits.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A more convenient alternative requires the use of shipping containers in which the spent lamps are packed and dispatched to recyclers. The shipping aspect of this option is obviously more cost intensive but lots of convenience is enjoyed through the freeing up of storage space and the fact that the procedure is more immediate. Prior to sending spent lamps to recyclers’, facilities have the option of using controlled emissions lamp crushing systems to crush the lamps. It has been observed that doing this saves up lots of storage space and the cost of transportation is also reduced significantly.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Recycling of fluorescent lamps is seen as a better thing to do instead of options like using landfills. This latter option is obviously hazardous to the environment and undoing the damage to the same is guaranteed to cost quite a hefty amount. Recycling is far much cheaper and friendlier to the environment.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-8286809150464743123?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/8286809150464743123/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=8286809150464743123' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/8286809150464743123'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/8286809150464743123'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2009/04/sample-article-on-environment.html' title='Sample article on The Environment'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-5397603616504336269</id><published>2008-11-27T11:37:00.002-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-27T11:45:26.537-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Anabolic Steroids in Detail</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;&lt;h1&gt; Anabolic Steroids in Detail &lt;/h1&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anabolic steroids are a class of hormones closely related to the testosterone male hormone in nature and function. They serve to increase the synthesis of proteins within the cells that results in the growth of cell tissue and muscles, a process referred to as anabolism. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anabolic steroids give the body virilizing and androgenic properties, such as the development of masculine characteristics e.g. voice deepening, growth of body hair, increased libido in older patients, enhanced stamina, vigor and vitality, etc. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anabolic steroids serve to stimulate muscle formation and increase the muscle fiber size, which in turn results in increased muscular strength and mass. Increase in muscular mass is due to the increased production of muscular protein as well as decline in protein breakdown rate and quantity. High testosterone (or steroid) doses decrease the fat amount in the muscles, whilst increasing the protein content which increases the body size. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anabolic steroids were first synthesized in the 1930s. Continuous research and development into them has seen them widely used therapeutically in medicine for functions such as: stimulating the growth of bones and appetite, bone marrow stimulation that increases red blood cell production, treating of body wasting conditions such as AIDS and cancer, and induction of puberty in slow-developing males.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, prolonged or excessive use of steroids is bound to cause serious health problems such as high blood pressure, liver and kidney complications, depression, acne and cardiovascular complications, among others.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Non-medical use of steroids is highly regulated or downright forbidden in many countries. In sports, they are taken to giving an athlete undue advantage over the competition by way of enhanced or induced performance, stamina and durability. They are therefore highly prohibited in sports where detection of their use results in severe repercussions on the part of the offender. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anabolic steroids are administered by three main methods: oral pills, skin patches and injectable steroids. Oral administration is most common and convenient, but demands that the steroid be chemically modified to prevent the liver from breaking it down before reaching the systemic circulation. Injectable steroids are administered to muscle and not the veins so as to avoid a sudden surge of the drug into the bloodstream. Transdermal patches or adhesive patches of the steroid may be placed on the skin to deliver some steady dosage into the bloodstream through the skin.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Steroids are generally a banned substance in most countries especially for non-medical use. However, due to their properties and uses, steroids are a highly sought-after item nonetheless. This means that acquiring them is usually via the black market. Unfortunately, this means that their origin, authenticity and efficacy cannot be vouched for, hence posing serious health risk to the potential user.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;All said and done, however, there cannot be a convincing case or argument for the bodybuilding athlete to use steroids in pursuit of that coveted physique. After all, bodybuilding is not and should not be seen as an end in itself. It should ideally be viewed as a physical sporting exercise that helps the body keep fit and in good health and stead. Therefore, it should be done continuously so as to maintain the acquired physique. Steroids are an unnecessary and potentially harmful shortcut. And as they say, shortcuts are often the wrong cuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;P&gt;  If you have found this article interesting and would like to get in touch with the author &lt;a href="http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Contact me&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-5397603616504336269?