Students Of Success

When it comes to computer speaker systems, you have a lot of choice. However, there are simply some brands that stand way out in terms of sound quality and dependability, and one of those brands is certainly Logitech. Logitech computer speakers are some of the best on the market, and provide a great deal of clean, powerful sound for a very reasonable price. Logitech offers a variety of computer speaker systems, for relatively inexpensive 2.1 2-speaker systems to the power 5.1 and 6.1 gaming computer systems with multiple surround-sound speakers. Whatever you are looking for in computer speakers, it is likely that Logitech has it.

Logitech x-230 2.1 2-Piece Dual Drive Computer Speakers

Manufacturers Description: Crank up the audio on your PC with this 2.1-channel computer speaker system and enjoy clean, crisp, consistent sound from your games, music, and more. The Logitech X-230’s high-tech subwoofer adjusts itself dynamically to deliver distortion-free bass, while the two wall-mountable satellite speakers use Logitech’s patented FDD2 technology to eliminate the uneven sound response created by conventional dual-driver designs. The result: a clear, uniform sound field without the “hot spots” and inconsistency of other dual-driver satellites.

Features:

-32 watts total power (6 watts x 2, plus 20-watt subwoofer)

-Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) satellite technology produces a uniform sound field for full, rich sound

-Dynamic, real-time bass equalization maximizes bass response while minimizing distortion

-Ported subwoofer design displaces more air for deeper bass

-Headphone jack enables private listening

-Master volume and subwoofer level controls placed for quick, convenient access

-Satellite speaker stands rotate for easy wall-mounting

Price: $50

Value Rating: 9.5 / 10 - This computer speaker system sounds better than some speakers that are $100+ with at least 50 watts of power. It has great crisp sound at nearly all volumes and the bass is surprisingly powerful. Be aware that the subwoofer is not magnetically shielded, and should be kept away from your monitor.

Logitech X-530 5.1 5-Piece Computer Speaker System

Manufacturers Description: Plug the Logitech X-530 into your computer, music player, DVD player, or even PlayStation2 or Xbox game console and immerse yourself in clean, crisp, consistent surround sound from your games, movies, and more. The high-tech subwoofer adjusts itself dynamically to deliver distortion-free bass, while the five wall-mountable satellite speakers use Logitech’s patented FDD2 technology to eliminate the uneven sound response created by conventional dual-driver designs. The result: a clear, uniform sound field without the “hot spots” and inconsistency of other dual-driver satellites.

Features:

-70 watts total system power (7.4 watts x 4, plus 15.5-watt center speaker and 25-watt subwoofer)

-Frequency Directed Dual Driver (FDD2) satellite technology produces a uniform sound field for full, rich sound

-Matching front and rear satellites deliver balanced surround sound

-Dedicated center channel makes dialogue clear and intelligible.

-Dynamic, real-time bass equalization maximizes bass response while minimizing distortion

-Ported subwoofer design displaces more air for deeper bass

-Headphone jack enables private listening

-Master volume and subwoofer level controls placed for quick, convenient access

-Satellite speaker stands rotate for easy wall mounting

Price: $60

Value Rating: 9.0 / 10 - A great step up from the X-230. It has the same great sound, with extra bass and a little more all-around power. The extra speakers are great for a surround sound setting. Only downside is that some games are not compatible with the this 5.1 system. Worth the extra $10 for most people.

Logitech X620 6.1 Computer Speakers

Manufacturers Description: More speakers means more sound, more detail, and more intensity. That’s what the Logitech X-620 6.1-channel speaker system is all about. Thanks to its 6 satellites, including a dedicated rear center speaker, you can hook it up to your PC or video game console and enjoy your games, music, and movies with sound that truly surrounds you.

Are you looking for powerful bass? Crisp highs and mid-range? The X-620 delivers. Its patented, powerful pressure-driver subwoofer provides twice the bass of conventional designs for smooth, powerful lows, and the satellite speakers provide rich midrange and crisp high-end tones. Even if you don’t have a 6.1 sound card, you can still enjoy the benefits of all seven speakers by using the source selector switch.

