After working the online personals like a mad scientist for the last few years, I now have a good idea of what types of profiles women most respond to.

Your profile is like an advertisement. It can be anywhere from 2 to 7 paragraphs long, and be written in the first, second, or third person; or any combination thereof.

Example of First Person: I am interested in meeting a woman who has a fun character, isn't a total brat, and doesn't mind the occasional corruption...

Example of Second Person: You are an extroverted woman, full of feminine energy, who likes and appreciates men who go after what they want...

Example of Third Person: I just woke up. Last night was very passionate. It was the first time in a while I could really be myself with someone. And to think I felt bad about hooking up with him initially...I learned so much...

Whatever your style of communication it is important that you are able to lead a woman's imagination. You want her to catch a glimpse of what you are like. You are the product and the personal ad is the brochure.

Women, unlike men, are much more likely to read someone's profile. Men tend to mostly look at the picture, but women are usually very curious about how a man expresses himself.

I have found that there are certain things that you should definitely avoid when writing your profile. They are:

- never say you are looking for a relationship (it sounds needy, and too many men say this already). At most, say you are not actively seeking a relationship, but if it happens it happens

- never say you are looking for "the one" - too cliche and again it sounds needy

- never say you like to cuddle or do anything which women say they like to do. You're a guy so you like guy things. For example, you enjoy sports, like hockey, or football, or anything full contact which involves a strenuous workout (you can even add a *wink* to this last one, for effect)

- never say you are looking for someone to fill a void in your life - it makes you sound desperate. Believe me, women avoid desperate men like the plague

- don't ever say you are tired of the bar scene - it makes you look like you are using the internet as a last resort and are unsuccessful in general

- never communicate, or hint, that you are frustrated or angry towards women.

You want to communicate that you are a fun guy who is passionate and is perfectly comfortable with intimacy, but not in a crude way. Use innuendos, they work great. Mention that you like the winter season because it forces you to rely more on body heat (and sometimes it takes more than one body).

Showing that you have an edge is good, and adding humor to an overal "gruff" exterior is a great way to entice. Humor is what allows me to say something borderline and get away with it.

Sarcasm works good too. You can try writing something which sounds like total romantic drivel, about how you're looking for "the one", and someone to have 10-15 kids with, house on the prairies etc - all very tongue in cheek. Just make sure it's very clear that you are joking, and that you go on to write what you're actually like.

It is very good practice to say something which makes you look like you don't need approval and are willing to screen for women to find the one you like. For example, you can say that you like women that are easy going and don't have self-esteem issues, and can enjoy the moment and take risks without second guessing themselves.

Saying what you like and don't like, in terms of facts, is good, but you should also write something to get her imagination going (such as with NLP based language & suggestive flirting). It's good to say what you like and don't like but you should also give her a compelling reason to want to meet you (emotional rewards, good feelings etc). My personal favorite way of doing this is with innuendos, as shown before.

Finesse. It's not enough to just write out all these things. You also need a good writing style, and that only comes with practice (same as writing english essays). Many bad profiles have a terrible writing style, but are okay content wise. They read like a 10 year old wrote them. This happens often when people cut and paste parts of others' profiles and try to stitch it all together. It ends up looking like a Frankenstein monster.

In terms of having the best mindset to write a profile, I find that the best time to write is when you're feeling in an upbeat mood. Maybe you just had a great day or maybe you just feel empowered in general. Try not to write a profile after you got burned by someone, or something. It's very hard to get in the right mindset if all you're thinking is, "that stupid ^@%#$". It tends to pollute your writing, making you come across as angry and frustrated, which you want to avoid.

Say something about you, such as what music you like. I like to mention that I like swedish death metal. It's part of who I am and I know women are always intrigued by extreme hobbies anyway, so it's good to mention one.

For a picture of you, a natural outdoor pose works well. Don't smile too much or look angry/grumpy. Just look cool and relaxed, with a hint of a smile. Also, dont take a picture of you standing beside your car (unless it's a piece of junk and it's clear you are not showing off). It's good to have your picture taken while you are doing something else, like, say, you are at a party and someone got your attention and took the picture while you were with your buds. Avoid webcam shots. They look bad, period. Take my word for it.

A useful writing trick is to write a draft of the profile, and then wait a day or two before reading it again, and editing if need be. This is similar to what good writers do, as it helps the final product look as good as it can.

I've had a lot of practice at this. It took me a long time to figure out what to write that would attract women. A lot of experience at clubs and bars, and observing reactions of women there, helped me to understand what women would respond to online. I've met dozens of women from online, and wrote/experimented with at least one profile for every woman I met. Now I have about 6 template profiles I can draw on which I have been successful with in the past.