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/5397603616504336269/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=5397603616504336269' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/5397603616504336269'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/5397603616504336269'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2008/11/anabolic-steroids-in-detail.html' title='Anabolic Steroids in Detail'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-9032869424702916963</id><published>2008-11-27T11:37:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-27T11:38:29.412-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Effective Bodybuilding: The Sure Fire Way</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;&lt;h1&gt;Effective Bodybuilding: The Sure Fire Way&lt;/h1&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is the trick to effective bodybuilding? Exactly how do you achieve that great body envisioned by every aspiring bodybuilder? Moreover, with all the (surprisingly) varied and unconnected information on the topic of bodybuilding, it certainly gets more confusing.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;So, is there a sure and definite universal 1-2-3 step-by-step guide to effective bodybuilding? Actually, there isn’t, and couldn’t be. That is because every bodybuilder has their own unique aspiration, purpose and approach as well as training regimen or schedule, informed by their unique convenient factors and which is comfortable to them. Simply put, a particular approach to bodybuilding would not necessarily work well for any and all athletes. The winning formula is as unique and individual as they come.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Having said that, it may be safe to say that it is not so much the step-by-step guide to bodybuilding that is important; Rather, it is the structural “Rules of Engagement of the Game” that would matter - the general “To Observe” rules. Keeping to these rules is sure to take the aspiring bodybuilder to their destination, which is acquiring that exotic coveted physique. And so, here below are the rules of observation or engagement for effective bodybuilding.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;Ul&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;1. Have the right Mindset, Attitude and Motivation&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Now, the above statement might sound basic and more of a cliché, but there’s almost nowhere else that this rule applies or should apply more than in bodybuilding! In fact and indeed, if there is the right attitude and motivation, everything else should work out just fine. Bodybuilding is more rigor and punishment than fun. Therefore, one must have the right attitude, motivation, desire and capacity to take it all to the end.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;2. Discipline and Commitment&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is about making sure that the daily (and timely) bodybuilding regimen is followed strictly without skipping daily exercise, no matter what. After all, the human body works and is shaped best into mode by regular and consistent scheduling. That is true for any other a body function, such as sleeping and awaking. The body conditions best by regular and sustained schedules. Therefore, a well-built body is realized by being disciplined and committed to the daily training schedule.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;3. Get Your Nutrition Absolutely Right!&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of all the human sports that thoroughly stretch and zap the body off energy and strength, bodybuilding probably rates at the top most. Nutrition is all the more important in bodybuilding due to the fact that not only does the body demand adequate food for the strenuous exercise sessions, but also for the actual growth and development of the muscles right after the exercising! Proper nutrition is such an integral part of bodybuilding that it demands a full page of information, and that will be provided later. &lt;br /&gt;The subject of nutrition in bodybuilding is about eating all the three classes of foods namely carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins in an adequate and balanced fashion. However, proteins may be consumed in slightly greater proportion as they are the ‘bodybuilding’ component of food. Low calorie carbohydrates provide the needed energy (fuel) for exercise and metabolism, while vitamins help ward-off unwelcome infections and illnesses and keep the athlete in good health and stead.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Indeed, the fact of the matter is that there’s no bodybuilding without adequate (and proper) nutrition!&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;4. Good Training Regimen and Equipment&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Especially for first timers into the sport of bodybuilding, it is highly recommended that they enlist themselves at the local gym for proper induction, instruction and monitoring as they pursue bodybuilding. It is easier to start than to maintain a training regimen.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Put more bluntly, it is easier to start a training schedule and wither off at the initial stages. This is especially so when one is training alone at home. Going to the gym ensures that one maintains the discipline, commitment and dedication to the sessions since there is an authority to answer to (or reprimand absenteeism) as well as fellow bodybuilders to inspire.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;A gym membership also ensures that one is exposed to the right training methods, moves and practices by a qualified and informed gym instructor, in order to get there faster and smoothly.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Of course, gym membership ensures that one is exposed to the right training and exercising equipment which would otherwise be too expensive to acquire (and or maintain) at the individual level. However, later on if so desired, one may proceed to train individually at home after acquiring the necessary skills, tactics and know-how at the gym. One must strive to maintain the passion and tempo acquired while at the gym. It may do good to always remember the bodybuilder’s mantra; “no gain without pain”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;5. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;A true and responsible bodybuilder knows the fact that one of the most important factors in bodybuilding is as much about acquiring that spectacular body look as it is about maintaining the same. That implies being conscious and pro-active with respect to living a healthy lifestyle.