Got a Sony PlayStation2, Microsoft Xbox, or Nintendo GameCube? Just plug in the X-620 using the convenient video game console adapter and immerse yourself in the explosions, music, and dialogue of your favorite games.

Comes with 6 satellite speakers and a powered 8-inch subwoofer; 70 watts total system power (140 watts peak).

Price: $85

Value Rating: 9.0 / 10 - Another hit from Logitech. This one is much like more expensive home theater systems. Truely one of the best speaker systems in the growing 6.1 class. An important note: prepare to buy a pricey
Sound Blaster 6.1 Audigy sound card in order to take full advantage of this speaker system.

Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 2-Piece Surround Sound PC and Gaming Speaker System

Manufacturers Description: Demanding gamers require high power, THX performance, and true surround sound. The Logitech Z-5300e delivers on all counts, with a sleek appearance featuring silver speaker accents and removable black cloth grilles. The system includes a patented dual chamber subwoofer that pounds out twice the bass of conventional designs to deliver deep, loud, and powerful bass. The Z-5300e also features polished aluminum phase-plug satellite drivers that project superb high-end and rich mid-range tones for balanced sound, along with a full-featured SoundTouch wired remote that provides convenient controls for quick adjustments. The satellite speakers’ rotating pedestals allow for easy installation on the wall or desktop.

Features:

-280 watts system power (35.25 watts x 4, plus 39-watt center and 100-watt subwoofer)

-PlayStation2, Xbox, and GameCube owners can plug in the Z-5300e using a console adapter

-Silver speaker accents and removable black cloth grilles

-Conveniently control volume and power with the wired remote, which also features a headphone jack

-Enjoy twice the bass of conventional designs with patented subwoofer design

-Satellites fit on a shelf or mounted on the wall

-Use Matrix mode and source selector switch to create breathtaking 5.1 surround sound from stereo, 4-channel, or 5.1 sound sources

Price: $150

Value Rating: 8.0 / 10 - This system is almost too much for your average computer user - but it’s great for gamers who demand perfection in their sound system. Even though it will work with game consoles, remember that it is a computer speaker system, and works best with a pc.

Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on Logitech computer products, please visit our Logitech speakers webpage.

A company must earn and keep trust or sales don’t happen.
Imagine that last Sunday, while you were reading the paper, you
saw an ad for a great deal on a digital camera. You’d been
considering buying one for a while, and this ad sealed the deal.
You went to buy the camera, and the sales person told you they
were sold out. They didn’t offer you a rain check and instead
substituted a different model for a “similar” price.

In this classic case of “bait and switch,” and you felt like
you’d been had.

After that, do you trust these people? Will you return to buy
from them? Were you aggravated at the paper for running a less
than honest ad?

In a similar fashion, maintaining a customer’s trust through
e-newsletters requires honesty, along with a commitment to
providing readers with a positive experience.

Valued visitors return

If people don’t regularly click through to your Web site a
newsletter may help build the relationship to the point where
the readers will visit the site. However, the Web site and your
newsletter must work in tandem to help readers make the
transition from reader to prospect.

If a visitor comes to the site from the newsletter and doesn’t
like it, all credibility is lost and a return visit is unlikely.
And vice versa. No matter how good a newsletter is, visitors
arriving at a Web site and receiving a lousy first impression
won’t sign up for any more issues. The product may be fabulous
or unique, but that doesn’t do any good if the site promoting it
doesn’t give the needed support.

Customers buy only when they can VIZibly:

* see value in a product or service;

* feel trust;

* believe in the stability of the company.

This mantra especially applies to the people involved with B2B
transactions because few sales are impulsive. Newsletters can
communicate this. A newsletter can be focused on a business
problem versus a product/service and features/benefits. Trust is
built when the newsletter engages the reader while addressing
his or her needs as opposed to focusing on the sponsoring the
company’s needs.

Characteristics of credible Web sites

Stanford University has just completed Web site credibility
research, and the result is “How Do People Evaluate a Web Site’s
Credibility?” According to the report, 46.1 percent of the
participants commented on the design look of the site more than
any other feature when evaluating a Web site’s credibility. When
arriving at a site for the first time, we quickly judge how we
feel about it. Forming first impressions takes little effort,
just like in a job interview. Sites that sell something have an
extra challenge — proving their credibility so customers can
trust and buy.