Copyright (c) 2005 Vittorio Norman

High fuel prices got you down?

Imagine how most of us feel in the recreational fishing world.

Let me explain.

Here we are rounding into September, the time of year that all true "sport fishermen" look forward to. The weather is changing, and most summer crowds have gone home, leaving the rivers and lakes uncrowded and filled with frisky hungry fish readying themselves for the fall spawn and feedfest that takes place in fall.

Most of us are not lucky enough to have a river or lake out our back door, so that means traveling to our favorite fishing spots is mandatory. Two hundred miles or better is nothing when it comes to our passion.

Most fishermen -and outdoor types in general--are usually heading for the great outdoors hauling their gear in SUVs , trucks or campers/trailers.

Not exactly what you would consider "economy" cars.

I can still remember the conversation I had with Ranger Kurt about three years ago, when I convinced him to purchase an old Ford Diesel f350 in place of his trusty Toyota fishing rig.

He would love the extra room, and heck- diesel was about a dime cheaper than regular to boot!!

He like I, always seemed to just fill the back of his pick-up with just about every piece of sporting good equipment that languished in his garage.On the off chance we might feel the urge to break into a spirited game of Badminton, shoot clay pigeons, ride mountain bikes, or take an impromptu twenty mile hike into the high desert, we were ready!!

So, as our state of readiness has increased with age, our truck beds have shrunk.

Much like our spines and uhhhh hummm... other things!!

But I digress...

Anyway, as I ran out of room and had to spend thirty minutes each time loading and unloading basketballs,hockey sticks and barbecues-- just to find my waders--I decided a bigger rig was in order.

Didn't seem like a big deal at the time, back when diesel fuel was at about $1.29.

....$3.19 this morning!!

Ranger Kurt is not talking to me anymore.

I have decided to make some drastic changes in my life--at least my fishing life-- and the next time you see me.... I will be driving a Vespa.

That's right, one of those tiny Italian jobs that sound like an underpowered weed wacker.

I realize this will make it impossible to carry all the "necessary" gear I need to be ready for "impulse recreation"-- but what's a guy to do?

From now on, I will only carry the essentials--fishing rod, fly box,perhaps a sleeping bag--and wear all my necessary clothing, including waders,vest,wading boots and possibly a change of underwear. Everything else stays home!

I know this sounds drastic, but if I am to continue my passion for fishing --this may be the only way to make it affordable to do so.

I also know that the visual image of a rugged outdoorsman on the back of a Mo-ped is not exactly the vision Madison Avenue would like to sell to Orvis or Jeep Cherokee and is more akin to the image of Jim Carrey in "Dumb and Dumber"--but I don't care!!

Look out Deschutes River Steelhead... we're LEAN, MEAN, and riding WHINY MACHINES...

Whad'ya think?Kinda catchy, huh?

So, until the price of crude drops back down to a reasonable level, which may be never, you will recognize me as the guy out on Highway 97 wearing about fourteen layers of clothing and a pair of Hodgeman neoprene waders.

My poor Ford F250? Well, I suppose it will become an expensive dog house for my Yellow Lab-because unless I have AAA tow my vehicle around town--I can't afford to drive it anymore.

I sure hope they don't catch on to me!!

Oh-- and Ranger Kurt--give me a call, there's room on the back of the Vespa for you...

If youre thinking of starting a charity fund raising event, then you probably know all the most obvious questions that you should be asking yourself. These include why this non profit charity fund raising needs to exist or who will help run the fund raising event. You need to have a clear idea of the scope of what the fund raising will be used for and where the fund raising event will take place. If you have the answers to all these things, then youre well on your way to making your dream a reality.

Now that you know what your goals are for your charity fund raising there are some technical issues that you might encounter. These are such things as whether your charity requires a non-profit corporation. Non profit fundraising means receipts for tax deductible contributions. Your non-profit fund raising also has to support a legitimate charity. You also need to have non-profit exempt status so that your charity does not have to pay taxes on the money raised. If you qualify for this tax exemption then you better be prepared to have a lot of paperwork because youll need to keep all records of everything.

For non profit fund raising to be legitimate, you really do need a board of directors. When youre choosing board members for your non profit charity fundraising, you have to choose wisely. Charity fund raising board members can come from any background but there are some points to keep in mind. Each should bring a special ability with them and it is very important that they are committed to your purpose. Try to find people that are fairly low key in your community. These will be the ones that are interested in your non profit fund raising.