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;A carefree attitude with regard to healthy living practices would see all the effort, pain and gain realized at the gym go away as fast as it came. That painstakingly acquired physique could easily decline, occasioned by careless and unhealthy living practices and habits. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;The easily overlooked and often ignored prime fact of bodybuilding is that “the act of bodybuilding starts right after leaving the gym door. It does not start nor end at the gym”. Directly translated, this means that what you do out of the gym door is what actually crowns or uncrowns all your gym effort!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Translated even further, it implies that harmful practices and or substances exposed to the body could rubbish the bodybuilding effort and reduce that body mass a lot faster. Specifically, practices such as smoking, (excessive) drinking, drug taking, etc, are counterproductive to the bodybuilding effort and should be avoided.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is about observing optimal healthy living practices, dieting properly and avoiding or cutting down on practices that would be injurious to your health such as smoking and taking drugs. After all, your health is your wealth and gain. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;The above is a brief quick summary of the (sure-fire) factors to check on for any aspiring bodybuilder, but is by no means exhaustive. The story continues… &lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;P&gt;  If you have found this article interesting and would like to get in touch with the author &lt;a href="http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Contact me&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-9032869424702916963?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/9032869424702916963/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=9032869424702916963' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/9032869424702916963'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/9032869424702916963'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2008/11/effective-bodybuilding-sure-fire-way.html' title='Effective Bodybuilding: The Sure Fire Way'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-2358033655605216784</id><published>2008-11-27T11:35:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-27T11:36:44.652-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Bodybuilding Nutrition</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;&lt;h1&gt;The Bodybuilding Nutrition&lt;/h1&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nutrition is a most integral part of bodybuilding. Nutrition provides the body with the fuel needed for the rigorous workouts. It also gives the body the building-up material for the growth of the muscles and body tissue. Nutrition is about striking a proper balanced diet with adequate quantity of protein, carbohydrates (low calorie) and vitamins. However, proteins, being the bodybuilding blocks, should be consumed in extra quantity. Three protein shakes taken additionally on a daily basis would be okay.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;Carbohydrates&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Carbohydrates – the energy providing class of foods are converted to glycogen for storage in the body muscles. They should be low in calorie since excess calorie is converted to fat which results in weight gain. Alternately, consumption of lesser calories results in weight loss since the body reverts to the stored glycogen for its energy needs.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;The amount of calories needed by the body for daily use, the caloric need, is variable and depends on age, gender, body mass and weight and length/intensity of the physical exercises.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;However, for weight gain, one should consume a few extra calories higher than the daily bodily caloric need. Correspondingly, for loss of body fat, the consumption of calories on a daily basis should be in an amount lower than the daily bodily caloric need.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids have to consume double their daily requirement of calories as steroids require extra calories as they work in the body. Steroids are known to effectively reduce body gain even with higher caloric intake. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good carbohydrate sources for the average and natural bodybuilder include green veggies, milk, bread, cereal, potatoes, rice, fruit and pasta.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;As for fats, their intake should generally be limited, especially saturated fats that are from animal origin. Olive oil from vegetables and fish oil are good sources of fat for the body.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;Proteins&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Proteins are undoubtedly the most important of nutrients for the bodybuilder. This is because they provide the bodybuilding blocks that make possible the growth of muscle and tissue. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;It therefore follows that proteins should be consumed in more than adequate proportions on a daily basis. Protein is especially helpful in reducing the feeling of hunger occasioned by the consumption of a low caloric diet. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Good protein sources include milk, poultry, red lean meat, fish and eggs. Ideally, one gram of protein from animal sources should be taken for each body weight unit in the pound. On average, 300 grams of protein should be consumed on a daily basis.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;Minerals and vitamins&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Minerals and vitamins are the other essential component of a well balanced diet. And although extra quantities of these two components in the body do not stimulate muscular growth or reduction of body fat, they are essential as they provide the armory for the body cells to help fight-off opportunistic infections or diseases. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Vitamins provide the body with fiber content. Fiber helps the body in the break-up and digestion of consumed food for distribution around the body. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;All types of fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lastly, water should be consumed in generous proportions. About 3 liters of water per day would do fine. The body needs water in sufficient quantity for its physiological and regulatory functions.