How many times have we been guilty of commenting, “Look at that
person! Can you believe she is wearing that?” We get so involved
in what the person’s wearing that we don’t begin to venture
forth and learn about that person. Unlike our dealings with
people, Web sites are much easier to leave — after a bad first
impression.

A credible Web site welcomes visitors because it:

* demonstrates professionalism through design and structure;

* shows a real organization behind the site;

* lets the facts and information do the talking;

* leaves the commercials to television;

* ensures visitors can easily make contact;

* respects visitor privacy.

Demonstrating professionalism through design and structure
comes when a Web site puts its customers first: it loads
fast, and features easy and intuitive navigation. Sites loaded
with ads, low quality text and design, and sloppy navigation
lose credit fast.

Showing real organization behind the site means having a
mailing address and not a P.O. box; providing phone numbers; and
providing an “About” section that includes photos, names and
bios of people involved with the company. These are just a few
of the ways a company can demonstrate people helping its
customers.

Letting the facts and information do the talking involves
third-party feedback through testimonials and unbiased newspaper
clippings (not press releases), and giving the facts without
superlatives and opinions by using words like fabulous,
wonderful and fast. Words like these sound like a late-hour TV
commercial produced cheaply. Ads splattered all over the page or
popping up faster than popcorn sends people running as fast as
you can say “click me out of here.”

Ensuring visitors can easily make contact happens by
providing phone numbers, email addresses, email contact forms
and mailing addresses in visible locations on the site to add
credibility. Customers that have a hard time finding contact
information think the company has something to hide or must not
really exist like those scam charities.

Respecting visitor privacy means by asking for limited
information and not requesting immediate “sign up” to get the
details; this establishes trust. Offering a clearly and simply
stated privacy policy that explains how the company won’t share
information with third parties seals the deal.

Developing trust through your newsletter

All of these Web site factors apply to your newsletter, as well.
By keeping your messages consistent and clear on the Web site
and in the newsletter, your company will be on its way to
becoming a trusted source. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and
it’s better to cultivate customer relationships over time. Once
the customer enters the door, the company isn’t done. The next
step is to follow-up through emails and newsletters with a smile
and keep every promise. Do this, and you’ll avoid the nasty
bait-and-switch.

Once you’ve decided to buy a property, the first step is not to go house hunting. Instead, you should find out what you can borrow. In doing so, it is important to understand the difference between loan qualification and approval.

Pre-Qualified

Getting pre-qualified for a home loan carries little if any weight when it comes to actually getting the loan issued. Let’s take a look at why.

Its time to buy your first home and you’ve done the research. The first step is to find out how much you can borrow. Down to the bank you go for a sit down with a friendly home loan officer. This person asks you questions about finances, salaries, credit and so forth. You might even be asked to fill out a short questionnaire. After a surprisingly short time, the bank officer suggests a loan amount of around $300,000 is probable. Being really helpful, the bank officer even prints out a form letter with your name and the pre-qualification amount of $300,000. Wow, that was easy…perhaps to easy?

The problem with pre-qualifications is they are based on best guesses. The bank officer looks at no hard facts. When it comes time to actually apply for the loan, you can be assured the lending institution isn’t going to be willing to guess. In fact, you might be told you don’t qualify for a $300,000 home loan when push comes to shove. You might only qualify for $250,000. In nightmare situations, you might not qualify at all because of credit problems. In short, home loan pre-qualification is a waste of time for the most part.

Pre-Approval

Getting pre-APPROVED for a home loan is definitely your best option. Getting pre-approved for a home loan is an excellent strategy because you actually go through the process. Issues such as income, credit scores, personal wealth and so on are resolved. At the end of the process, the bank agrees to issue a loan up to a certain amount contingent on an appraisal of the home you eventually decide to buy. The lender will produce a letter indicating as much, and it is a very valuable letter.

A pre-approval letter is instant gold in the real estate market. If you were selling a home, would you prefer a buyer with a pre-approval letter or one without? The answer is obvious and leads to another advantage. In the current market, it is likely you will be bidding against other parties for property. A seller is much more likely to select your bid because they know the loan process will go smoothly. This can make all the difference when it comes to closing a deal.

