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By Terry Coyier Fear of the unknown is a very universal fear. Fear of the unknown hospital is a very universal fear among the mentally ill. Actually, many people have a fear of hospitals even if they are not mentally ill. Even without a harrowing experience, most people don’t view the hospital as somewhere they want to visit, unless they’re there to visit another patient. Add to that the horror stories of generations gone by and the imagination of Hollywood and it’s amazing that the psychiatric hospitals have any voluntary patients at all to treat. Fortunately, times have changed and so have most hospital environments. Sure, a few archaic practices still exist, as do a few unenlightened doctors, but the overall philosophy of confining patients to a hospital for years, or even a lifetime, has evolved into a philosophy of helping patients become productive members of society. The concept of transforming the mentally ill into productive, functioning members of society is not a new one but actual implementation really only began in the 1960s. Today, with the limits most insurance companies impose, treatment is often limited to a few weeks of in-patient hospitalization per year. Hospital staff and the psychiatrists must medicate, educate and reintegrate patients back into the community in the quickest manner possible. Now, the hospital itself is usually not the root of our fear. Whos afraid of four walls, some worn out furniture, old magazines and games, maybe a television, a community phone and a counter that the staff gathers behind? For me, the fear was being confined to a place and not being allowed to leave when I was ready. The locked doors and windows can easily bring on a panic attack in even the calmest of sane folks, no less the mentally ill. For some, the fear of being away from family and friends makes the hair on the back of their necks stand up. For others its the reaction of family, friends or even co-workers that makes them nauseous. Some fear the loss of a job. Some fear the social stigma that still exists in the smallest of minds in cities and towns across the nation. Whatever the fear is, it will not subside until it is confronted head on and beaten into oblivion with the facts. Each hospital has its own unique procedures and funny rules, but some guidelines seem to be consistent from place to place. Even though Ive only been hospitalized three times, you hear all the stories about other places from the patients who are comparing notes. The following is a list of things that I have seen firsthand and have heard others mention as well. * Absolutely no Sharps except the few things allowed which remain locked up and can be checked out during an appointed time. Sharps are: razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, comb, brush, blow dryer, curling iron (if allowed), soap, make up, lotion, glasses, contact solution, etc. Perfume, after-shave, scissors, tweezers, etc. are not allowed. If the substance abuse program is part of the unit, some facilities will not allow any products with alcohol. * Clothing is a whole issue in itself. Some only allow a certain number of pairs of underwear and socks. They require that you wear a bra if you are a woman, but some will not allow the under wire type (unless you are like me and they dont make my size without an under wire). You must have sleeping attire that consists of a top and bottoms. You are usually not allowed in the common areas in your sleeping attire. By the way, no shorts or sweats with a draw string. Ive heard some places dont allow shoelaces either. No ripped or holey clothing either. * The first day and night you are usually on what is referred to as SPs (Suicide Precaution). This means that someone must check on your whereabouts every ten to fifteen minutes to make sure you arent trying to end your life prematurely. They do this while you are trying to sleep too, which usually wakes you since you are too scared to get any decent sleep the first night. As long as you remain on SPs, you cannot check out your sharps alone. One of the staff must be with you while you are brushing your teeth, taking your shower and doing your hair. Facilities that have a separate cafeteria area will keep you confined to the unit for meals as well. The psychiatrist takes you off SPs as soon as they are sure you wont be stealing anyones shoelaces to inflict bodily harm on yourself. * Smoking is a considerable issue for some patients. Some facilities do not allow smoking and some have a designated enclosed area. Even though Im not a smoker, I enjoyed being able to go outside into the little enclosed courtyard and see the sunshine or the stars and hear the birds chirping. Plus, the smokers always had all the scuttlebutt from the unit. It was also interesting to hear the ravings of the patients who were experiencing psychosis and they always seemed to come outside and share their latest vision or message from God. * The community phone is always an interesting situation. One unit I was on had two phones but that seems to be rare. Usually there is a time limit on phone calls and one person who always seems to abuse it. The phones usually allow calls in as well as out. During the day when there is therapy or classes being conducted the phone will most likely be taken off the hook. And just so you know, the staff does not take messages! * Speaking of therapy and educationit seems to vary tremendously from unit to unit and from facility to facility. The first hospital I was in provided only the very basic information. It was so elementary that a 7-year-old would have been a capable instructor. The second hospital I was in about two years later was far more advanced with their program. They had numerous therapists, verses only one like the first facility. They taught useful things like coping skills and effective anger management. They promoted group discussion, unlike the first hospital that merely