As I sit to write this we are literally only days away from the 20th Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. At a recent speaking engagement someone asked me if I would be competing and I pointed out that I had retired from the sport due to a knee injury I had sustained years ago.

As I later contemplated my answer I realize that that was only part of the truth. In Nagano, Japan I hobbled around on a knee swollen one and half times its size and thought nothing of it. Having competed in three Winter Olympic Games, I knew only too well the enormous price exacted in order to compete at that level, and this time I was simply unwilling to pay it. I was not willing to pay the price of being on the bobsled circuit for months at a time and missing my children growing up. I was not willing to pay the price of not pursuing my new love – a career as a motivational speaker and author. I was not willing to spend the time to hone my skills as a bobsled driver; choosing instead to invest that time learning and developing my skills as an entrepreneur. I was willing to pay the price, but not to get back to the Olympics.

I am reminded of the story of the hostess at a cocktail party. She approached the world famous concert pianist who had just given a wonderful recital and declared that she would give anything to play like him. He looked at her thoughtfully trying to find the kindest way to coach his response. “No you wouldn’t.” He finally said. An embarrassed smile creased her face as she exclaimed, “Yes, I really would!” “No Madame” he asserted, “you would love to play the way I play now, but I promise you, you would not be willing to practice 8 hours a day for the next 20 years to learn to play the way I do.” The silence in the room was deafening. Everyone present knew the pianist was right and that the hostess was only deluding herself.

There is no free lunch. Everything has a price and whether you are competing at the Winter or Summer Olympic Games or, like all of us, in the Olympics of life, you must pay it. You can have anything you want as long as you are willing to pay the price. The cost is exacted in different ways. Sometimes it is in dollars and cents. Perhaps you need to use your life savings and borrow from everyone you know to pursue a business opportunity. Maybe the cost is in time – the hours, weeks and months you need to invest to get that college degree. It could be the sacrifices you need to make. What must you give up to have what you want? The cost could also be in the form of personal growth. Not just in terms of developing your skills and talents, but also in terms of developing your self-esteem and confidence – your ability to elevate your level of thinking.

You don’t get an exciting career, a thriving business or live the life of your dreams without paying the price. The price must be paid in full. It cannot be bartered. Neither can you put it on credit or layaway. Your willingness to pay the price gives you the power to make your dreams come true. A refusal or hesitation to do so ensures that you don’t get to march in the opening ceremonies of life. Instead you are left outside the stadium listening to everyone else enjoying the fruits of their labor and living their dreams.

Chuck Swindoll had this to say about paying the price:

“A piano sits in a room, gathering dust. It is full of the music of the masters, but in order for such strains to flow from it, fingers must strike the keys…trained fingers, representing endless hours of disciplined dedication. You do not have to practice. The piano neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to draw beautiful music from the piano, that discipline is required…

You do not have to pay the price to grow and expand intellectually. The mind neither requires it nor demands it. If, however, you want to experience the joy of discovery and the pleasure of plowing new and fertile soil, effort is required.

Light won’t automatically shine upon you nor will truth silently seep into your head by means of rocking-chair osmosis. It’s up to you. It’s your move.”

If you are unwilling to pay the price for your dreams, you’ll discover as others have, that the cost of regret will be far more taxing. Your willingness to pay it will allow you to discover, as I have, that achieving your goals will be different and more difficult than you imagined.

You will discover strengths and abilities that you didn’t know you had. You will be amazed by how much your horizons have broadened and by how far you can take yourself. In short, if you are willing to pay the price, it will be better and more beautiful than you could ever have imagined.

Keep On Pushing!

The atomic clock is one of the latest technological advances in measuring and accurately keeping track of time. However, the technology that these clocks use is not exactly new.

In 1930, a Columbia University physics professor named Isidor Rabi developed a technique called atomic beam magnetic resonance. It took Mr. Rabi 15 years, but he incorporated this concept into the development of a highly accurate clock. By 1952, the first commercially feasible atomic clock was built. In fact, the first atomic clock was named, NBS-1, and became the ultimate calibration source for time around the world.

At the time, one of these atomic clocks cost approximately $20,000. Not exactly within the average family’s budget! However, with mass production techniques and worldwide competition, these clocks have become very affordable and can be found in many of today’s homes and businesses.