Determining how much money you can borrow is the first step in the purchase process. Just make sure you get a pre-approval letter, not pre-qualification guesses.

Dan Lewis is with www.gwhomeloans.com - A San Diego mortgage company providing home equity loan, refinance and mortgages to San Diego home owners. Visit gwhomeloans.com/services.html to learn more about options for San Diego mortgages.

It has been said that in October of 2004 a Google search returned less than 6,000 results for the term “podcasting”. Today, a similar search yields more than 857,000 results. Like the blogging phenomenon, podcasting has come out of nowhere and attracted an enthusiastic following.

While some traditional radio talk shows have begun providing podcasts of their regularly-scheduled broadcasts, the bulk of the podcasts that have cropped up tend to be independent broadcasters who have a fascination with technology. As a result, some podcasts are a little rough around the edges. Nonetheless, it is clear that the technology provides a significant opportunity and potential. Even nay-sayers believe that podcasting is more than a passing fad.

Podcasting is RSS that is used to syndicate and distribute audio files. Podcasting contains an audio file in the RSS feed’s enclosure tag. An enclosure tag is used in RSS feeds to include certain types of files. The file contained in an enclosure tag can be: an image, a data file, a video file, or an audio file. Podcasting specifically refers to RSS feeds that contain audio files in their enclosure tag. The RSS version that currently supports enclosure tags is RSS version 2.0. All podcasts are currently created using this specification.

The benefit to podcasting is the fact that users can sync content with their media player and listen at a time and a place of their choosing: radio on demand. And while this technology is not limited to music, it seems to be the area that has received the most attention.

Podcasting is generally inexpensive to implement. Investment in a good quality microphone will ensure that the recording is audible. Depending on knowledge and experience, some podcasters invest in audio conversion, compression and audio editing software applications. Also, web space bandwith and software to create the feed for the podcast is needed. All in all, the initial expense is relatively small.

Publishing Podcasts
In three simple steps, independent broadcasters can have their voice heard:

1. Publishers create audio content, posting it on a website for listeners.

2. Create or edit an existing RSS feed including a link to the audio file in the “enclosure” field of an RSS 2.0 feed, uploading it to a website.

3. Tell the world that a podcast is available.

Listen to Podcasts:

In three simple steps web surfers can listen to podcasts:

1. Download a news aggregator or RSS reader that supports podcasting or sync a wireless device like an iPod with your computer.

2. Enter the URL of the podcast feed into the news aggregator or podcast management software.

3. As new items appear in the aggregator, review the podcast’s description and listen to those that are of interest.

As popularity increases it is likely many voices will be drowned out, but for now, an independent broadcaster with a microphone and unlimited bandwith can make a name, create an image and change the world.

Useful Tools for Podcasting:

Create podcast feed - http://www.feedforall.com

News aggregator supporting podcasts - http://www.feeddemon.com or http://www.primetimepodcast.com

See also Podcasting Tools - http://www.small-business-software.net/podcasting-tools.htm

About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a wireless text messaging software company.

Since everyone is so obsessed with ways to increase our website traffic (and of course we should be) people often are quick to jump at anything that might help. We are always talking about ways to increase search engine traffic. But, what about what we shouldn’t do? The following I’ll share a few tricks that you shouldn’t be doing.

—>Do Not Buy Traffic
This is one of the oldest scams around the internet. I’m not talking about PPC programs; that’s a whole other article. The ones I’m talking about are the ones that ‘guarantee you’ 10,000 visitors for $10.00 (just an example). Do you really think that’s possible? Not only do they try to sell you visits; they also try to say you’ll get such and such amount of sales. In plain words…BULL! Besides, there is NO company that can guarantee you any amount of sales. Sales depend on the demand of your product/service, price and of course your ad copy. Plain and simple…Buying traffic is a scam. Don’t do it.

—>Don’t Bother with Top Sites
These quickly become a big waste of your valuable time. (Remember, your time is valuable and time IS money.) Everyone else listed there with your site is doing the exact same thing you’re doing. Let me guess, every day you are clicking on your link and voting for yourself and/or you are sending out tons of emails (possibly spam) begging all your friends to vote for you. Am I right? Don’t waste your precious time doing this. Instead spend your time working on your ad copy. It’ll take you much further.