lectured to you until you nodded off from the drone of their voice. * Eat, drink, eat some more and be merry! That seems to be an overall philosophy among the psychiatric community in general. If theyre mentally ill give them all the food they can eat and dont be chintzy on the drinks (non-alcoholic, of course). The units Ive been on have always had really good food as well, so you wanted to eat. One unit had a great salad bar. They both had a refrigerator that was stocked with juice, milk, chocolate milk, jello, pudding, fruit and some sandwiches. There was also a microwave and plenty of popcorn and instant soup. They also stocked those cereals that come in their own bowl. So, not only do most of the meds make you hungry, they supplied enough sustenance to outgrow your clothes while you were there. They also keep track of how much you eat, although you wont see them doing it openly. I think its kept under wraps for the most part, although I cannot imagine why. * On to the issue of medication. Most of your conflicts seem to be centered in this area. There are patients who refuse to take the prescribed meds. You have the right to do this, although I personally dont suggest it if you want to get better and get out. Overall, I felt like I was at camp. Ive been somewhat lucky in the fact that all of my hospitalizations were positive experiences. I went in wacky and came out with a corrected medicine regime and a renewed attitude towards life. Of course, Ive never gone in against my will and Ive always been one to follow the rules. Each patient has a choice about the attitude they adopt when it comes to being hospitalized. You can choose to learn something during the course of treatment or you can close yourself off to anything positive, convinced that you wont get better. I realize its tough to be positive sometimes, especially during an episode of depression, and some people are natural pessimists. The course of recovery is up to us as well. There isnt a cure for mental illness yet. Maybe someday soon there will be a cure or at least a more exact method of prescribing medications. Until then, if you have a mental illness you owe it to yourself to fight, to the best of your ability, to increase your control over your disability. This means finding a competent psychiatrist with knowledge of your illness to treat you and administer your medications. It means going to therapy and changing your flawed ideas of life and its many challenges. It means reading, investigating, asking questions, building a strong support network, making changes, taking courses, talking and yes, it means enduring a stay at the hospital, if thats what it takes. Terry J. Coyier is a 37-year-old college student studying for an Associates of Applied Sciences degree. She is also a freelance writer who writes about bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. Terry was diagnosed with bipolar ten years ago. She lives with her son in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Terry is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers and her personal portfolio can be viewed here. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Coyier http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Not-So-Scary-Hospital&id=229120 instant bad credit cash loans available all night near seattle what is an investigative credit report virginia bad credit lender three credit reports

By Michael M Thomas So you’re in love. You’ve learned all about the four Cs of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). You’ve probably read all sorts of things on line. You may already have a ring on order or in your hands. But now that you’re that far along, you have probably realized that you aren’t quite sure how you’re going to go about proposing. That’s where I can help you. Here are some tips on how to propose marriage: Make it romantic. Up until your wedding day, this is probably the most memorable and romantic day of your relationship. You will both remember it forever — whether it’s smooth and romantic… or not. And after you’ve spent all that you have on a ring, don’t you want it to be perfect? Think about what she wants. She’s a woman. You’re not. You’d probably be ok with something like a business proposal. Something like “Honey, I love you, you love me. Let’s make this permanent. Please accept this ring as a symbol of my sincerity.” While she would probably say yes, that’s probably not what she wants. See the tip above — be romantic. Sweep her off her feet. You are ready to propose to her. You probably know her better than anyone in the world. Take advantage of this knowledge. Propose to her in a way that only you can. Make it special. Do something no one else could have thought of. Ask her parents. It may seem silly and outdated. But it will likely mean the world to her. Ask her dad. Ask her parents. If she doesn’t have a dad, ask her mom. If both her parents are gone, ask the aunt/uncle/parent figure she is closest to. Her family will love it just as much as she will. You will earn big time romantic points with her and you will gain favor that will last as long as your marriage with her family.You are ready to propose and to get engaged. Make it romantic, think it through, sweep her off her feet, and ask her parents. Do all of those things and you’ll not only get a yes, but you’ll also make her the envy of her friends and fulfill the dreams that she has always had. Pop the question. Then live happily ever after. Michael M Thomas was engaged to his fiance in September. If you want more ideas on proposing, including the best book Mike read, you can learn more by checking out his blog. Michael is also an Internet Marketer in his spare time. Check out the wedding pixel page on his his main site. You can also learn more about the world of Internet Marketing at his other site — Mike Likes It. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_M_Thomas http://EzineArticles.com/?Marriage-Proposal-Tips&id=374007 me debt consolidation credit repair busines credit reporting agency rules bad credit checking account bank account