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;P&gt;  If you have found this article interesting and would like to get in touch with the author &lt;a href="http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Contact me&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-2358033655605216784?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/2358033655605216784/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=2358033655605216784' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/2358033655605216784'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/2358033655605216784'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2008/11/bodybuilding-nutrition.html' title='The Bodybuilding Nutrition'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-7907956133765970261</id><published>2008-11-27T11:32:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-27T11:34:32.859-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Essential Tips of Bodybuilding</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;&lt;h1&gt;The Essential Tips of Bodybuilding&lt;/h1&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;p&gt;For any undertaking, sports or otherwise, there are certain tips necessary for achieving the desired results fast and accurate. The same holds for bodybuilding. There are several tips for successful bodybuilding and a few are listed below.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;1. Weight Lifting&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lifting of heavy weights is a must for any aspiring bodybuilder no matter the punishing effect of the same. Weight lifting is a most necessary and effective component of bodybuilding as it directly stimulates and increases the muscles. The nature of weight lifting is that it exercises the entire body which is good for overall fitness.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;2. Regular Workouts&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Proper and effective bodybuilding demands a regular and disciplined approach to bodybuilding. No more and downrightly no less. No excuses. You see, bodybuilding is about conditioning the body to grow and develop muscles and mass step-by-step, day-by-day. And the body is most effectively conditioned into desired shape or mode by a regular and scheduled regimen. So for best and faster results, it is highly advisable to try and stick to the daily bodybuilding schedule and preferably at consistent times of the day. The bywords here are discipline, commitment and motivation.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;3. Gym Workouts&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the gym, it might be easy to try and avoid the strenuous exercises. But that is as bad as it could get. All sets of exercises, strenuous or less, should be undertaken in equal measure and enthusiasm. This ensures uniform bodybuilding and helps the bodybuilder attain the desired results a lot faster. Emphasis is on exercising all the body parts thoroughly and in equal measure.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;4. The Diet&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;It should be obvious to any bodybuilder on the importance of an adequate and balanced diet. As a matter of fact, effective bodybuilding is directly co-related to proper and adequate nutrition as the food provides the fuel, energy and the building blocks. The rule of thumb, therefore, is to eat healthy and adequate.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Any particular questions on bodybuilding dieting should be addressed to a qualified training instructor or clinical dietician. However, a quick tip here is in order: While performing gym workouts, cottage cheese, chicken, whey protein, tuna and beef may be consumed so as to maintain and replenish energy and vitality. Protein shakes would be a good accompaniment.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;5. Hydration&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Water should not be consumed in moderation but aplenty by the bodybuilding athlete. Water plays an important role of re-hydrating the body after the sweaty workouts and regulating the body’s physiological processes. The need for adequate and clean drinking water can not be over-emphasized.&lt;br /&gt;While talking of water, this should not be substituted by any other liquid such as fruit juices, soda or otherwise; Rather, avoid these and instead take good old plain water.&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;6. Adequate Rest&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;After the tear and wear of the gym, it’s only appropriate that the body gets adequate rest and sleep. A very important fact to remember when arguing for adequate sleep is that all the growth, development and rejuvenation of the body muscles and tissues occurs during sleep! That’s why it is important to have enough of it.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;li&gt;&lt;i&gt;7. Conclusion&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/li&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bodybuilding is an art that requires discipline, commitment and forbearance to attain results. And remember what the timeless adage says…no pain results in no gain.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/ul&gt; &lt;br /&gt;&lt;P&gt;  If you have found this article interesting and would like to get in touch with the author &lt;a href="http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/"&gt;&lt;i&gt;Contact me&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt; &lt;P&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-7907956133765970261?