—>Submitting Your Site Myths
You don’t need to submit your site to search engines. Submitting your site to search engines does not increase your search engine rankings. The important search engines will index a properly built website.

—>Web Rings
Web Rings can be fun but, you very well could be sending your traffic AWAY from your site. You are giving your visitors the opportunity to click away to another site. You need to be concentrating keeping your visitors and selling your product or service. Besides that, a lot of people break the web rings. These rings are set up to be all about the same topics. You are giving your visitors direct links to your competitors.

—>Don’t Spam Your Website
Some webmasters out there have decided to spam their own websites. How do they do this you ask? One way they do this is to place a lot of unrelated keywords into their meta tags and keywords. Another way is to make ‘invisible text’ on their website by making the text so small that it actually looks like a dot or period. Don’t do this. This can easily get you banned from the search engines.

—>Do Not Participate in Link Farms
What exactly is a Link Farm? A link farm is list of links created and maintained solely for the purpose of constructing links between member sites. For example: One page of links is generated and to be listed on this page it is a requirement to place this page on your website. Search engines see this as an illegal move and can have you punished and banned from them. Please don’t hesitate to investigate if you have a question about a particular program that you are involved with. It could save you tons later.

One thing that I frequently hear when referring to the above ‘programs’ is the following: “But, it’s free, it’s not going to hurt me.” First of all, these aren’t free. These are a waste of valuable time. As I mentioned Time IS Money and your time is precious. For every moment you are spending on these basically worthless ideas, you COULD be improving your traffic instead. Secondly, a few of the above mentioned are against search engine rules and could get you banned. That is a lot of hurting.

Starting to get depressed? Want to know what TO DO to increase your online traffic? No worries. (I wouldn’t let you hanging like that.) There are lots of great ways to increase your website traffic. Take a look at http://www.mommyshelperonline.com/increase-online-traffic.html to find out what you should be doing.

About the Author
Anita DeFrank a WAHM of two and co-owner of DirectSalesHelpers.com which was created specifically for those in Direct Sales. Do you find yourself asking how to make more sales? The above is only a small taste of the wealth of information available at http://www.directsaleshelpers.com. Stop on in if you’re serious about your direct sales company and want to know how you can make more sales.

Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a great source of
vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is
produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable. Sprouts can
grow from the seeds of vegetables, from grains such as buckwheat,
and from beans. While Mung beans are perhaps the most common
source of sprouts, you can also obtain good results from lentils,
soybeans and chickpeas just to name a few.

Sprouts can be grown almost anywhere and the best part is you
only need a few basic supplies to get started. By following a few
simple steps, you can receive a continual supply of nutritious
sprouts.

While there are several commercial products available to
cultivate sprouts, here are three of the easiest methods to help
you get started.

- Growing Sprouts in Flower Pots -

1. Start with a clean clay or plastic flower pot. Make sure
there is a hole in the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage.
Then place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin in the bottom of the
pot over the hole so that the seeds/beans cannot fall out.

2. Next, soak the seeds or beans overnight and then put them in
the pot. Remove any that are broken or damaged. Cover the plant
pot with a dish.

3. Once a day, hold the pot under running water for a few
minutes. This is to soak the seeds/beans thoroughly.

4. Once the sprouts begin to show, remove the dish and cover the
pot with a piece of clear plastic wrap to let in the light. Place
the sprouting pot near a window that allows daylight but is not
in direct sunlight.

- Growing the Sprouts in Trays -

1. Soak the seeds or beans overnight. Remove any that are broken
or damaged before you begin the sprouting process.

2. Select a low, flat dish (like a pie plate) or tray. You can
purchase growing trays wherever planting supplies are sold.

3. Next, spread out a 2-inch layer of soil and then sprinkle the
soaked seeds or beans on top of the soil.

4. Cover the seeds/beans with four layers of damp newspaper.

5. Cover the top of the tray with clear plastic wrap.

6. When the sprouts start to lift the plastic cover, (usually
about three days) remove the newspaper.

7. Place the tray in a window so that the light can turn the
sprouts green. You will need a space to place the sprouting tray
that receives daylight but is not in direct sunlight.