By Chayo Benavidez Not everybody has a hobby. Some people build model ariplanes for fun, and some people build GIFT BASKETS for fun. Why not make a little money while your at it. Instead of just building a Gift Basket for a friend or family members birthday, why not build them and sell them for a small profit. I wanted to write this article because that’s exactly what I did. Here are a few steps on how to build the Perfect Gift Basket for all Occasions. Creating the Perfect Gift for all Occasions…a Gift Basket. A few tips to help you make a full and beautifully tied and tagged gift basket. First: Always place larger items in back of container to create height. Don’t place heavy items in the front, this will make the container look unbalanced. Second: Step back to see the whole basket, adjust if necessary. Third: Try to make all things visible, this can be done by adding filler where needed. Fourth: Shrink wrap by gathering the wrapping tightly up over the basket. With a heat gun blow warm air over the wrap while holding the wrap tight. Fifth: Add the finished touch with a beautifully made bow and tag that will complement each basket. I hope this article will help you weather it’s building a Gift Basket for a loved one, or starting a small successful small business like mine. If you would like to know more please visit our website: http://www.giftbasketsbylibby.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chayo_Benavidez http://EzineArticles.com/?Gift-Baskets-With-You-In-Mind&id=135036 secured bad credit personal loans free credit report and canada hide bad credit what credit card can i get with really bad credit

By Paul Wonning Deciduous trees are trees which shed their leaves annually. In North America, especially in the east, this annual leaf drop is first signaled by a color change in the leaves. The color changes in the leaves create a spectacular mosaic of color in the forested regions. Leaf drop in deciduous trees is a process botanists call abscission. This comes from a Latin term meaning to cut off. This process is controlled in trees by two substances, a gas called ethylene and abscisic acid, both released by the tree. The release of these substances is controlled by changes in the length of the day and temperature. As the day length shortens in the autumn and the temperature cools these substances become more active. Acting in concert with this, another substance called auxin becomes less active. During the spring and summer months the leaf produces auxin, which has the effect of keeping the leaf attached to the trees. The lower temperatures of autumn and shorter days cause the leaf to produce less auxin, loosening the grip the leaf has on the tree. This is accompanied by chlorophyll breaking down. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in the tree leaf which is responsible for a process called photosynthesis, which is responsible for the conversion of sunlight into food for the tree. Other pigments present in the leaf now become visible, giving the leaf its spectacular fall color. In a fairly short period of time, the leaf falls from the tree and the tree goes to sleep for the winter. Each fall deciduous trees of North American create a spectacular show as the leaves change color in anticipation of winter. The cooler temperatures and shorter days which trigger this change are harbingers of the coming cold of winter. The delicious weather of autumn is an encouragement to go out into the country to drive, picnic, hike, or any other outdoor activity. The good weather isnt going to last, so get out and enjoy it now! 2006 Paul Wonning is the owner of Gardens and Nature.com a web site about gardening, hiking and other nature related topics. Our blog about gardening is located here =>Hoosier Hurricane - Blog about Gardening Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Wonning http://EzineArticles.com/?Autumn-Leaves—Deciduous-Trees&id=327560 phentermine & no prescription buy phentermine online no prescription needed little pharmacy phentermine cheap phentermine online no prescription

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brock_Hayslip]Brock Hayslip Whether you are or have ever been in the market to buy a new home or simply trying to refinance an existing mortgage, one thing is for certain: you have heard the term FICO and/or Credit Score more than once throughout the process. But do you know what these numbers actually mean? Has anyone explained to you who and what FICO is, beyond a number that can alter your life? FICO, Fair, Isaac and Company, is just one (the most popular) of the scoring models within the mortgage world designed to make the home loan process easier for the lenders by placing a score on applicants. Basically, this score tells a lender how likely you are to pay your bills on time by calculating together all aspects of your credit history and current financial activities to arrive at a number between 350 and 850- your credit or FICO score. The higher the number, the better loan opportunities and rates youll be qualifying for. Therefore, someone with a FICO score of 820 will qualify for a much better program than someone with a 670 score. The cutoff score is 620- This is the number that separates the good scores from the bad. Any mortgage granted for someone with a FICO score of 619 or below is considered a higher risk than those with a score of 620 or above. The less than 619 mortgage market is referred to as the Subprime Lending Market, an area full of predatory lenders, higher rates and some ridiculously high fees. That part is relatively simple, but what about the formula for calculating the actual score? The basis and calculations of FICO scores has been shrouded with mystery since its inception, mostly due to the rise of competition. Once Fair and Isaac could prove that the scoring would work, it would only be a matter of time