Students Of Success

E-books are one of the most beneficial and easiest ways to make mone on line - if you sell them. But how can you make profits from free e-books? This closely-guarded secret of the self-styled guru’s has recently become easily achievable by just about anyone with something to say, and certainly by everyone who already has a e-book or other information product to sell.

What is a free e-book?

A free e-book is usually an abridged or shortened version of a full e-book or information product. However, neither the fact that it is free or that it is a shortened version of something else means that it can not have value on its own. In fact, you will quickly find that if it does not have its own intrinsic value, that it will be very difficult to distribute - even for free.

For example, our own free e-book gives away our entire content on heart disease and cholesterol - something that virtually everyone needs to know about if they want to maintain their health.

The reason for this is two-fold. Firstly, even if it isn’t costing them money, people always want something for their efforts. To download something then actually read it takes effort, and that effort had better be worthwhile! Secondly, the whole point of creating a free e-book is to showcase the main product i.e. the full book or information product, in order to generate sales. If the free book is not up to scratch, then you can be sure that sales of the full product will not benefit from it.

Why a free e-book, why not just sell it?

Good question. The simple answer is that people love to get something for nothing - or at least to feel that they are getting something for nothing. As stated above, in order for this to be the case, they need to perceive that the “something” has some value to them and the process needs to be as simple as possible.

This means that far more people will be prepared to read your book if it is free than if they have to pay even a small amount for it, which both suggests it has little value and adds time and effort to the process. Conversely, if people see your e-book is free it not only makes them more likely to download it, it also adds value to your main product, i.e. your paid-for book, by letting them know they can only get so much for free.

How will people find my free e-book if I have no website traffic?

This is perhaps the most crucial aspect of giving away anything from your website, and until recently, a difficult issue to resolve. Building traffic to your site takes both time and considerable effort - building the site, getting it hosted, promoting it etc. There are many ways to make this easier and relatively automatic, but it still takes some effort on your part, and, inevitably - time.

The secret of generating both interest in your product and traffic to your site is to get others to help you do it - in other words, multiplication of your efforts. Of course the people you will want to sell your product will already have successful websites (ideally with subject matter relevant to yours) and will want some reward for selling your product (or even giving it away), and this is the part that until recently was difficult.

How to get others to give away your free e-book?

The first thing you need to do is to arrange some reliable way to ensure that those who you want to help you will benefit from sales of your product. This is easy to arrange by setting up an affiliate program and there are many different ways of doing so, which vary enormously in cost, complexity and ease-of-use. Personally, we find Clickbank both inexpensive and easy to use both to set up your program and for your customers to make purchases.

The real key, however, to getting others to give away your FREE e-book is to ensure that THEY will benefit from any sales that it generates. That means that you need to allow them to add THEIR affiliate links to YOUR e-book, so that any recipients of the free book that click on the sales links will generate revenue for both of you.

Either you can make the resultant free e-book editable by your affiliates (a potentially risky strategy, just asking for it to be ripped off) or you can create what has become the new standard for such products - the brandable e-book.

What is a brandable e-book?

A brandable e-book is an e-book that contains specially formatted links that can be changed with a simple editing program without giving editing access to the rest of the book. This means that not only can your affiliates benefit by distributing a copy of your e-book with their links in it, but people that receive it from them can also reformat the links and redistribute it again (you explain HOW in the book itself!).

This creates a “viral” e-book that provides not only the motivation, but also the means for any web-savvy recipient of your book to make a profit from it. Of course, if your content is excellent as well, people will have another good reason to redistribute it to their friends etc and it will reach even further.

The key to creating a brandable e-book is to use an inexpensive branding program to create the special links for you, which will also give you the relevant re-branding program for your affiliates.

We explain exactly how to do this on our own re-branding page - feel free to copy our method and wording if you think it would help you.

By following these simple steps, you too can generate a small army of affiliates to help sell your product for you, for mutual benefit.

About the Author

Brian Adamson is the founder and President of Natural Health Information Centre, a unique, independent resource whose sole intention is to cut through the myth and propaganda surrounding disease and health and make available the TRUTH about Disease prevention, management and cure in easily understandable language.