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/7907956133765970261/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=7907956133765970261' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/7907956133765970261'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/7907956133765970261'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2008/11/essential-tips-of-bodybuilding.html' title='The Essential Tips of Bodybuilding'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-5038704948358713424</id><published>2008-11-20T23:59:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-21T00:56:27.749-08:00</updated><title type='text'>An advisory checklist for IT departments in small and medium businesses</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;An advisory checklist for IT departments in small and medium businesses&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Introduction:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;In recent times there has been an increasing need for IT security in small and medium scale businesses. This is due to the realization that threats from cyber space are indeed genuine and that if they go unchecked they can result in acute damages even in the most fortified of information systems. It is common to hear about electronic attacks on both government and corporate systems. The incidence of hacker attacks on both database systems and websites is constantly on the rise. Without a doubt, IT professionals will realize the negative implications that these attacks have on the day to day running of the entire business. Afflicted business will be prone to disruption of normal services and significant reduction of productivity. Such factors are precursors to negative financial performance.&lt;br /&gt;A survey carried out by The Computer Security Institute revealed that 90% of firms had firewalls and that more than 50% of these firms utilized Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS). Despite these measures, 40% of these firms confirmed that they had had breaches in their security systems. The survey also provided information that suggested frailties in some of the security technologies including the virus scanners. 90% of the firms that were surveyed indicated that they had implemented the use of anti-virus solutions on their servers and workstations but a staggering 85% of these respondents admitted that their systems had been infected by both viruses and worms. These infections had meant substantial financial implications. The basic inference that can be drawn from this survey is that businesses were indeed facing huge threats from cyber space attacks and that the technology solutions available were not wholly effective in curtailing such attacks. From the same survey it was shown that 74% of the respondents attributed the attacks to the fact that they were connected to the Internet. This definitely elicits the point that there is a need to develop effectual information system security solutions that will aid small and medium scale businesses to mitigate the threats posed through the Internet. The survey also established the realization that software and hardware are not the final solutions in as far as tackling these problems is concerned.&lt;br /&gt;There are four key areas in which the IT departments of such firms can reinforce protection. These are four crucial components that ideally capture the avenues that can grant would-be attackers access to the firms’ information security systems. These are the following:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;§ The IT infrastructure&lt;br /&gt;§ The accounts&lt;br /&gt;§ The required employee procedures and&lt;br /&gt;§ The security methodologies in the firm’s IT department&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Based on these four areas, a checklist for each of these areas will be developed which will assist IT professionals in these firms to be aware of critical issues that they have to streamline in their quest to make their information systems impregnable.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A. The Infrastructure&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It is through the information system infrastructure that most Internet oriented attacks are channeled. The IT department should therefore be particularly careful to ensure that none of their infrastructure facilitates the security system breaches. As far as the infrastructure is concerned, there are four main tasks that must be checked against in the to-do checklist. These are:&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Ensuring that the servers and software are always in anti-breach mode through constant patching.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;The various software applications and Operating Systems that are used in business do not enjoy default security. By virtue of this fact attackers are always on the watch for points through which to access your systems with ease. Indeed 90 percent of attacks are conducted through such weak points. It is important that software used for the inventory, and mailing lists etc are always patched to seal such loopholes. The patching should be done as frequently as possible.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; Ensuring that the software used is regularly updated. You should update a minimum of two times in a year.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Be sure to adopt routine back-up practices for your critical systems.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the unfortunate event that your firm loses important data it will be comforting if you have a backup system. This will be your first line of recovery. The IT department should regularly ensure that the backup systems are in fine working order i.e. that all the data can be fully recovered. It will be prudent to store the backup data in a separate location to avert wholesale loss.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; The ability to recover data from your backup should be maintained as optimal as possible. It is recommended that the restoration capacities be reviewed at least once annually.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Ascertain that your applications, servers, and security gadgets are always logged.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the modern electronic business environs the ability to keep logs and audits of your information systems is paramount. Through such logging you will be able to confirm the various activities that have transpired on your system. It is through logging that you will be able to assess the damage inflicted by attacks.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Line of action: Ensure that all events whether failed or successful are logged so as to get a clearer picture of the entire situation in the event that attacks materialize.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;4. Keep tabs on abnormal activity that may occur in your applications, hosts, and networks.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Security attacks are usually quick and difficult to detect. In the absence of constant monitoring it will be really hard to detect any suspect activity. This may result in unprecedented damage that may have negative implications on the firm’s bottom-line.