This board will set the rules of the non profit organization but they will also be responsible and accountable in a lot of things in the non-profit fundraising. They will have to make the policies, budgeting, planning, the non profit fund raising itself, and human resources. Your non profit charity fund raising also needs an executive director. This job will require a skilled person and when you decide on this position for charity fund raising, he/she should have the freedom to lead the rest and do what is best for your non- profit fund raising.

So as you can see depending on the size of your charity fund raising, it is going to be a job in itself to get set up. There will be a lot of work for everyone involved with the non profit fund raising, but it will be worth while when you accomplish your goal at the end.

You need to know your goals if you are doing some charity fund raising.

This article will launch my new series in the Why Study Math? category. This will be the start of a fascinating series which show that mathematics is more than just a pain in the neck; indeed these essays will permit a fascinating peek into the world of this curiously strange discipline. We start in the land of geometry, where shapes and figures and their many properties drive students to the breaking point of insanity. Each article will feature a specific aspect of a particular branch of mathematics, such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus; and each will endeavor to shed some light on how these fields are used in the real world. So come on board and enjoy the ride.

In the field of geometry, particularly as pertains to the high school geometry course, a student is introduced for the first time to the wonderful world of mathematical proofs. Often times students will be scratching their heads wondering why in the world they would be learning things as proving two triangles congruent or about the different properties of shapes such as trapezoids, parallelograms, or even those solid figures called polyhedrons. What is not understood or even seen is that such shapes play a fundamental role in many areas of science and indeed nature.

For example, the helix structurethat winding pattern best typified by a spiral staircaseis the structure most abundant in nature. Watson and Crick, the scientists who won a Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work with DNA, the genetic material responsible for heredity, showed that the very structure of the DNA molecule exhibited a double helix structure. Running a close second to the helix structure, we have those solids which are formed by regular pentagons and hexagons, those five and six sided figures. Because it is impossible to enclose space (in other words form a polyhedron ball) with just hexagons, it is necessary that pentagons be added to the mix. In fact 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons form the recipe for a nice type of polyhedron ball, which has come to be called a truncated icosahedron.

The soccer ball is the perfect real-life example of the truncated icosahedron. What is even more, many virusesthose potentially deadly nuisancesexhibit this structure. Viruses have outer shells called capsids that are often in the form of an icosahedron. And for those of you who are not familiar with chemistry, the eponymous buckey ball, is an organic molecule made mostly of carbon, which exhibits the soccer ball structure. In fact, chemists have now discovered a whole family of these soccer-ball-like molecules, which are called fullerenes. New and interesting discoveries are being made with these molecules and fascinating applications for their use in diverse fields as medicine and pharmacology are being researched.

Thus understanding geometryshapes, figures, and their related propertieshas profound implications for all of us. Just remember this the next time you go to fill a prescription for that drug which is going to kill that buckey-ball shaped virus that is wreaking havoc on your insides. For without understanding the very nature of the shapes of these viruses, chemists and pharmacologists would be at a loss in their attempt to battle these viral parasites. Stay tuned for more in my Why Study Math? series...

You dont have to visit exotic places for adventures this summer! New Yorks Southern Adirondack region abounds with fun and excitement. Whether you are an outdoor person, a couch potato or somewhere in-between, this easily accessible resort area has it alland is adding new attractions every year.

The Southern Adirondack region spans northern Saratoga County, to the Green Mountains and north to the heart of a state park the size of the state of Vermont. The shining star of the Adirondack region is the 32-mile long Lake George, known as Queen of the American Lakes. Just north of Lake George, is historic Lake Champlain. Other large waterways include the Hudson River and Great Sacandaga Lake. Besides these, the area boasts literally hundreds of lakes, ponds, and streams. The Champlain Canal is a popular waterway for international boaters. Water lovers have no end of activities in the Lake George region: several water parks--including a new indoor water park opening in February, boating, lake and canal cruises, para-sailing, whitewater rafting and tubing, water-skiing, jet-ski and boat rentals, fishing charters and local fishing derbys, sailing, plus kayaking and canoeing. Boat and canoe launches are located in a number of places on the Hudson River and throughout the region.

For those of you who prefer working on your tan, the Lake George/Lake Luzerne areas have no less than six public beaches: two in Lake George, three in Lake Luzerne, and one in the village of Corinth. Additionally, there is a public beach located at the New York State Forth Lake campground, which also has boat rentals. Local tip: As an added bonus, during July, the secluded Main Beach in Lake Luzerne is located directly across from a youths music camp. At certain times in the afternoons, beach goers are treated to the sound of live chamber music drifting over the water.