before other scoring models came into existence and took over (The Beacon Score, for example), leaving the originators left out in the cold. Heres the latest breakdown used by the credit bureaus to calculate your FICO score: - 35% is based upon the payment histories with all of your creditors (with recent accounts weighted a bit more than past ones). - 30% is the amount of debt you owe. - 15% is determined by the amount of time youve utilized your credit (longer credit with on-time payments is better.) - 10% is based on the number of inquiries into your credit history (how may loans or lines of credit youve applied for), plus the most recent history of all bills. - 10% is the mix of your credit0 installment loans (car, personal loans), revolving credit (credit cards), and other (mortgages and leases). Brock Hayslip recommends that you visit http://www.equifax.com for more information on FICO Score. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brock_Hayslip http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Understand-Your-FICO-Score&id=237435 phentermine without prior prescription phentermine diet pills cod order phentermine no prescription where can you buy phentermine

By Carla Alvarez When people think about promoting their business, the first thought that comes to mind is, “What is is going to cost?” While marketing and advertising should be part of any well-considered budget, there are a number of opportunities to market your business for free that are often overlooked. Clubs & Organizations Most clubs and organizations have some sort of membership directory, either online or in print, sometimes both. Make sure that your business information is complete and accurate. Organizations also often have member spotlights or bios. If an organization that you are a member of offers this, be sure to submit your information. Community Web Sites There are a number of community web sites that offer free business directory listings. Email Signatures Make sure that every email you send has your business information, web site, and tag line. Business Cards Hand your business card to every person that you meet. Networking Meetings Attend networking meetings and have a brief (30 seconds) description of your business ready. If the meeting allows promotional material to be handed out, have flyers or coupons on hand. Professional Associations If you are a member of a professional association, be sure to provide all of your company details, along with your web site url, for listing in their directory. Articles Write informative articles on subjects that are pertinent to your business and submit it to area web sites, newspapers, magazines, and newsletters. Public Speaking Look for opportunities to speak on topics related to your business. Press Releases Write a press release and submit it to local and national news sources. There are countless topics for press releases, new products, services, awards, and events. If something exciting happened to your or your business, let people know about it. Online Forums Become a resident expert in an online forum that is either related to your business or is in your area Business Bags Many events and conferences offer business bags to attendees. Sometimes you have to be a sponsor or advertiser to include your promotional items, but many times the organizers are just looking for things to fill the bags and leave it open to anyone who supplies items. Local Businesses Many local businesses offer a place to leave business cards or flyers. Ads Yes, sometimes ads can be free. I’ve offered this when I need to fill a space and I’m short on time. If an opportunity like this presents itself, you need to have an ad ready to go. Take Full Advantage of Opportunities Available I’ve put together a lot of different types of promotional packages: newsletter, programs, directories, online directories, and sponsor packages. No matter what the format, there are always people that miss out of opportunities, even ones that they have paid for, because they didn’t submit their information on time. So have a plan of action and be prepared. Copyright 2005 - Carla Alvarez, Legacy Marketing Services Carla Alvarez is owner of Legacy Marketing Services which provides integrated marketing services for businesses including business identity, web and CSS development, and business development seminars. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_Alvarez http://EzineArticles.com/?Marketing-Tips:-Free-First&id=62203 legal to buy phentermine online phentermine no prescription canada phentermine money order phentermine waterview pharmacy

By Mark E. Baker Genesis 17:1: And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. In the Old Testament God revealed Himself to the Hebrew people with different names. Each name revealed a different character or attribute of God. One of those names was El Shaddai - The All - Sufficient One or The God who is more Than enough. Throughout the Bible, God has revealed Himself to us as the God who is more than enough. God delivered the children of Israel from captivity in Egypt, He provided the means to cross the Red Sea and deliver them from Pharaohs army. (Ex. 14:1-15,21). He gave the children of Israel manna to eat in the wilderness. (Ex.16:1-36). He delivered the Children of Israel in battle. (Deut.2:20). Once He even stopped the sun in its path so that the Hebrew people could win in battle. (Joshua 10:13) . Jesus, the Son of God, fed the 5,000. (John 6:9). Jesus raised the widows son from the dead. (Luke 7:11-7). Jesus healed the Centurions servant. (Matthew 8:5-13). The greatest way God proved He was more than enough was sending His son Jesus to die for us. (John 3:15-17). Time and again God has revealed Himself as more than enough! He is more than enough for you and for me! It doesnt matter what you are going through - God is more than enough - if you will trust completely in Him! Your life will be different, you can have peace, joy, security, health - your