Casual Articles - Home and Family

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero: Belly of the Whale
The Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)].THERE IS ONLY ONE STORYTHE HERO'S JOURNEY:a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story. This is why stories such as Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000), Midnight Cowboy (1969), American Beauty (1999), The Graduate (1967) and many others (all deconstructed at the URL below) appear to be different but are all constructed, almost sequence by sequence, in the same way.and more...*****Antihero: Belly of the Whale*****Heroes and a

C) Consider inexpensive but heartwarming gifts like handmade frames filled with favorite photos or cassette tapes of your family reading books. Home made breads, jams, or sauces make great gifts that everyone appreciates; and creating them provides family time to boot.

D) One year, my family had great fun cutting evergreen boughs and making wreaths for everyone on our gift list. All we had to buy was wire and ribbon.

E) How about giving a few of your own special treasures as gifts? Perhaps a book you love or a special knick knack or piece of jewelry someone has admired? A gift that's worth more than anything from a store is a handwritten letter telling someone how much they mean to you.

If you must shop, a list is your best friend. To avoid impulse buying, buy only what's on your list and pay only with cash. You'll think twice before purchasing an extravagant gift you really can't afford.

6) SIMPLIFY GIFT SHOPPING:

A) Plan ahead, make a list, and stick to it. Shop throughout the year rather than doing it all at the last minute.

B) Instead of individual gifts, buy one item for an entire family such as a board game, fast food coupons,

Is your Plumbing Business Leaking Money?
Any Plumbing business Website not linked into other websites of Industry specialists is leaking money. Any plumbing business not using an Email address in their advertising campaigns is suffering a major money break.To date, there has not been any organization to show Plumbers how to link together with other trades and their websites. Plumbers need to advertise and market their services better and to understand how linking their websites provides the strength that the World Wide Web now demands.All the Search Engines on the ‘net have changed their search criteria and if you aren’t linked, you simply don’t get ranked beyond the 100,000,000’nth place. And precious few people look beyond the first 10 to 20 names. People simply haven’t got the time or patience required to search so far.Constructing Profits shows Plumbers how to advertise their services better through their website and seminars.Because each Trade in the Building Industry has its own professional Associations, the desire to link with each other simply hasn’t been required. This requirement probably hasn’t been realized yet because everyone is too busy looking after their own people and that is as it should be.The WWW is now a very demanding monster that is based on content and relevancy. The deciding fact for relevancy is now very much dependent on who links to whom. And this is where constructing profits can provide the relevant ‘glue’ to all the different trade associations, or to independent websites, so that relevancy is established.We need to construct our own industry network we

10 Tips for a More Meaningful and Less Stressful Holiday

Does your Christmas spirit get lost in the frenzy this time of year? Is your household so hectic during December that it could drive even Bob Cratchit to tear out his hair? Well, you might as well face the fact that not even the Grinch can stop Christmas from coming; so we must learn strategies for surviving the holidays with our sanity (and our hair) intact. It is possible to go from stressed to blessed. To tame your Grinch within and create a simpler, more joyful Christmas this year, follow these ten Grinch-busting tips and you'll slide from overwhelmed to overjoyed faster than you can shout "God bless us all, everyone!"

1) LOWER EXPECTATIONS: Don't fall for the hype and myth-takes that can ruin your holiday. You'll make yourself crazy comparing your home, your holiday, your family, with anyone or anything that makes you feel less than perfect. Remember, YOU ARE NOT MARTHA STEWART! Stop trying to win the perfect holiday award for the best cookies, the most elaborate decorations, or the biggest gifts. Remember these four important words throughout the holiday season: DO LESS, ENJOY MORE. Make every day of the season a present to yourself.

2) CHANGE ROUTINES: Why do we feel that we must continue forever to do things just as we've always done them? Don't be bound by past traditions. Think outside the box and consider new ways of doing things to make it easier on yourself.

A) Instead of exchanging gifts with co-workers or extended family , how about choosing a charity to help? If each person gives just a couple of dollars, it adds up and beats searching for the perfect gift for all those people.

B) Who says you HAVE to cook a huge meal for 30 people every year? Could you, maybe just this once, have a simple gathering instead? Better yet, let Aunt Irma take a turn at hosting this year's celebration. Have you considered suggesting that this year the women cook and all other family members do the clean up? Why should the men of the house gorge themselves till they must unzip their pants and then collapse on the couch while the women who cooked for weeks continue to slave away in the kitchen tackling a mountain of dishes? Would it kill them to help in the kitchen once a year as a special Christmas present to you?