Does every home and business need an atomic clock? The following questions and answers will assist you in making an educated decision as to whether an atomic clock is a necessity for you.

What doe the term “Atomic Clock” really mean?

An atomic clock has an internal mechanism that uses radio frequencies to synchronize its current time and date with the U.S. Atomic Clock. The U.S. Atomic Clock is a radio controlled clock operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

How Do They Work?

Every atomic clock contains a small antenna that receives a radio signal from Ft. Collins, Colorado, which relays the time and date to the millisecond. Once you have set the time zone to your location, the clock will constantly be updated from the U.S. Atomic Clock. It will even adjust automatically for daylight savings time.

Will an Atomic Clock Work in Every Location?

For the most part, these clocks can establish contact with the U.S. Atomic Clock radio signal in just about any location. Depending on your geographical location, the signal reception can take up to 72 hours to initialize the clocks date and time. Once the clock has established this initial contact, the time will be maintained automatically going forward. On rare occasions, placement of the clock near a personal computer, television, radio or microwave oven can create signal interference. Placement of the clock away from these items will usually resolve the signal issue.

Is a Radio Controlled Clock the Same as an Atomic Clock?

The short answer is – yes. The two terms are synonymous and can be used interchangeably. The differentiation is generally made for marketing purposes. For example, a more traditional wall clock or mantle clock will tend to be referred to as a radio-controlled clock, while a high-tech desk clock will be promoted as an atomic clock. It’s all about the marketing “spin”!

One of the greatest benefits of the atomic clock is that it maintains highly accurate time with no need for manual adjustments. Even if you experience a power outage, the clock will automatically reset itself as soon as power is resumed. Bottom line, these clocks are truly a set ‘em and forget ‘em necessity.

Bill(Buck) Wilson writes articles for a number of publications and eNewsletters and is an avid collector of unique and vintage clocks. For more information on atomic clocks visit http://www.affordable-clocks.com

The President’s Administration is out to simplify the American People’s taxes. It is about time someone had the balls to do this. What a mess our current tax system is. As we enter a slowing of the economy and head into a downward business cycle taxpayer’s will be glad to have simplification. Indeed by taking off the books many of the old tax incentives which clearly drive money to specific industries, this will give the government more levers to make this downward business cycle shallow and a good steady return. It is always the intense quick changes, which cause havoc in the job markets and exacerbate economic problematic spikes.

Tax preparation should not be rocket science; indeed it should be simple and more along the lines of Steve Forbes’ thoughts. Simplification of rules, regulations and laws are necessary for efficiency of our economic engine. This is a good plan at the right time. The American People want simplified tax rules and forms. KISS has always been the hallmark of a good strategy in any human, business or government endeavor. By keeping it simple now, this will allow future tax incentive levers in the future to encourage new industries and help older industries transition as the keep sales strong to re-invest. Our Auto Industries and many manufacturing sectors will be helped and this means American Jobs.

This is a good time to simplify taxes and a good time to help move our economy and populations into the future, where technology will solve many of the problems we are trying to currently cure. But first we must get there and to do that this is the first step, one of many, but a big step for all mankind and one we must take. You should be thinking here.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

“The fact is in this day and age the ordinary worker, works nearly three more weeks at the workplace per year than workers did 25 years ago even though jobs are being eliminated.

Over half the jobs lost in the 90’s are gone forever.”

This is a disturbing fact!

“A recent Merrill Lynch poll showed that the average 50 year old has only $2,300 in savings.

On the other hand, reliable experts say that the average person, including you, needs at least a million dollars in saving to earn $50,000 a year in retirement.”

At age 65, 95% of all people who retire in the U.S. have $2,500 or less in Savings, (M. Fogg).

Data shows that 90% of Americans are only three months away from living flat, out-on-the street broke.

The Labor Secretary says,

“No one’s job is secure in the new economy, from the corporate chief executive to the ordinary worker.”

As you can see the work place is drastically changing.

Look at these astonishing facts. “Gm has laid off more than 70,000 people; McDonnell Douglas has laid off at least 23,000 people; at Sears 53,000 jobs were eliminated; (I personally know this is at fact with Sears. When I worked there, they were eliminating top management levels.)