If youve had enough of the water, you and the family can always visit the two amusement parks in the area. One is a large, well-known theme park featuring many thrilling rides and popular cartoon characters, as well as seasonal special events. The smaller park, which is tailored more to children, also has rides, but its unique shows are the biggest attraction there: it features a diving horse, bird shows and more. This park retains much of its original 1950s character. Other places of interest include: two haunted houses/wax museums, a UFO museum, several arcades, numerous mini-golf courses, two go-kart tracks, indoor laser tag, paintball, hot air balloon rides, many well-maintained paved bike/rollerblading trails (bike rentals available), indoor roller skating, loads of golf courses--including indoor golf, public tennis courts, there are gyms offering seasonal memberships and theres excellent hiking trails to fire towers, lakes and mountain tops. Whew! Modern life shore can be hectic, pardners

If youve always dreamed of chucking it all and being a cowboy, then grab your hat, partner and saddle up! You dont have to travel out west to feel like a buckaroo. Since the 1940s, the Southern Adirondacks have played host to numerous dude ranches. Although the heyday of the dude ranch has passed, the Old West is currently seeing a revival in the area. Currently, there are two real old-time dude ranches in the area and two more that are a resorts with a dude ranch theme. Root for your favorite cowboy or gal at one of three area rodeos--one, a professional rodeo, and plays to crowds three times weekly. Grab your boots and straddle the saddle on a trusty steed. There are over a half-dozen business offering one to two hour trail rides, as well as dinner rides and riding lessons. If you like horses, but are afraid of riding, hourly carriage rides, hay rides and carriage rentals are also available in the area. Theres even an old-time western theme park, featuring horseback riding and stage coach rides, a petting zoo and a real live Wild West show. Want to dress the part? You can visit several local western stores to outfit yourself in style, and bring home gifts for the kiddies from Native American & western style gift shops in the region. Feeding that cowboy-like appetite youve worked up is no problem, as the region boasts a variety of BBQ and Southwestern style eating establishments.

Speaking of shopping and eating, what better place than the Adirondacks? Here, you can explore unique local Adirondack-themed gift and antique shops in the morning, and browse through dozens of major name-brand discount outlet stores in the afternoon. Want more? Then be sure to stop by the local mall and various shopping centers--the Glens Falls area is host to many popular department stores. What, still not satisfied? There are also flea markets and local auctions. Area auctions run the gamut from antiques to horses and tools, and estates to general merchandise--some country auctions feature all of the above, together under one roof! Auction notices appear every Thursday in the local papers. Art and craft festivals and many town-wide garage sales are also a huge area attraction. After all that shopping and exercise, youre probably wondering about where to go to eat.

The Southern Adirondack region is surprising in its culinary offerings. In the countryside and small towns you can find home-cooking a small family-style restaurants and diners. But it doesnt stop there. International and regional American cuisine can be found here as well. Here, you can find Japanese, Chinese, Italian, American Western/Southwestern, Mexican, Irish, BBQ, gourmet restaurants, Adirondack-themed steak houses, clam bars/seafood/lobster, delis, hot dog stands and fast food chains. One large local grocery store chain just of few miles south of Lake George features a bagel/coffee bar, hot and cold buffet, pizza & subs, fresh chicken and fish dinners, and a sushi bar. It can be a little pricey, but if you are with a group who cant decide what they want, this store is a good bet, and you can eat-in or take out. Local tip: If you are looking for good, very inexpensive dining, and dont mind the atmosphere, try the basement cafeteria at the local hospital. Some of their daily specials frequently include prime rib and roast porkall offered ala carte, so you can mix and match your side dishes, or go with the salad bar. Call ahead for daily special(s) and serving times--just be sure to ask for the cafeteria, as there is more than one eating establishment there.

Theres more than one way to dine in the Adirondacks. For those of you who really want to experience dining out--how about an old-fashioned picnic? There are many fabulous picnic areas in the region. Stop by a deli or grocery store and load up the picnic basket. Some of the more popular areas include: the magnificent Prospect Mountain Memorial Highway in Lake George, the picturesque Washington County Park, just north of Whitehall in Huletts Landing (which also has a beach on Lake George and a tennis court--Local tips: On the way to this park, you will drive by a beaver pond and possibly see an old fire tower. On the way back down, just before you reach the main highway, if the day is clear, you will be able to see the Catskill Mountains--over 150 miles away! Also, before turning off the main road to Huletts Landing, be sure to stop at the lay-by for a broad scenic view of the Champlain Valley and distant hills of Vermonts Green Mountain range. Another, far lesser known great picnic area is in the northern Saratoga County village of Corinth.