needs met - if only you will believe God, believe His Word and trust in Him - completely! God is the God of Now - not yesterday - not tomorrow, not the God of I will be but the Great I am! (Ex. 2:14). Psalms 91:14-16: Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation. This Psalms tells us what God will do for us, now. Not what He did in the past for the people in the Old Testament, but for us, Now! In this Psalms God has promised us seven things, lets look at them and see how God is more than enough for your everyday life. 1. I will deliver him: God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt and He will deliver you out of your Egypt, (tests, trials, tribulations) if you let Him! He is still the same God today as He was then. Acts 10:38. how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Jesus showed Himself to be more than enough, by healing and delivering those oppressed by the devil. God is the deliverer. Satan is the oppressor. 2. I will set him on high: When Jesus defeated Satan in Hell, He arose from the dead and ascended on High to be seated at the Right Hand of God. Colossians 2:15: Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Ephesians 2:6:and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, We sit in heavenly places with Christ Jesus above principalities and rulers of darkness, above Satan. He is the defeated foe! He has no power over you now - He is defeated! 3. I will answer him: God answers prayers - Always! If you pray according to his will, His Word. Jeremiah 33:3: Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Isaiah 43:25-26: even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; let us contend together; state your case, that you may be acquitted. Call on God, in Jesus name - state your case, your need and He will answer you. When you pray, remind God of His promises that apply to your need. Acts 16:26: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. God answered Paul and Silass prayer at midnight and shook the foundations of their prison. Dont let the enemy keep you in bondage in a situation dont let things get so bleak that you seem to live in midnight darkness all the time. Call on the Father in prayer, state your case and He will answer you! God is the God who answers prayers - Always! 4. I will be with him in trouble: God does not say we will not have trouble, trials or problem. He does promise us, however, that He will be with us in all our trouble. John 10:10: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Satan is here for one purpose and one purpose only, to steal, kill and destroy you and your faith. Psalms 34:19: Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all. Many are the afflictions, (tests, trials), of the righteous but God will deliver you from all of them, all the time! 5. Honor him: Psalms 24:3-4. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has cleans hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. We should seek Gods honor, not mans. Everything we do should be to honor God not man. When we do this, God will see it, and reward it. Every thought, every deed, every action, every reaction should honor God! 6. With long life I will satisfy him: Gods Word tells us we can enjoy long life. When you are born again, we receive eternal life - not eternal death. We receive the life of God inside us, into our spirit. When we die, we will live eternally with Jesus, but that life of God within us, has defeated the enemy and physical and spiritual death. We can live longer healthier life, Gods Word shows us how. 2 Co. 4:16: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Co. 5:1: For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Ephesians 6:1-3: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. 1 Peter 3:10: For He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking guile; Yes, Gods Word promises us long life! 7. And show him My salvation: God promised us salvation and restoration to Him. Salvation belongs to everyone. John 3:15-17: that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should have eternal life. 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Salvation is for everyone. Yes, God is El Shaddai. He is The God who is more than enough! Meditate on these scriptures and let them dwell in you heart and mind, so that you can truly know, that God will always be more than enough for you, in any situation. Prayer of Sufficiency and Thanksgiving Father God, I thank you for your promises. I thank you, that you are indeed more than enough for me. That your Word promises that you will hear me if I call on you. I thank you, that you do answer my prayers, when I pray according to your Word. Thank you, Father for your gift of salvation, through Your son, Jesus who died for me. Thank you for being with me through all the trials and tests Satan has sent against me. I know, Father, that only good comes from you and that you will deliver me from trouble, just as you delivered Paul and Silas in their midnight hour. I Praise you, Jesus that Satan is a defeated foe and has no authority over me. Thank you, Father for the victory in all my situations. Thank you that I am the redeemed and Satan has no authority over me or my life. Lord, I give you all the praise and glory! In Jesus name, Amen. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Do you want to be a joint heir with Christ? If so, I urge you to earnestly pray the following prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (Jn.6:37), So I know You wont cast me out, but You take me in, And I thank you for it. You said in your Word, “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Ro. 10:13). I am calling on Your name, So I know You have saved me now, You also said, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. (Ro.10:9,10). I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe He was raised from the dead for my justification. And I confess Him now as my Lord, Because Your Word says, with the heart one believes to righteousness and I do believe with my heart, I have now become the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Cor. 5:21), And I am saved! Thank You, Lord! I can now truthfully say, I see myself as a born again child of God! Glory to God!!!! Amen. I was raised Catholic and was born again at the age of 17. I received God’s call into ministry at the age of 19 and began to prepare for ministry. I graduated from Rhema Bible Training Center in 1979. The Lord has called me to teach. My desire is to help others come to a deeper understanding of the truth and I have started a web site for this purpose called The Olive Branch; Please visit us for more free studies and resources to help you on your journey. Mark Baker http://www.olivebranchministries.us Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_E._Baker http://EzineArticles.com/?El-Shaddai&id=207217 discount phentermine no prescription buy phentermine online no prescription needed buy phentermine by cod where to buy the lowest price phentermine

By Alain Meloche How many times have you and your company, debated and fought over the potential outcomes of a particular pricing strategy, only to have seemingly random, unpredictable factors rear their ugly heads? How many analytical tools have you used: game theory, forecasting, market research, decision-tree analyses, only to realize that none of these was able to help predict much beyond the next quarter or less. Welcome to our wonderful world of chaos! So what is happening? Just as in the movie, Jurassic Park, industries evolve in a very dynamic way given complex interactions. As in nature, very small disturbances can lead to significantly different outcomes- a reflection of a chaotic system. Briefly, chaos theory considers nonlinear systems. In a linear system, if I do A then I know that B will happen and C will happen as a result of this. But, according to chaos theory, a number of variables will change what happens between A and B and then between B and C. Again, as in Jurassic Park, a butterfly may flap its wings and its rains in Central Park. There are a few points to be aware of when thinking about the impact of chaos on pricing: There are deterministic relationships between the participants in a chaotic system but only patterned outcomes and not predictable, outcomes result. In the business world, outcomes reflect very complex underlying relationships that include the interaction of several potentially chaotic systems; crop prices for example, are influenced by the interaction of economic and weather systems. While, chaos theory provides guidance on crop price cycle patterns, it says that its basically impossible to predict exactly the size of the fluctuations or their timing. Chaos theory, however, does say that prices will vary between particular boundaries. In chaotic systems, small disturbances multiply over time because of nonlinear relationships and the dynamic, repetitive nature of chaotic systems. As a result, such systems are extremely sensitive to initial conditions. For example, Dells mail order strategy forced other companies to reduce their prices and reexamine their traditional high-cost sales and service channels. While you might think that by obtaining better models and a more accurate specification of starting conditions, better forecasts would result. Chaos theory suggests that the payoff from developing more accurate models may be small. Oil companies recognize this and have developed pricing models that take into account the numerous factors that could influence prices at the pump- making ongoing adjustments to prices. In contrast to game theoretic models that predict equilibrium outcomes, chaotic systems do not reach a stable equilibrium. They never pass through the same state more than once. The implication is that industries do not settle down and any apparent stability for example, in pricing, is likely to be short-lived. A chaotic system constantly changes based on the feedback that results from the actions of players in the system Chaotic behavior can take place on an attractor, in which case, a large set of initial conditions will lead to convergence towards a particular pattern of behavior. USING CHAOS THEORY IN PRICING STRATEGY Use Of Feedback The results of chaos theory help us know what transitions to expect when we add feedback to a system and suggest ways to adjust feedback. For example, suppose that you observe a change in your competitors behavior based on how often you change your prices. Normally, your competitor may not change prices when you make no price changes; but, if you have adjusted your prices, the competitor responds by changing prices on some key products. Should you double your rate of price changes to twice a year, your competitor may then change prices on all products. You have cut the time difference between significant events in half and observe a transition in the system. While it is not clear exactly how you can predict the next transition in competitive behavior by decreasing the time between price changes, you should at least be alert that the next transition in this system could occur only if we increase the frequency of price changes by a small amount. Such an understanding of the chaotic dynamics should help you understand and control your own response, selected from a flexible range of options, given the likely transitions tested when the system control parameters were tested. Another key use of feedback being introduced into a system so as to create chaos is the relative timing of an incursion on a competitive decision cycle (it may even be more important than the magnitude of the incursion). Many successful strategies hinge on getting inside the decision cycle of the competitor. The idea is to take some pricing action and then move with such agility as to make a subsequent move before the competitor has time to orient, observe, decide and act (OODA, to use a military term) in response to your first pricing move. Chaos