More than 100,000 people jobs in the banking industry have been eliminated in 1993 alone; IBM has already downsized by at least 100,000 people in 1995.

These are not hollow numbers showing what is happening to someone else.

This is happening to you, your neighbors, colleagues, family and friends.

How will you prepare for your retirement or answer the call of God on your life if you can’t find any security in corporate America?

Consider working for yourself, consider an online business, and consider being your own boss what better security can you have in this day and age?

My husband and I have been in ministry for over 25 years and have witnessed first hand the struggles families have financially.

Many of these precious people have a desire to serve God and be obedient to what he’s calling them to do in the Kingdom.

So, what is the stopping them?

One of the factors holding them back is debt. Whether young or old, Christian or non-Christian debt can keep you from fulfilling your potential. It’s a fact.

Many are working two and three jobs to keep their head above water, just to barely survive.

But one of the trends we are seeing in the Christian community is young and old alike are starting to downsize and beginning to create a second stream of income that will be in place when God speaks.

We are seeing Christian Entrepreneurs being raised up in these last days with vision to carry out the great commission like never before.

We hear testimonies all of the time of people being freed up to actually walk out what God is calling them to do.

These precious people are finding more fulfillment than they could ever imagine.

They are finding God is a God of purpose and they are aligning themselves with God’s purpose for their lives and are experiencing maximum fulfillment for the first time in their lives.

The timing of the Lord is important.

He’s never late or early and rarely works on our schedule.

But He is always on time to get you at the right place, at the right time, talking to the right people, about the right purpose.

Our personal belief is not what’s fueling the online Christian business movement but WHO!

More and more people are being freed up to answer God’s call in their life and an online Christian business is one of the things God is using today.

We’ve been in full time ministry for over 25 years and before that we both had our own businesses, so we know by a proven track record and experience what it successfully takes to build your own business and see it prosper.

Personally, nothing beats owning your own online Christian business to free you up to do God’s will!

It’s not what’s fueling the online Christian business movement but WHO!

Cindy Warner owner of Christian Book Outlet, an Online Christian Book Store, enjoys giving practical tips that work and helping people start their own Online Christian Book Store. Click on over to
http://www.christianbookoutlet.spreadtheword.com for more information on the Online Christian Business opportunity.

You need to visit a website loaded with pictures, animations and music. You click on the link. You go and put on the coffee. You wait. When it’s done, you pour yourself some and carry it to your desk. You take a sip. It needs more sugar. You go back and stir it in. Take another sip. Yes, it’s good. Pour some more. Carry it back again. Hmmm, the page is only half loaded yet. Ok, time to go back and make a sandwich.

Does the above describe your experience with the Internet? If yes, read on. See if the following checklist of symptoms applies to your situation.

1. You have built a mental list of websites you can’t visit – they’d take ages to load.

2. You compose your e-mails beforehand in a word processor, and then connect via dial-up and copy-paste the whole thing into your web-based email service’s ‘compose’ page. There’s no sense in trying to write/edit your text online, on a slow, timed connection.

3. You’ve heard fairy tales about all the goodies the Internet has to offer you. You never go near them. They weren’t really meant for you.

4. You have developed this habit of avoiding links to music, videos, pictures etc., because your connection just isn’t good enough for them.

5. You ask your friends not to send you pictures or large attachments via e-mail because they take hours to get downloaded, and often your connection breaks halfway through and you have to reconnect and start all over again.

Does the above more or less accurately describe your relationship with the internet?

Then it’s time for you to forget obsolete dial-up technology and move to something that’ll really let you ’surf’ the web at blazing speeds, instead of dragging yourself through it. Yes, you know about DSL and cable, but these never seem to arrive in your area. Of course, the connection needs to be affordable too. You have heard great things of satellite Internet, but aren’t those things too expensive?

Not now. Not any more.

Now, there’s WildBlue.

You have always wanted to get broadband Internet, but cable or DSL just don’t seem to arrive in your area. Which leaves you stuck with clicking on the dial-up icon on your desktop, and making coffee and sandwiches while you have an interesting site loading up.