This nice little village is located on state Route 9-N, south. Like Lake Luzerne, it also has a beach on the Hudson River--and some wonderful and unique Adirondack gift shops and art galleries and frequently hosts parades and festivals. But the real gem of the village is hidden away across the tracks on Palmer Avenue. This is known by the odd name of Pagenstecker Park. The park was given to the village back in the 1900s by a nationally known paper mill, which, until recently, was the towns major employer. The park is lovely. It features genuine old growth trees--something there are few of in the Adirondacks, wildflowers, a picnic area with covered pavilion, free games--horseshoes, tennis and basketball, plus a playground for the kids. But the most magnificent feature of this park is the view: it sits directly on the edge of the northern-most palisades of the Hudson River, and one can look down the gorge at nearby Palmer Falls. The edge of the cliff is fenced off, but there is a supposedly a trail to a haunted spring at the bottom that was once used by the local Indians. A fall festival is held here annually.

If you like history, youll love the Adirondacks. Forts from the French and Indian (Queen Annes) War and the Revolution were rebuilt and are open to tourists. These include Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry and the Old Fort House Museum in Fort Edward. Additionally, there are archaeological exhibits at Rogers Island in Fort Edward and underwater sites open to divers on Lakes George and Champlain. Drive down NY route 149 between Comstock and Whitehall, and glimpse parts of the original Champlain Canal following the railroad tracks. In Whitehall, you can see the hull of an 1812 war ship, visit the interesting local history museum and splendid Skene Manor, a Victorian mansion perched high atop the cliffs overlooking the town. Back in the city of Glens Falls, theres the areas best history museum and at the NY route 9 bridge leading to South Glens Falls, is Coopers Cave. This is the actual cave featured in James Fennimore Coopers (an ancestor of mine), famous 1826 American novel Last of the Mohicans, in which the intrepid Hawkeye saves his damsel in distress from the savages by hiding in a cave underneath a waterfall.

Besides these attractions, many towns and villages have local history sites and museums. In Lake Luzerne, there are three small museums: a pulp mill museum, a local history museum and a one-room school house. Towns such as Lake George and Corinth also have museums. In Granville, in Washington County, theres the Pember Natural History Museum and a slate museum. Glens Falls houses the world famous Hyde Collection. The paintings and sculptures here are housed together with antique and period furniture in a renovated mansion.

If history seems to tame for you, theres always the night life and cultural events. If you like movies, there is a drive-in theater, a multi-plex and a restaurant/theater. For laughs, visit a local comedy club, or dance the night away at a nightclub, disco or local Adirondack bar. If you love theater, you can find dinner theater and regular stage productions by our resident company. Offered periodically are productions by an amateur theater company in Corinth, and others. Opera is available, and there is even an opera museum. Music festivals are all over the area. In Lake George theres an annual Elvis festival and a jazz festival. In Corinth, you can camp out at the annual Bluegrass Festival. Besides music, theres the huge firemans convention parade in June, as well as Americade--one of the east coasts biggest motorcycle gatherings. If you like art, besides the Hyde Collection, there are many, many art and craft galleries throughout the region. In downtown Glens falls, you can find a casual atmosphere, featuring a brew-pub, sidewalk caf, shopping, coffee house, Saturday farmers market and a jazz club. Local concerts are often held at noon-time in the city park, near the library.

As you can tell, the Southern Adirondacks hold a little something for everyone. They are easily accessible, too. From Montreal or New York City, take the I-87 Northway to Exits 17-N to 23. The trip from NYC averages around 4 to 4 hours under most circumstances. Saratoga, Glens Falls and Warrensburg are accessible by bus. Saratoga, Fort Edward and Whitehall are accessible by train. Local taxis going outside of the city of Glens Falls can be very expensive, but they are available. Major airlines travel to Albany International Airport, about 50 miles south of Glens Falls. There are smaller airports at Saratoga Springs and Queensbury (Glens Falls). Car rental agencies are available locally. Accommodations: many types available, from hotels and motels, to resorts, cabins and bed & breakfasts. Camping: both public and private camping is available, but reservations, well in advance, are strongly suggested.

Have you ever watched a speaker and said, "Wow, I wish I could speak like that"? or "That person was just so wonderful. I could never do that." Well, I've got some good news for you. You too can be a public speaker. Public speaking is a learned skill, so anyone can do it. You just need to follow some simple steps and practice, practice, practice. If you know how to talk, you can become a public speaker.

Becoming really good at public speaking requires some risk, but you have been taking risks all your life. When you were a toddler, you risked falling down when you took your first steps. You risk scraping your knees or falling when you start roller blading. You risk falling off when you start bike riding. You risk being rejected when you ask someone out on a date, and you risk getting into an accident every time you drive your car.