8. Because the thin layer of soil dries out quickly, water twice
each day.

9. After about 8-10 days, you will have sprouts tall enough to
harvest.

- Growing Sprouts in a Jar -

1. Soak the seeds, grains, or beans in lukewarm water overnight
in a wide-mouth glass jar. Remove any that are broken or damaged
before you begin the sprouting process. (Sprouting increases the
seed volume. 4-tablespoons will be sufficient for a quart size
container.)

2. In the morning, pour off the water in the jar and rinse the
seeds/beans thoroughly.

3. Place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin over the mouth of the
jar. Use a rubber band to hold the material securely in place.
This makes rinsing easier.

4. To keep the sprouts constantly damp, repeat the rinsing 2-3
times a day. Remember to drain any excess water because the
sprouts should not stand in water.

5. Keep the jar away from the light for the first few days.

6. When the seeds/beans begin to sprout, (usually about the
forth day) move the jar into the light to activate the
chlorophyll and turn the sprouts green.

- Harvesting and Storing the Sprouts -

Newly germinated grain, seed, and sprouts, increase in food value
in the very first period of growth. Grains should be harvested
and eaten from when they are six days old until they are 4-5
inches tall. To harvest, just take your kitchen scissors and cut
what you need.

Sprouts from beans, peas, etc., are ready earlier and can be
eaten when they are 3-6 days old, depending on the type of
sprout. For spouts grown in no soil or in seed trays, you can
harvest the green “grass” when it starts to grow. Sprouts, from
grain sown in jars, are ready sooner and are edible even before
they turn green. Seeds sown in soil take a little longer.

If necessary, wash the sprouts thoroughly to remove the seed
coat. Sprouts need to be stored in the refrigerator once they are
ready to eat. Put the sprouts in tight sealing bags, and they
will remain flavorful and crisp for one to two weeks. Rinsing the
sprouts daily under cold water can extend their life.

Sprouts may be frozen by blanching them over steam for three
minutes and then cooling them in ice water. Drain them and pack
into freezer containers.

- Some of the Kinds of Seeds/Beans You Can Sprout -

The following list gives some of the popularly sprouted
seeds/beans. It is not all inclusive as you can sprout almost any
kind of seed. Remember that seeds soak up 2-3 times their dry
volume in water and sprouts need at least six times the volume
occupied by the seeds. So be sure that your container is large
enough, and start with a minimal amount of seed in a container
like a jar, until you determine the correct quantity that will
grow to the sprout size you like, without being difficult to
remove.

Your local garden shop or health food store will carry a line of
seeds for sprouting. When purchasing seeds for sprouting, be
certain that the seeds are intended for food and not for
planting. This precaution is necessary because some seeds meant
for planting have been treated with fungicides or insecticides to
protect the young seedlings when planted in a field or garden.

Alfalfa - should be soaked for 6-12 hours. The seeds can be
planted in the pots or jars and also in the flats with soil.
1-part seed gives 10-parts sprouts in approximately 5-6 days.
Sprouts can be eaten after 3 days. When the root is 1-2 inches
long, it will begin to develop tiny green leaves. At this stage,
it needs to be eaten immediately so the plant will not switch to
photosynthesis that exhausts the stored food in the seed.

Peas - when soaked in a glass jar, will grow sprouts in about 3
days. When the roots are 2-inches long, they are ready to eat.
1-part peas gives 2-parts sprouts.

Lentils - can be grown in either a glass jar or a plant pot and
need to be soaked for 12-hours. The sprouts are ready in 3-4
days. Lentil sprouts are ready to be eaten when the root is
1-inch long. 1-part lentils gives 6-parts sprouts.

Barley, Oats, and Rye - should be soaked for 12-hours and then
can either be grown as “grass” to harvest, or sprouts ready to
eat after 3-4 days. The ideal length for eating is about
1/2-inch. 1-part seed gives 2-parts sprouts.

Soybeans - can be grown in a glass jar or a pot. They need to be
soaked for 12-hours and sprouts are usually ready after 3-5 days.
They are ready to eat when the root is 2-inches long. 1-part
beans gives 4-parts sprouts.