C) When did we decide we needed 37 different varieties of Christmas cookies each year? You know, all your family REALLY wants are chocolate chip cookies! Why do more than is necessary to keep them happy? If you MUST have a variety of cookies, go to or host a cookie exchange where everybody bakes one type but takes home several of all the other varieties. That makes NOT baking a jillion different types of cookies fun!

3) DON'T DO IT ALL YOURSELF: Involve every member of the family right down to the toddlers. If you can't do it together, then maybe it's not something you need to do at all. Instead of buying gifts for children to give, engage the kids in the process. Turn decorating, shopping, gift-wrapping, baking, and even house cleaning into family time activities

4) PLAN AHEAD: Work smarter, not harder. Do as much as you can in the months before Christmas to leave December open for spontaneous joy. Get the car serviced in the Fall so it will be ready for holiday travel, bake and freeze cookies throughout November, start addressing Christmas card envelopes during the summer while you're sitting in the sun sipping lemonade. If it's too late to plan ahead and you're already in the middle of mass chaos, don't panic. Memorize the Serenity Prayer and repeat it daily! (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!)

5) SPEND LESS MONEY: Nothing adds stress to the season like worrying about how you'll pay the credit card bill come January. Remember that it's the thought that counts. Think of creative gifts you can give that cost less but express your love.

A) Tell those on your gift list that instead of presents this year, you'll be providing warm clothing and food for a needy child or sending a donation to your favorite charity in their honor. Chances are they really don't need anything anyway, and it will warm their hearts to know you're doing good in their name.

B) Keep a journal of all your expenditures. Know each day how much you've spent so far. You will probably be shocked to learn how fast it adds up and this knowlege may help you control your spending.

B) Stay out of stores as much as possible. Every time you step foot into a mall, you are subjected to clever marketing tactics. Shop fast. The more time you spend in the store, the more money it will cost you.

D) One year, my family had great fun cutting evergreen boughs and making wreaths for everyone on our gift list. All we had to buy was wire and ribbon.

6) SIMPLIFY GIFT SHOPPING:

A) Plan ahead, make a list, and stick to it. Shop throughout the year rather than doing it all at the last minute.

B) Instead of individual gifts, buy one item for an entire family such as a board game, fast food coupons,

Internet Security Suite Software Review - Total Protection from Viruses, Spyware and Malware
Total Internet ProtectionThe internet super highway is full of all kind of viruses, malware, spyware, trojan horses and worms. You may not believe it and I’m quite sure the next time you purchase your new computer and forget to install some type of protection, there is a realistic chance that you will arrive at another opinion.Make no blunder, malware's and viruses are active and ready to exploit your computer. The long-established types of internet pest, spyware and viruses and Trojan horses, are very much still out there. We have not even mentioned the attacks of the spammers, phishers and online predators. Naive bystanders are moving enormous amounts of money transactions, business intelligence online, personal information and that attracts criminals. Luckily, the security software manufacturers have developed the newest versions of their best products, the internet security suites.Internet security suites aspire to give you an impenetrable defense, guarding you from almost all terrorization of your computer found on the internet super highway. These security suites can stop practically all the threats all on one software program. Anti malware, anti spyware, anti virus, anti spam and anti phishing threats are stopped by security suites.In addition, security suites include parental controls, content filtering, firewalls and keylogger detection. What you have at your disposal is an online suit of body armor that is as strong as a bulletproof vest that can stop and work in opposition to any of the mentioned internet threats.Fea

he season a present to yourself.

B) Keep a journal of all your expenditures. Know each day how much you've spent so far. You will probably be shocked to learn how fast it adds up and this knowlege may help you control your spending.

D) One year, my family had great fun cutting evergreen boughs and making wreaths for everyone on our gift list. All we had to buy was wire and ribbon.

6) SIMPLIFY GIFT SHOPPING:

A) Plan ahead, make a list, and stick to it. Shop throughout the year rather than doing it all at the last minute.

B) Instead of individual gifts, buy one item for an entire family such as a board game, fast food coupons,