If you gave up after your first fall, you'd still be crawling. If you were afraid to fall off your bike, you'd still be riding with training wheels. If you were afraid of getting into an accident, you'd never get behind the wheel of a car. And guess what, you're still here - you've survived all of that. You're risk takers!! You've proved that by coming to Toastmasters. The greatest fear is that of public speaking and here you are - wanting to learn how to do it.

How many of you enjoy watching figure skating? Now, you wouldn't expect to be a world class figure skater the minute you put on a pair of skates, would you? No, you'd expect to have to practice for years before becoming that good. Nor would you expect to make the NHL without years and years of winter and summer hockey.

How many of you enjoy watching racing? Would you expect to be another Mario Andretti the minute you get behind the wheel? Now, I will admit that there seem to be a few drivers out there who think they are Mario, but most people would expect to have to practice for years before reaching his status.

Now, I think everyone here knows how to walk. When you think of walking 25 miles, it seems like a long distance, but it is actually only putting one foot in front of the other a number of times and you know how to do that. It just takes practice to go the distance. It's the same thing with public speaking. It just takes putting one word after another.

The key to getting up in front of an audience is believing that you have something to share with them that may make a difference in their lives - by entertaining them, warning them, encouraging them, or giving them direction or information.

The great thing is - you all do have something to say that people would be interested in hearing. Each of you has come through life in a different way. You may have encountered difficult circumstances and survived. Your experience could help someone else in the same situation.

If you remember jokes or enjoy telling stories to your friends, practice a little more and soon you can be telling your jokes and stories to large audiences. If you are really good at something, consider sharing the steps of how you got there.

By following the steps outlined in the Toastmasters' manuals, and with the encouragement of fellow Toastmasters, you can learn how to craft a speech and how to deliver it. You can learn how to use props, how to modulate your voice, and how to use words that your audience will understand.

You will often hear the words "stage time" used by Toastmasters. That is the only way to get better. In order to be good at anything, you have to practice. Winston Churchill overcame a speech impediment to become a master orator. He had to practice for hours to deliver a speech.

You can get very discouraged if you expect to be as good as Zig Ziglar right away. But if you listen to his story, you will find that it took a very long time before he was able to do what he does so well.

The thing to remember is that the only person you need to compare yourself to is you. You are working for your personal best, so when you are preparing your speech and practicing, all you need to ask yourself is - is your second speech better in some way than your first? Did you learn something new as you prepared for your speech? Did you learn something from the evaluative comments of others after you gave your speech? Then, that's all you need to do. You can use what you've learned to make the next speech your best to date and then use the same process for each speech you give. Just take one step at a time.

Remember, public speaking is a skill, so anyone can learn to do it. You just need to be taught how and then practice, practice, practice. Then one day someone may watch you and say, "Wow, I wish I could speak like that."

There can be no more exciting urban outdoor activity than throwing a tailgate party. Aside from the fact that tailgate parties are casual and a lot of fun, they are relatively easy to setup. You can also add a bit of pizzazz to your parties so that your friends and families wont ever forget them. Here are some tips on how to throw a party that will dazzle your guests.

You can consider making your own invitations into a unique way. For example if you will be having a football party, you can pattern your invitation by cutting out a football shape, from a piece of brown vinyl or cardstock glued to a lighter colored paper or cardstock. Use white shoelaces or vinyl laces to create the football laces.

For great decorations, choose the materials that will match the interests for that someone special you created a party for. It could be a favorite football team, or a baseball team. Or it could be the things they love the most.

Create games that would be in accordance with the theme. If your theme for the party is about football, there are so many games and activities suited to this theme. And remember, the better prepared you are, the smoother things will move along.

The Football Toss: Each child takes a turn throwing a football through a hoop or tire or into a basket.

Football Relay Course: For younger children, do simple exercises with them, jumping jacks, running, throwing a ball...For older children, design an obstacle course that includes football practice moves, more difficult callisthenics, sprints, punting...

You can try your skills at a football shaped cake, if you are a little bit artistic and a good baker. If this seems a little complicated, make a simple rectangular cake and decorate it like a football field.

On the other hand, your theme for the party is all about cheer leading, you could try these fantastic activities and games:

The Human Pyramid: Make sure to do this either on grass or a soft mat. Help the girls create a pyramid and capture the moment with lots of pictures. Let them take turns in different positions.

Cheers: Get the girls lined up and teach them some simple cheers. You might even enlist the help of a high school cheerleader willing to come and teach some.