theory offers an important new insight into this basic strategy: we should expect ranges of different responses depending on how tightly we approach the duration of the OODA loop. That is, to outpace the competitor that may operate on a semi-annual basis, revising prices on a quarterly basis may produce the same disruption and disorientation as would revisions on a monthly or weekly basis. You could then focus planning on other factors such as brand investment, efficient use of resources and so on. The idea is that you should expect ranges of control parameter values where the system behavior is relatively consistent; but you should also note parameter ranges where small adjustments produce drastic changes in response. If you were an IC manufacturer with facilities to improve efficiencies more quickly than your competitors, you may want to introduce small but frequent, price changes to disrupt the market and drive competitors out that cannot follow the efficiencies and maintain margins. PREDICTABILITY HOW DOES chaos theory explain, reduce or increase predictability? In the near-term chaos can be used to uncover patterns and sub patterns that are not apparent and this information can be used to project the behavior of an industry that has irregular dynamics. Chaos analysts have been able to tease out competitors pricing activities by using techniques that allow them to find information embedded within a mass of background noise ( the economy, stock market fluctuations, commodity prices, etc) over the short term. In addition, using chaos theory, pricing decision-makers have been able to estimate how long the projections may be useful. Over the longer term, while the paths of individual chaotic trajectories cannot be predicted accurately for very long, knowledge of the system attractors provides useful information about the long-term trends in system/industry behavior. In chaos theory, the ’strange attractor’ plays an organizing role, as the order or pattern at the heart of what appears to be chaos. For example, if youre packing to go to Minneapolis in January, youll pack very differently than if you were going to Miami, without any current weather information. So, in Minneapolis the basic attractor is such that the temperatures trend to a point that will be below freezing. You would have made your packing decisions based on some knowledge of the system trends. One major producer of surfactants in Europe, knowing that market dynamics were such that an industry attractor was leading to rapid price declines, used that knowledge to offer 10% discounts upfront for the signing of one-year contracts. At the end of the year, other competitors were facing 50% lower prices. CONTROLLING CHAOS Chaos theory helps first, by recognizing that an attractor can help understand and manipulate the industry or system since the attractor gives form and structure to behavior that we might otherwise dismiss as random. Second, if you can find an attractor for an industry (system), then any disturbances to the current state will still render its particular evolution unpredictable (think of a swinging tire). But any, transient behavior eventually dies out, and the global system behavior trends are unchanged. Third, there is some hope of predicting basins of attraction, so that in initiating pricing moves, you can set up initial conditions so that the systems evolves under its own dynamics towards the trends of the attractor that you want. For example, if you were the lowest cost producer in a price sensitive market with a large number of aggressive competitors, by taking a small decrease in price you would likely initiate a price war. The attractor, industry movement towards the lowest price, would ultimately favor you, as the lowest cost producer. KEY LEARNINGS By thinking about your industry as a chaotic system, you need to be aware of the extent to which uncertainties can disrupt the industry and dramatic change can occur unexpectedly- so flexibility and adaptiveness in pricing are necessary As a result, you need to identify the key metrics that will provide you with sufficiently fast feedback so that the chaos does not get to the extreme boundaries that chaotic systems can reach. By testing and understanding the dynamics of a chaotic system, you can mitigate the potential downside of a chaotic industry. Most importantly, Chaos can be controlled. Chaos theory demonstrates that a chaotic system, previously thought of as random, can be influenced so that it becomes stable. Small changes can make big differences. There are three techniques for doing this, described above. Regular periodic disturbances can be introduced into the system so that the system responds in a manner that will see it evolve into the longer term trends that you may want based on an attractor describing the longer-term recurrent behavior that you want in an industry. Real-time measurements of the system output to determine how far to adjust the selected control parameter ( think of keeping a yardstick balanced on the palm of your hand; by moving your hand a bit, you keep the yardstick balanced). While this requires a constant feedback loop, a stable output is reached intentionally, and not in a hit and miss manner. Extensive calculations can be developed to approximate the dynamics of the systems attractor. Alain Meloche, M.Sc., M.B.A. Alain has over twenty years of experience advising executives on strategic issues. He began his consulting career at Larson & Company, a strategic consulting boutique that was an offshoot of McKinsey, later acquired by Mercer Consulting, where he also worked. He has developed strategies for high technology companies in the software, internet, telecommunications, logistics, medical products and financial services industries. A key element in Alains consulting practice has been the combination of analytical approaches such as decision analysis and game theory to develop and implement a range of strategies. In addition to an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School, Alain also has an M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering and an Honors B.S. in theoretical physics. 