Now, if only there were something that’d let you connect at 20 times the speed of dialup. If only there were no click-click-clicking on the boring old dial-up icon. If only there were no disconnects, no more need to avoid video links, no copy-pasting, no more making that coffee which you didn’t really need, but only the pure internet, unrestricted, rich, lightning fast, waiting for you to jump in and enjoy the show. No matter where you are in the US, no matter if there’s a DSL or cable provider in your area. What you really need is satellite Internet, but you have heard it’s too costly.

Good news for you – satellite Internet is just what you need, and satellite Internet is what you’ll get from WildBlue. At very affordable prices, and speeds comparable to cable or DSL but with the additional benefits of a wireless connection, this is the perfect Internet solution for your home or your business. It’s an always-on connection, which means you don’t need to connect every time you want to do something on the net. Satellite technology does away with the barrier between you and the Internet, and connects the two seamlessly together.

All you need is a small satellite receiver dish to be set up in your home, and a satellite modem, both of which shall be provided by WildBlue. It’s amazing how fast the certified technicians can set up the equipment. The dish can be set up on the roof, in the ground or on an outside wall. All you need is a Windows or Macintosh computer that the technicians will soon prepare for the connection, while you sit back and watch. You can expect to start your new Internet experience the very same day as the equipment arrives.

What’s more, all your existing software will continue to work with WildBlue satellite Internet. WildBlue gives you free space on the web for uploading your own material, and multiple e-mail addresses. It supports a broad variety of browsers, e-mail clients and other internet-related programs. You can even continue to use your existing service provider’s e-mail addresses – you’ll need to talk to them for terms and conditions.

So what are you waiting for? With the help of WildBlue, cut down on your coffee making and start enjoying the Internet like it was meant to be!

For more information on WildBlue Internet access visit www.mywildblue.com

WildBlue is offering cable modem or DSL-like services where cable modem and DSL
don’t reach. If you have always wanted to get broadband internet, but cable or
DSL just don’t seem to arrive in your area, get WildBlue! Visit http://www.mywildblue.com
for more information.

Forcing Bulbs for Indoor Bloom

‘Force’ is such a strong word for making a plant bloom out of season. ‘Coaxing’ is better, maybe even ‘teasing’, of course, ‘fooling’ won’t do because we all know that Mother Nature will not be made light of. But as long as we understand her rhythms we can speed up the seasons a bit, like nudging spring into our homes during the bleakest of winters. This is especially true, and easy, with bulbs, those remarkable self-contained flower factories.

Choosing Your Bulbs

Most of our common hardy outdoor bulbs are candidates for forcing: Tulips, Crocus, Daffodils, Amaryllis, Paperwhite Narcissus, Muscari, Miniature Iris and Hyacinths. Select only top quality bulbs that are large and heavy for their size and are not soft or moldy. If you’re not going to pot right away store them in a mesh onion-like or a ventilated paper bag in your basement or the refrigerator crisper, any place where the temperature stays below 65 degrees and the humidity is fairly high. And this is important: Never refrigerate bulbs with fruit. The ethylene gas produced by ripening fruits destroys the bulb’s flowering potential. (By the way, never store them in the freezer.)

It’s a Timing Thing

First check your calendar. Most bulbs require 10 to 14 weeks in temperatures below 48 degrees. This is their rooting period and it is absolutely essential if you expect flowers. The actual forcing, 2 to 4 weeks at around 60 degrees, follows the cooling stage.

Potting ‘Em Up

Use clean pots with drainage holes. The depth varies according to the size bulb you’re forcing. You’ll need 2 inches of soil below the bulb in a container large enough for the bulb to be even with the rim when planted. Use a good soilless potting mixture and don’t worry about fertilizer, all the bulb requires is contained inside.

Place 2 inches of the mix in the pot, then set your bulbs. Mass them in, even touching each other is fine. Bulbs are very friendly and love a party. But don’t combine different kinds of bulbs because they have various cooling requirements.

Finish filling the pot, firming the soil around the bulbs, then water well to settle the soil. And don’t forget to include a label with the kind of bulb, the planting date and the day you want to take it out of storage.

Remember that bulbs will flower about 2 to 4 weeks after being brought into warmer temps. So from the actual planting to flowering, ballpark it at 15 weeks.