The parking lots of stadiums, traditionally, is where tailgate parties have been held. You can also setup a party in an area set aside specifically for tailgating. Some parties have been held in other parking lots with permission of course, or even closer to home - usually in the driveway.

One of the most important things to consider is food safety. Do not leave unpreserved food out for more than two hours, they may get spoiled. And because a lot of places might not have soap and water, be sure to bring anti- bacterial wipes and clean everything thoroughly before you go home. Be sure that you have lots of ice for your drinks to keep them cold and have lots of paper bags for your leftovers.

The very common dishes at parties are grilled and smoked dishes, but perhaps the most popular dish is Chili. It is easy to make.

A few other things to remember are disposable plates and utensils, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, chairs or stools, paper towels, folding tables, and blankets.

Make sure you are allowed where you are going before throwing a party. Know what the restrictions there might be and what facilities are available. Be prepared to bring everything you might need because supplies will probably be limited.

Following these simple tips will ensure you have a great party.

Whether you have a full-time job or spend much of your time raising your children, theres no doubt that a little extra cash can come in handy. There are many freelance and part-time opportunities that can prove to be fruitful. On the other hand, many of those opportunities may seem enticing, but ultimately provide little money. If youve ever had a passion for the written word, whether it be college courses in journalism, a collection of short stories in your journal, or a daily blog you like to update, then you can bypass many of the part-time offers and head straight to the top. Dabbling in freelance copywriting is one of the most effective ways to earn extra cash and you get to indulge your passion for writing at the same time!

Whats involved with being a freelance copywriting? Lets break it down. Copywriting means literally writing copy. This generally means marketing copy, but can touch on a variety of areas, including ghostwriting, technical writing, and press releases.

As for the freelancer part, freelancing is both a blessing and a curse. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to pick and choose projects as you please, control your schedule, and control your rates. Of course, the other side of that is that you must search for work. However, if youre only looking for a part-time situation that earns you extra money, freelancing is a smart way to go.

Now heres the secret why is freelance copywriting so lucrative? Think of the many part-time work-at-home opportunities you hear about. Most likely, its telemarketing or some other task that only pays $15 - $20 an hour, if that. With copywriting, you can start at $50 per hour and no one will wince.

Now do you understand why writers have a big advantage in the world of work-at-home business? Just one project could pay for an entire weeks groceries while on big project can pay a weekend getaway. Arent you glad you took all those writing classes in college now?

Of course, the question remains: how does one learn what works and what doesnt work in copywriting? After all, you cant jump into the copywriting pool without knowing your stuff, regardless of how good your writing skills are. The best way to learn is from example. Guess what? Examples are everywhere around you!

Think of every brochure youve looked at. Think of every billboard or magazine ad youve seen. Think of all of those websites you visit everyday. Chances are, theres been a time when youve read the writing on those items and thought, I could do better! There are so many mistakes on there!

This is your free classroom. You can learn what works and what doesnt work in freelance copywriting simply by taking in the world around you. Be mindful of what grabs you and what doesnt grab you with brochures, sales letters, direct mail, ad copy, and website writing. Youll soon notice a pattern of what is good and what is bad. Heres a hint selling with honest facts beats hype hands down every time. Little spices such as clever humor and fancy wordplay never hurt either, as long as they fit the situation.

By noticing that the world around you can teach you the beginning lessons of freelance copywriting, youve already taken the first steps to a lucrative new side career. Best of all, this classroom is free. All you need to do is to take the time to notice and learn from everything you see and read. Once you begin to see the patterns of success, youre on your way to launching your freelance copywriting journey.

For more about the next steps in a freelance copywriting career, including finding clients and building a portfolio, download Make Money Writing!, available at http://www.makemoneywriting.biz, by freelance copywriter Mike Chen.

Use this famous motto from the television cartoon at your Scooby Doo theme party. Someone was always asking the questions, so you can too! Make your first game a find the Scooby stuffed animal. Whoever finds him gets a prize!

To get guests to your Scooby party, send out Scooby or bone shaped invitations from the party store. They will also carry treat bags, wall decorations and party favors to give away for the games. Balloons, crepe paper, plates and cups are also made to match any Scooby motif you choose to follow.

All great Scooby Doo parties, whether they are birthday or not, need a Scooby shaped cake. Party supply stores have specialty cake pans in the shape of your favorite character. Matching candles, frosting and sprinkles can be found to adorn the cake or cupcakes for your party. Other foods to serve and follow your theme can be bone shaped sandwiches, puppy chow, or any food with a dog name.