Mung Beans - after soaking for 12-hours, these beans can be grown
by any method. Mung beans are the most commonly grown sprouts and
are usually ready to eat after 3-5 days. When the bright, white
root grows from 1-2 inches long, they are ready to eat. 1-part
beans gives 4-parts sprouts.

By growing your own sprouts, you will save yourself money because
it is less expensive to buy sprout seeds and grow and harvest the
sprouts yourself, than it is to buy the sprouts from a market.
Sprouting at home takes only a few minutes a day, and can produce
a good part of your daily requirements of the nutrients you need
from fresh produce. The hassles are minor, the costs are low, and
the freshness is wonderful.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News
where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on
many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Creativity: Why Bother? 10 Benefits of Expressing Your Creativity
By Cynthia Morris, CPCC

As a child, you may have yearned to play the piano professionally, to act on Broadway, to write a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Perhaps you mentioned your aspirations to someone and were met with laughter or the assurance that there was no money in it. You swallowed your creative dreams and satisfied yourself with listening to music on the radio, to reading books or watching movies. How often have our creative selves been swept to the sidelines, to being the observer? We internalize the belief that we don’t have what it takes to make it big, and of course we don’t because we have hardly tried.
Its time to go for it. There is no proof that you will get rich, famous, or even produce anything worthwhile. Ignoring this urge to create isn’t making it go away. More and more people are heeding the call from within themselves to act upon their creative urges. We sense that there is something behind this creative urge, that expressing ourselves creatively may be the missing piece to a fulfilled life.
Creative expression, whether through mundane means or through art, is worth the effort. I have seen the difference in my clients’ lives when they are expressing themselves. Here is a list of benefits of expressing creativity that you too, can have. Added up, they can amount to a richer life.

1. Expanded sense of time. Countless artists have discussed the experience of timelessness that one encounters in the creative zone. Time is limitless when you are in the creative ‘zone.’ Strangely enough, when you give time to creative pursuits, you gain time. Who couldn’t use the feeling of more time?

2. Freedom. Creativity invites messiness and exploration. Here’s an opportunity to return to that feeling of being a child, to not know, to not be ‘good’, smart, the expert.

3. Enhanced relationships. Many people fear that if they begin living their creativity, then their relationships and other priorities will suffer. They won’t want to drag themselves away from the creative zone. However, when we are actively creating, we feel better about our relationships. We tend to be more generous to others. We have more to give because we have answered our urge to create.

4. Living integrity. When we are actively working on our projects, we honor our innate creativity. We live the belief that creativity does matter. This feels better than wishing we were writing, or talking about writing, but not doing it.

5. Save money. Expressing yourself can control the urge to impulse buy. Do you ever find yourself shopping just for something to do? Expressing yourself creatively can often fill the need to shop for the heck of it. Save money and do something creative instead of buying something you don’t really need or want.

6. Energetic, lighter quality to life. Call it a good mood. Call it a natural high. When we’ve done our creative work, we gain energy for our other responsibilities.

7. Connection with other creative people. When we are creating, we are connected to all of those who have gone before us and those who work now in the challenging but rewarding field of artistic creativity. What a gift in a world where we feel more and more isolated from each other.

8. Faith and confidence in our impulses. When we create, we recognize that our work does matter even if it is not published, displayed or presented to the public. We trust our instincts and gain confidence from expressing them. This confidence carries over into decisions we make in other areas of life.

9. Honoring the source of creative ideas. Where does creative inspiration come from? Some think it is God, or other divine source. We honor the gift of creative inspiration when we listen and act on our ideas, and by doing so, we are connecting to a deeper wisdom than our own.

10. Self-knowledge and discovery. Creativity is the route to authenticity. As we create, we plumb the depths of our being, accessing what we think and believe. You may be surprised at the resources, thoughts and impulses that you discover there.

These ten benefits do add up to more fulfillment and balance in life. I invite you to create a plan to match your creative vision. Give yourself the time and space to be a beginner. Write to me and let me know what benefits you have experienced. Have fun!

Cynthia Morris is the author of Create Your Writer’s Life and a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach. Visit her web site to find out more about a creative life at http://www.originalimpulse.com