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; The IT department should employ both in-house and outsourced security cum monitoring solutions. These will ensure that all attacks are flagged in time.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;B. The Accounts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Impose the need for the use of strong passwords&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;In a large number of information security systems the password that is used to access the systems is often the sole line of defense against unwanted intrusion. If the password is composed of simple letters and numbers it implies that the system will be under an increased incidence of attack. The IT department should insist on the use of complex passwords to counter such offenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; To create a strong password one should use a combination of symbols, numbers, and letters. Make the password stronger by using both upper and lower case letters.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Introduce standards for your accounts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The company staff should be permitted privileged access that will only suffice to help them execute their jobs. This access should be determined by the management and not by the IT department. The security systems should also be structured in such a manner that default users will not be able to access the same.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; In designing the account standards it is mandatory that the following aspects are included: Default levels of access, a definition of account owners for ease of maintenance, password standards, and conventions for account naming.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Erasure of expired accounts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Expired accounts have been known to serve as easy access routes for breaching system security. They should be deactivated on a regular basis.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; Once all important details that include both information and tasks have been shifted to active accounts the expired accounts should be deleted.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Eliminate all group accounts&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It will be counterproductive if the firm allows for multiple persons to log in to systems using identical passwords. This poses a major threat in that it will be nearly impossible to track the source of malicious intrusions. All the employees should therefore be given designated and individualized passwords.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; As described above, there is an inherent need to issue individual passwords. This will bring about more accountability and it will be easier to track the sources of malicious codes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;C. The procedures required to be followed by firm employees&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Ensuring that employees are informed about the importance of securing company information&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Inasmuch as the employees may be familiar with the use of security solutions there is an inherent need to inculcate the vital role that information security plays in the well-being of the firm. Employees should be given designated tasks that they must accomplish in as far as system security is concerned.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; Ensuring that employees read and understand the firms’ information security policies.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Making sure that all employees are familiar with the use of various information security apparatus.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The IT department should ensure that all firm employees are conversant with the use of firewalls, anti-virus software, and passwords.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; The IT department must hold regular training sessions that will keep the staff updated and informed about the correct use of virus scanners, passwords, and other security paraphernalia.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Enforce a strict procedure for personnel dismissal&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The IT Department must be provided with timely information about the dismissal of any employee. This will provide ample time for a reconfiguring of the security system thus preempting the risk that malicious past employees may pose.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; Make sure that all accesses and controls that had been assigned to past employees are removed.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Designing of an incidence plan that will be used whenever threats and attacks are discovered&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;This sort of master plan will be called into play whenever threats materialize. The plan will detail the roles that various persons will play in mitigating the damage risks of different types of security system breaches.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; Through the design of such a plan it will be easier for the IT department to coordinate the various attack responses and recovery efforts that may be necessary after information security systems have been breached.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;D. All about the firm’s security methodologies&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. The need to make regular reviews on method of authenticating remote users&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It is necessary to authenticate how remote users, more so those who use the web, access the firm’s information systems.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; The authentication system should be based on at least two of these; a thing you know about, a thing you are, or a thing that you have.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. A need to make a review of the communication network&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The IT department should work with the management in detailing the services and applications that will be accessible through the firm’s information security network and the Internet. All other unwanted sites should be blocked using well configured firewalls.