Other games to play can be pin the Scooby snack in Scoobys mouth. A Scooby piata filled with all of your favorite candy is a fun way to celebrate too. If the guests attending are old enough and can read, create a Scooby style mystery and let them solve it. Using saran wrap and construction paper, have them make a magnifying glass to find clues to solve their mystery. Winner gets a whole box of Scooby snacks!

For quiet entertainment, watch a Scooby movie or television show. Find a giant stuffed or inflatable Scooby Doo character and take every guests picture with it. Send a copy with the thank you note or print it from the computer that day. Each guests will have a way to remember the great Scooby theme party they attended at your house. Save time to open the presents and eat cake too.

You use the Internet and, of course, you watch television, but have you ever tried Internet television?

Most people are unaware of one of the more recent developments in interactive Internet use. This new technology brings all the benefits of the Internet and television together to create your own personalised viewing experience. In simple terms Internet television means that you can watch TV straight from your laptop or desktop PC.

Internet TV allows you to you maximize the use of your computer and your Internet connection. I expect you have probably thought that there must be more you could do with your personal computer or laptop. You know that typing the occasional letter, transferring your MP3 collection to your iPod or playing the odd game or two online is hardly making use of its full potential. Now you can explore a trusted method of entertainment with access to unlimited viewing and you don't even have to stop your usual computer activities.

If you are someone who cant get enough of watching programs on television, think about how Internet television will open up new options for free viewing. You can catch up with current news stories, watch real time sports action, keep up to date with stock market movements or enjoy a little light comedy. You are provided with a wide variety of entertainment possibilities that continues to grow, gaining in popularity every day.

At the time of writing, FIFA World Cup 2006 is just around the corner and, for many, Internet TV will provide access to free live football streams. Viewers will be able to keep up with the latest action from all the international football games involving teams including Brazil, Argentina, France, England and many more. Japan's third largest TV broadcaster, Tokyo Broadcasting System, has recently announced plans to air World Cup programmes over the Internet and on mobile phones.

If you use the Internet for any kind of research (even if it's only helping the kids with their homework), you no longer have to view what you find in the usual format of text and pictures. Now you can see this information through streams of live or pre-recorded video enabling you to see details that simply wouldn't be visible in a series of pictures.

5 Features of Internet Television:

1. Stations are available internationally. Currently over 150 countries have Internet access so you can rest assured that your country has at least one Internet TV station you can watch.

2. No additional hardware is required. In the past, watching television on your computer would require the fitting of a PC TV card but this is no longer necessary. Improvements in the telecommunications industry have made broadband connections more widely available and cheaper than ever before allowing more and more people to view high quality streaming media on their computer.

3. Anyone with an Internet connection can watch. A minimum connection speed of 56K is recommended and watching at this speed should give you a reasonable picture. Higher connection speeds will improve the picture quality (dependant on the server capabilities) and the fastest connections can enable you to view programmes in DVD quality.

4. New channels are added all the time. Major players in the Internet industry have recently started showing significant interest in this rapidly expanding market. Google is developing Google TV and has signed up American channel UPN and is in talks with the BBC in the UK to provide content. AOL is launching IN2TV which will show thousands of hours of programmes from Warner Brothers across 6 different channels and Yahoo has plans to show Internet TV in Japan which could lead to a worldwide service if successful.

5. Personalize your experience. Normal televisions have fixed channels which depend on the local stations or the cable operators. Internet television gives you the opportunity to bookmark your favorite stations so you can get back to them quickly without having to flick through everything else available. There is usually the option of viewing in either full screen mode or in a smaller window enabling you to get on with other things on your computer while watching.

You too can enjoy all the benefits of Internet television. The world really is at your fingertips now you have discovered this new, hassle-free way of watching TV.

Youve heard the phrase in numerous dramatic programs about politics.

A public figure is delivering a talk or being interviewed, and one of his handlers, remarks with alarm: Hes off message!

What this means is he is wandering into dangerous verbal territory, or falling into a trap that has been set by a wily and hostile interviewer or by a heckler.

The same thing afflicts salespeople: Its easy for us to wander from our main talking points, whether theyre features and benefits or the customers needs, into perilous territory, about which we know little, but dont refrain from offering an opinion about it.

The non-technical seller who shoots from the hip, instead of calling his own help desk for support regarding a technical question, is off message.

The ex-jock who insists on telling the Notre Dame alum that USC has a better football tradition, is way, way, way off message!

So, what can you do when youre irresistibly enticed to stray from the proven path?

Do as politicians do. Bridge back to your main message by saying, Im glad you brought that up because it reminds me of something relevant to the sales talk!

Do this check-up from the neck up, as Zig Ziglar might call it. Ask yourself, when you sense youre getting far astray, am I on message or off?

Then get back to your main point!