Place the containers in a refrigerator, a cool spot in the basement, a root cellar (like there are many of those left), a crawl space, cold frame, or better yet, outside if it stays below 45 degrees and does not freeze. Freezing doesn’t harm bulbs in the ground, of course, but it will slow down your forcing schedule.

The Forcing

When you take the bulbs out of storage into warmth and light, the growth of leaves and flowers is triggered. First transfer the pots to a place with indirect sunlight and 60 degree temps for a week or two.

When the shoots are 4-6 inches tall, move the pots to a bright, sunny window to stimulate the flowering process. 68 degrees or so and lots of sunshine produce the best flowers. When the buds show color move the pots to indirect light so the flowers last longer. If the flowers are coming on too fast, slow things down by moving the pot out of the light and into a cooler area.

During the forcing, keep the soil moist.

Once a bulb is forced throw it away. It may rebloom but it’ll take a couple of years.

And that’s it. Pretty easy, huh? All it takes is patience.

The Schedule

This timetable may help you plan but these are only guidelines. Bulbs, like most plants, can’t read. In all cases the bulbs must be well rooted before forcing.

To flower in January, plant in September or early October.

Planting in mid-October will produce flowers in February and
a late October or early November planting means flowers in late winter.

The Easiest Bulbs to Force

Paperwhite Narcissus is very popular, easy and grows in sand or gravel. They are also available pre-cooled.

Amaryllis are Christmas plants and require no cooling, but plant in early November for holiday flowers.

Crocus will flower after a 12-14 week rooting period and grow in gravel and water.

Hyacinth require only 12 weeks and are easily forced in special ‘hyacinth’ vases with only water.

Muscari need about 16 weeks and should be jammed together in the pot for the best show.

Iris reticulata are easy, needing about 15 weeks and excellent drainage.

Tulips must have at least 15 weeks. When planting tulips put the flat side facing the pot rim. That way the large outer leaves will drape over the edge and not detract from the flowers.

Daffodils require 12-14 weeks and lots of strong, bright light during forcing. Try the miniature varieties for the best results.

When horticulturist Tom Schneider isn’t puttering in his garden he is helping his wife, Deb, with their online machine embroidery design business, Windstar Embroidery. Visit Tom and Deb for embroidered gifts and quality machine embroidery designs.

Outdoor furniture, used to beautify the outdoor areas adjoining a house, can be made of iron, steel, bamboo, and teak. Even though teak outdoor furniture is more expensive than other hardwood furniture, most customers prefer teak to any other material. Teak outdoor furniture can sustain its strength and attractiveness for decades. It has the ability to withstand rust and corrosion when in contact with metal.

Benches, tables, chairs, lamps, planters and other ornaments for the garden, poolside, backyard, deck, and park decoration are counted among teak outdoor furniture. Teak garden furniture is best suited for improving garden settings. Teak patio furniture includes benches, dining tables, dining chairs, bar table, bar chair, steamers, and more.

The natural color of teak outdoor furniture may fade if constantly exposed to wind. A periodic application of teak oil helps to maintain the natural color.

Style, price, material, comfort, and size are the factors to consider when purchasing teak outdoor furniture. An extensive collection of fine, attractive, unique teak outdoor furniture is available, and can be found at reasonable prices. Custom designed teak outdoor furniture can also be ordered from various sources. Teak outdoor furniture is ideal for hotels and banks. Teak outdoor chairs, teak tables, teak benches, teak steamer chairs, teak stacking chairs, teak folding chairs, teak outdoor folding tables, teak rectangular tables, teak extendable tables, and other garden accessories impart an elegant and classy look to any place.

Country Casual, Kingsley Bate, Rock Wood, and Wood Classics are some of the leading manufacturers of teak outdoor furniture. Considerable artistic dexterity is needed to make outstanding teak furniture. Well-designed, chic teak furniture is perhaps the best choice in outdoor furnishings.

A sustainable garden means one that can be sustained over time, and would necessarily involve I) growing food you want to eat, so you are motivated to continue growing, II) growing economically, so that it is worthwhile doing, as well as III) taking care of environmental issues, so that the ground will continue to support growing.