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; It will be the onus of the IT department to ensure that only the approved accesses are made available to staff.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. The need for classification of firm data&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The IT department should embark on an exercise that will categorize data in terms of sensitivity, the risk incidence of theft or loss, and the impact that the data has on the firm’s business.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; This classification will lay the basis that will serve as a benchmark for how firm data will be protectively stored, utilized, and transmitted.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Ensuring that the firm’s security vendors facilitate regular vulnerability assessments&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Such assessments will help the firm determine the areas that require most urgent attention in terms of security measures.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Line of action:&lt;/strong&gt; The IT department should facilitate such assessments (with the aid of qualified IT security consultants) on a regular basis and as such it will be difficult for the firm to be subjected to unprecedented breaches of the information security system&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-5038704948358713424?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/5038704948358713424/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=5038704948358713424' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/5038704948358713424'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/5038704948358713424'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2008/11/advisory-checklist-for-it-departments.html' title='An advisory checklist for IT departments in small and medium businesses'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7930865981085751509.post-4023155560914064314</id><published>2008-11-17T23:23:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2008-11-17T23:25:53.623-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Word Garage</title><content type='html'>&lt;strong&gt;About The Word Garage Writing Services&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;Our firm strives to provide clients with well researched and written material. As such, our articles are rich in both content and depth. In addition, they are well structured and totally original.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Word Garage Team&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The team comprises of individuals who are adept in the areas of linguistics, writing and publishing. All our services are rendered in a most professional manner.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Article Research&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;We appreciate the diverse nature of articles that are required by different individual clients. Each new task is prioritized accordingly. Thorough research is carried out on every task thus ensuring that every article meets the requirements of the clientele.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Topics&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;The Word Garage is composed of multi-skilled individuals who can deliver articles on a broad range of topics. We are quite versatile. Our range of topics includes:&lt;br /&gt;1.       Real Estate&lt;br /&gt;2.       Relationships, Dating and Marriage&lt;br /&gt;3.       Travel&lt;br /&gt;4.       Health, Fitness, and Wellness&lt;br /&gt;5.       Sports&lt;br /&gt;6.       The Environment&lt;br /&gt;7.       Politics&lt;br /&gt;8.       Science and Technology&lt;br /&gt;9.       Finance&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;SEO through keyword rich content&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;At The Word Garage we are proficient in the aspects of using keywords. Our webmaster clients are afforded the opportunity to leverage our services i.e. articles with keyword rich content that are bound to be popular in the search engines. The clientele will therefore benefit from elevated PR rankings which will in turn result in greater revenues.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Value Added Services&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Word Garage team of writers offers both article submission and link-building services in addition to basic article writing. For these services we only charge a small fee.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pricing Structure&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Our prices are pegged from as low as $7/article. Clients can also get per word billing at the rate of $0.03/ word.&lt;br /&gt;For the html tag coding and submission to online directories we charge $80 per every 100 articles.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Modes of Payment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We accept payment through PayPal, MoneyGram, Western Union, and Wire Transfer&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Copyrights and Rights&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Word garage surrenders all rights to the articles produced to the clientele upon completion of the task. None of the articles are used elsewhere after submission.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contacts:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;E-mail: &lt;a href="mailto:viableplans@yahoo.com"&gt;viableplans@yahoo.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Address: 74460-00200 NAIROBI&lt;br /&gt;Tel. No. +254 720 394219&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/7930865981085751509-4023155560914064314?l=thewordgarage.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/feeds/4023155560914064314/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=7930865981085751509&amp;postID=4023155560914064314' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/4023155560914064314'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/7930865981085751509/posts/default/4023155560914064314'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://thewordgarage.blogspot.com/2008/11/word-garage.html' title='The Word Garage'/><author><name>TheWriterGarage</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/12724153675292302803</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