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By Rachel Goodchild Angela* wishes she spotted the danger signs a little earlier. One marriage, two kids and a divorce later, she knows she dated and married a dangerous man. Mathew was always comparing me unfavourably with his mother. He got cross if I spent money on myself, and he talked a lot about what type of woman turned him on- and it wasnt me. Angela and Mathew went to counselling, and tried to work it out but now have divorced. After dating several other types of dangerous men including the predator and the hidden lifer, Angela is now taking time out to get her warning system working. No more dangerous men! Sandra Brown, a therapist and author of How To Spot a Dangerous Man (Hunter House) says Mathew is a classic Parental Seeker, one of eight dangerous men types she says woman should steer clear of. Angela agrees. She says The moment the marriage broke up he moved in back with his mother who takes care of him completely. Does all his washing and cooks his carrots just the way he likes them Parental Seekers want a parent, not a partner, and attract women who are maternal and enjoy caring for others. However they can become restrictive and controlling, and often lose interest in sex once the relationship becomes more permanent. The woman can suffer from verbal abuse on a regular basis. I spent all my time thinking I was ugly and useless. It has taken me a long time to get over the damage he inflicted on me What is a dangerous man? Yes he can be violent. But Sandra Brown says there are other types that can be just as damaging. In her book Sandra talks about eight different types that women should stay clear of. Basically, she says A dangerous man is any man who harms a woman’s emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual, or financial self. Sandra says all women are born with the ability to know how to a spot a dangerous man but turn off their warning systems. The fight or flight system is womans dangerous man spotter. If you want to run, then do it!. Once youve dated a dangerous man, it is easier to do it again and it is harder to trust your own feelings. How to spot a dangerous man. If you can answer yes to any of these red flags, then according to Sandra, you may be dating a dangerous man. Her solution? RUN! A dangerous man will not get better. 1. Does he push for a more permanent relationship than you are ready for? 2. Does he show anger towards his mother? 3. Does his mother do a lot for him such as do all his washing or still make his lunch everyday? 4. Does he want you to focus only on him? 5. Does he encourage you to do things you feel uncomfortable doing, and go against your own principles? 6. Does he hold grudges after a fight? 7. Does he break promises? 8. Does he discourage you from going out with other friends? 9. Does he always have to win? 10. Is he unpredictable? Can you spot the dangerous man? Here are the eight types Sandra talks about in her book. Have you ever dated one of these? The Emotional Predator: This man know how to make women purr but when it comes to commitment cant be trusted to stay put. Look out for the man with a pile of broken hearts behind him! The Permanent Clinger: He may shower you with flowers, but it can soon turn into demands of complete devotion. Hell even get jealous if you cuddle up to the cat! The Hidden Lifer: It can be tricky to spot, but he might have all sorts of skeletons in his closet. You can clean it out by asking him lots of questions about his past. If he is open thats great- otherwise BEWARE! The Violent: Hot and cold describe this man. Attentive and giving one day, blaming and shaming the next. It can all esculate to physical violence so get out before it does. The Mentally Ill: He may find it easy to hide this at first, but left untreated it is going to leave you feeling like something is not right at all. The Addicted: Fun may be his middle name but his love for sex, drugs and porn wont make you feel that great. Watch for the need for speed, junk food munchies and alcohol. It all hurts in the end. The Parental Seeker wants a mother not a partner. Hell check out how you keep the house, and while hell adore you, he takes more than he gives. Youll be left feeling drained and worn out. The Emotionally Unavailable: He might say he is unhappy or almost over the last relationship but if he is still involved with someone else then stay clear. If he does it to her, he could do it to you! Of course these dangerous signs may not come alone! The Combination Man is all too common. He has two or more of these types within him and the more categories he has, the more dangerous he is. Is your friend or daughter dating someone dangerous? Sandra Brown suggests that if someone you know is dating a dangerous man you dont confront them! You can ask them how they are feeling gently, and let them open up to you. Help them turn on their warning systems again by asking them how they feel when their partner treats them badly. Women always look for loopholes in mens behaviour if they love him. If she says things like It was only once or he is tired and stressed when he does that then you know she needs help. Show her the red flags and help her get out. Rachel Goodchild is the author of hundreds of articles on womans health and parenting issues. You can read more about the author of the book in this article on her website: http://www.snapeducational.co.nz/index.php?page=go&go=199 Be informed, and take control of your life! Good luck Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Goodchild http://EzineArticles.com/?I-Dated-a-Dangerous-Man&id=305865 phentermine pharmacy net phentermine to buy purchase phentermine cod phentermine no prior prescription required

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