I) The plants to be grown should be chosen primarily on what your family wants to eat, and what will grow in your locale. After that, Consider using heirloom seed rather than hybrid, if you are very concerned about losing the ability to replace seed each year from commercial sources. However, growing and saving your own seed is difficult and time consuming. An excellent answer to this dilemma is the Garden In A Can heirloom seed provided by Mountain Valley Seed Company (www.mvseeds.com). Other seed companies may have something similar. I recommend you buy a can of this triple-sealed seed, store it against the possible disaster, and then buy and use the best seed you can get and don’t worry about trying to grow for and save your own seeds.

II) Using the best growing practices, such as those taught by the world-renowned Dr. J. R. Mittleider, (see www.growfood.com)assure you the greatest yield of healthy vegetables from the least space, and with the least amount of labor and financial inputs per unit of production. A family can be self sufficient in their food requirements from proper gardening of just a small fraction of an acre, and this is the greatest evidence of success in achieving a sustainable garden.

III) Gardening should always be done without injuring the land, but rather should improve the land, so that it will continue to support healthy plants indefinitely. Therefore, pesticides and herbicides should be used very judiciously, and wherever possible these issues should be handled by cultural practices as taught by Dr. Mittleider such as 1) eliminating all weeds from the garden area, 2) watering only the plants’ root zone, 3) beginning plants in a protected environment for a fast, healthy and strong start, 4) feeding plants proper amounts of balanced natural mineral nutrients to assure fast and healthy growth, 5) harvesting all plants at maturity to avoid allowing pests and diseases to multiply, and 6) discarding any bug or disease infested plant parts away from the garden, and incorporating healthy plant parts into the soil to improve soil structure.

Jim Kennard, President of Food For Everyone Foundation, has a wealth of leadership, financial, business, teaching, and gardening training and experience upon which to draw in helping the Foundation in “Teaching the world to grow food one family at a time.” He is a retired CPA, practicing as managing partner in a Salt Lake City firm since 1972, and has also owned and successfully managed several businesses, including hotels, shopping centers, apartments, and retail establishments during the past twenty five years.

Jim has been a Mittleider gardener for the past twenty-eight years, he is a Master Mittleider Gardening Instructor, and has taught classes and worked one-on-one with Dr. Jacob Mittleider on several gardening projects in the USA and abroad, including projects in Armenia, Madagascar, and Turkey he has conducted by himself. He assists gardeners all over the world from the website FAQ pages and free Gardening Group, and grows a large demonstration garden at Utah’s Hogle Zoo in his spare time.

One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery Gardenia (gardenia jasminoides) that grows to about 5′ tall and wide. The perfume-like scent adds an exotic feeling to gardens. Plus, the large white flowers show up well in moonlight when many people more likely get a chance to take pleasure in their garden.

If you want to enjoy gardenias, plant them where they get sun. Most people plant gardenias in the shade because these plants love the same soil as shade-loving camellias and azaleas. However, gardenias can take full sun and prefer at least half a day of sunlight. Gardenias will not bloom well in the shade.

Don’t over water your gardenias. Keep the soil surface moist, but not soggy. Don’t let them dry out too much during flowering or they will drop their buds. To keep your plants from drying out, mulch well.

Gardenias also like rich organic soil, azalea/camellia fertilizer, and iron. If your gardenias get yellow leaves, they most likely need more iron. During the growing season, feed your gardenias every three weeks.

Don’t get harsh when pruning gardenias. They need some leaves left on the stock so they can get nutrition. Prune after blooming but before fall so the plant gets a chance to grow and form new flowers for the next spring bloom.

Gardenias bloom from late spring well into summer. Besides the glorious creamy-white blooms, they give your garden a gorgeous deep green backdrop all year long.

Plant gardenias near your entry door to welcome guests and yourself with the invigorating perfume-like scent. Just one or two flowers floating in a bowl of water fills your home with natural fragrance. With over 200 species of gardenias, you’re sure to find just the perfect variety at your local nursery for your garden.

Copyright © 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.

Jeanette Fisher, author of Joy to the Home and other books, teaches interior Design Psychology. Free “What Is Design Psychology” Report
http://designpsych.com