Enticing Visitors To Return To Your Site
What's the best way to make your visitors return to your site? I will mention at least seven things for you to do.1. Introduce yourself to them.This is the very first step you have to do. One salesman quoted that you have to first sell yourself to your customers and then when he's comfortable with you, he will then be interested in what you can offer him.2. Make them your friends.It is a proven fact, that a friend will most likely buy from his friends or people he trust. You also invite friends to come in and feel at home and might even give them a tour in your house. It's the same way with your website.3. Give them what they need.People browse the web when they need something. Construct your website in such a way that it will cater to those needs.4. Entertain, Inform and Teach Them.The whole purpose of the World Wide Web is Information Technology. People don't want to be taught, they need to learn. By presenting information to them in an entertaining way, you have removed the boredom of traditional teaching.5. Give Them Free Stuff.Most people buy but if they see something that's not for sale but is equally good compared with the paid one, they might as well get it. Let them always look for your site when they need these freebies on the web.6. Give Them Better Deals.You might as well place a link to your paid products/services near your free stuff. You want people to know that you're not only giving free stuff but you're also selling other products as well. And the difference in your products is that eit

rieties of Christmas cookies each year? You know, all your family REALLY wants are chocolate chip cookies! Why do more than is necessary to keep them happy? If you MUST have a variety of cookies, go to or host a cookie exchange where everybody bakes one type but takes home several of all the other varieties. That makes NOT baking a jillion different types of cookies fun!

B) Keep a journal of all your expenditures. Know each day how much you've spent so far. You will probably be shocked to learn how fast it adds up and this knowlege may help you control your spending.

D) One year, my family had great fun cutting evergreen boughs and making wreaths for everyone on our gift list. All we had to buy was wire and ribbon.

6) SIMPLIFY GIFT SHOPPING:

A) Plan ahead, make a list, and stick to it. Shop throughout the year rather than doing it all at the last minute.

B) Instead of individual gifts, buy one item for an entire family such as a board game, fast food coupons,

To Speak You Have To Write, To Write You Have To Read
Public speaking, writing, and reading are a lot more interrelated that most people would think. You might think of them as brothers, and sisters of creative processes. There is also a certain hierarchy involved. You have to read to write, then you have to write to speak.Without question the best way to improve your public speaking ability is to speak. Speak anywhere, anytime you can gain an invitation to do so. However it is also important for someone who wants to speak well, to write well. This is one of the biggest reasons beginning speakers are told to write their speeches out. One of the biggest advantages to this approach is it helps you gain structure to what you are trying to say. When I speak I have literally been known to rewrite my speech on the fly ! I can do this because I have strong writing skills. I can actually picture the outline of my speech in my head, without looking at my notes ! Writing your speech out also makes editing easier, because you can see it in front of you and think about it line by line. But the relationship between writing and speaking is more than just writing your speech out. It also includes writing things other than just your speeches. What you write doesn’t even matter. Write letters, articles whatever. The point is the better writer you become, the better speaker you become. Guess what ? The best way to become the best writer you can be, is to write incessantly.Even though writing is the best way to become a better writer, there’s more that you can do. Read ! Read everything possible. One of the best things a person who wants to im

ic. Memorize the Serenity Prayer and repeat it daily! (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!)

B) Keep a journal of all your expenditures. Know each day how much you've spent so far. You will probably be shocked to learn how fast it adds up and this knowlege may help you control your spending.

D) One year, my family had great fun cutting evergreen boughs and making wreaths for everyone on our gift list. All we had to buy was wire and ribbon.

6) SIMPLIFY GIFT SHOPPING:

A) Plan ahead, make a list, and stick to it. Shop throughout the year rather than doing it all at the last minute.

B) Instead of individual gifts, buy one item for an entire family such as a board game, fast food coupons,

Forex, an Alternative Investment Vehicle, Part 2
In the first part of this article I have outlined 10 good reasons why Forex (Foreign Currency Exchange Market) is an excellent investment opportunity for anyone to make money, online, even with very little start-up money available. In this part I will explain how to get started.If you want to make money with Forex, online, you have to think of it as a business and treat it as such. You have to get serious about it and you need to get organised. Initially, you have to 'go to work' just like you would in a conventional business. Set aside some quite, work hours for yourself, in a quite corner of your house so you can concentrate on your business without any interruptions.Also, as with any other business or trade, you have to train yourself and hone your skills, continuously. The Forex offers an amazing opportunity to make money, with little effort in record time, however, you have to know what you are doing and you do have to put in some work. Just as you would not allow your 10 year old kid to drive your fancy, expensive car, it would not be a good idea for you to jump into trading the Forex without learning how to drive this 'vehicle'.If you are a beginner spend some time on reading up on the Forex and perhaps find someone who is already trading successfully. Ask them to mentor you or allow you to look over their shoulder. Once you have some idea on what makes Forex tick, you should open a demo account with one of the many reputable online brokers. This is the best way to learn what happens to your money and your account in the real world without actually risking a

D) One year, my family had great fun cutting evergreen boughs and making wreaths for everyone on our gift list. All we had to buy was wire and ribbon.

6) SIMPLIFY GIFT SHOPPING:

A) Plan ahead, make a list, and stick to it. Shop throughout the year rather than doing it all at the last minute.

B) Instead of individual gifts, buy one item for an entire family such as a board game, fast food coupons, gift certificates for restaurants or stores, phone cards, school supplies, or food baskets. Or exchange names within your family so everyone needs to buy only one gift, rather than many. I've heard of families who stipulated that it had to be a garage-sale or a thrift-store item under a certain price. That made it a lot of fun, as everyone tried to find the best buy.

C) Divide up the shopping. Maybe the wife could purchase all the gifts required for women and the husband buy all the men's gifts. Teens can select gifts for kids their age too.

D) Choose a gift theme each year. If the theme is plants, you would give everyone something from a nursery. If the theme is books, you would buy all your gifts at a book store. If you choose a theme of entertainment, you would buy movie passes for everyone or concert tickets. If there are a lot of men on your gift list, a hardware theme might be appropriate. If you're forgetful like I am, buying everyone on your list the same thing makes it easier to remember what you gave whom in past years!

7) CELEBRATE FAMILY and COMMUNITY: Schedule time for fun and relaxing together. Put it on your calendar and make it top priority. Don't let anything get in your way. If you're too busy to drive through the neighborhood with the kids looking at the lights and listening to Christmas music, re-arrange your schedule. Spend an evening as a family reading Christmas stories or poems and writing letters to Santa together, thanking him for last year's gifts.

If you must shop or attend concerts or parties, don't go alone. Take the family along and include lonely neighbors or elderly friends too. This applies to cooking, baking, and gift wrapping too.

Invite someone to do it with you. It will make your tasks more fun and they'll appreciate spending time with you. Whatever you're planning to do, share it with someone and make it quality time.

8) CREATE LASTING, LOVING MEMORIES: Be selective. Don't fill every moment of the season with frantic activity. Think quality, not quantity. Your goal should be sharing happy times and being together. Reading stories together, a relaxed tree-trimming, singing carols, making snow angels, or just enjoying the evening stars and sharing a cup of hot cocoa can be more enjoyable than attending every play, concert, and party of the season. Volunteer as a family to sort food at a food bank, organize a toy or coat drive, deliver meals on wheels, or serve Christmas dinner at a shelter. These are memories you'll cherish forever.

9) TAME THE GREEDIES: Steer the family's focus toward the needs of others and how your family can render service. Help everyone to develop an attitude of gratitude instead of always wanting something more. Talk about ways to share the season's joy with others. Instead of wish lists, make a list of ways to practice generosity. These might include helping someone with shoveling, shopping, decorating, or baking. Or choose a volunteer project you can work on together as a family.

Keep the TV turned off as much as possible to avoid commercials. They only give your kids ideas of more useless things they think they must have. If you want to watch a Christmas show, rent the video or record programs and watch them later.

10) CREATE FUN NEW TRADITIONS: Buy a new cookie cutter each year to add to a collection, or shop as a family to buy an early Christmas present for yourselves: a board game you can play each evening in December. Share at the dinner table every night something you've each read such as a Christmas story or poem, a riddle, or holiday trivia.

A friend began a tradition of having boiled shrimp for Christmas dinner, along with garlic toast, salad, and Christmas eggs (boiled eggs dyed red and green). Preparation for this meal takes almost no time at all, and the cleanup is equally easy. Everyone can enjoy the afternoon visiting, playing games, napping, etc. In the evening, they enjoy leftover shrimp fried in garlic butter with the traditional Christmas pies and cookies.

Here are a couple of traditions that can lighten your work load: Instead of an elaborate holiday meal, how about having friends in for a potluck Christmas Eve supper where you provide only the dessert? Another tradition kids love is going out for pizza on Christmas Eve.

It's the little things that make life more meaningful. I like the idea of starting a Christmas tradition of practicing not-so-random acts of kindness each holiday season and maybe even extending this "kindness throughout the year.

ITEMS 7 THROUGH 10 CAN ALL BE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH VOLUNTEERING to focus on others and help someone outside your family. Kids love to give and help. They just need encouragement, guida

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So, you have set up your business, got the premises and office sorted and now you have to get out there and... sell! The fear of selling is something which most first time business owners suffer from and in this article we are going to look at exactly why we have this fear of selling and what you can do to overcome it.

Setting up an internet-based videoconference is now easier than ever. With the right software, you can say goodbye to traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles to attend a meeting that only lasts only an hour or two. You can also instantly see friends and family as often as you want without ever paying for an airline ticket again. Ready to get started? Here are some pointers.

The US military has a responsibility to itself and society to set and adhere to high moral standards. This requires the kind of moral courage that is critical to successful leadership. It also models a healthy value system for a society that may be in danger due to its own abandonment of such traditional values.

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