A mother from Miami, Florida has a son who is currently studying for his business administration degree at the University of North Carolina. She usually communicates to her son through their regular home telephone line.

Although she is willing to spend money just to check on her son at the university, she is now complaining about the high rates that the local Miami telephone company is imposing on long distance voice calls. Instead of communicating with her son regularly, she manages now to call twice in a month to save her money.

If you are just like that mother who wants to have a regular communication with her son but having a hard time budgeting her telephone bills, then VOIP phone service is the right one for you.

What is with the VOIP that will help you gain more savings? To start with, let us differentiate this new phone service from your regular telephone line.

The traditional landline phone you are currently using can be operated through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A private network reaches into your home through the standard phone jacks attached in your wall.

Now, the VOIP or the Voice over Internet Protocol allows you to make calls by connecting your phone set to the Internet over your modem (cable or DSL). You will be using the ATA or the analog telephone adapter plugged into your broadband modem. This will convert the electric pulses from your phone into Internet Protocol packets that pass through the Internet.

These are now digital signals (against the analog signals from your regular telephone lines) that your phone will be converting into a much clearer and better voice reproduction quality.

To have a clearer picture, this is how it works. For instance, you dial your friend’s number using VOIP phone service. Then he picked up the phone and say “Hello.” Now, that voice converts into the aforementioned electric pulses and transmits it into the IP packets. Before it reached your earpiece, these pulses are again converted into the original voice and you will now be hearing his voice.

However, the conversion is quite complex, rest assured that this phone system uses the secure and reliable transmission of data from one end to another.

Now, what makes it advantageous over the regular telephone line? The point here is that the VOIP phone service is much cheaper.

If you will heard a phone service provider that will advertise that their unlimited local and long distance call packages can be availed for as low as $20 a month, and then they are using VOIP phone system.

Another is that some of the features of the regular telephone line are free of charge in the VOIP phone service. Broadband service provider offers features such as call waiting, caller identification, speed dialing, conference calls and others free.

All you have to do is to subscribe to a VOIP phone service provider. You must have a personal computer, a reliable Internet connection (if your Internet service cuts off occasionally, so as your phone service), a modem, the analog telephone adaptor, and a phone set. Then you are now ready to say “Hi” and “Hello” to your friends and relatives without anymore thinking the cost of your call to them.

If you are still undecided, here is a cue for you to consider—monthly subscription of $70 excluding long distance and international calls, or $20 worth of all the type of calls that you want, including other voice call features? It is now your choice.

Bob Hett has extensively covered the VoIP Service Provider industry as an analyst and has researched the various companies for factors based on price, reliability, support and overall quality. Learn more at VOIP Phone Service.

Most people associate embroidery with a boring way to fill up a
housewife’s daily life. The uninteresting procedure of producing
a stitched picture on a cloth may seem to many uninitiated a
sheer waste of time. But, once you learn more about it, you may
come to discover how incredibly fascinating it is. To begin
with, embroidery has a long history, which dates back to more
than 3000 years B.C.It is probably the first form of art, as man
has used decoration with aesthetic purposes as early as the
invention of the needle and thread themselves. What is more: you
may not be aware but actually embroidery was a man’s not a
woman’s invention! In ancient cultures from every part of the
world, embroidery and needlework was regarded as a priority only
for the chosen and talented boys. The embroiderers-to-be had to
study the fine craft under the supervision of a master. It took
them more than ten years’ apprenticeship until they were
approved to practice on their own. Embroidery has not only a
long history. The most amazing fact is that it had evolved
simultaneously in almost every part of the world where people
practiced sewing. Different cultures formed different embroidery
types. The development of needlework also depended on the
various materials used by a certain culture. The styles of
embroidery, which different nations invented, were passed on
generations to generations and many of them have survived till
nowadays. We know of the embroidery work practiced by the
ancient Egyptians. It was done with white threads on a white
canvas. This embroidery is so sophisticated that even nowadays
the modern technologies have difficulty doing it the same way.
Another type of finest quality was the Chinese silk embroidery,
known as the two-sided embroidery. It is amasingly intricate and
it takes years of hard efforts to complete. Also famous is the
“raised” embroidery, practiced in the 16th century. It is better
known as the Elizabethan embroidery. It involved stitching
decorations like butterflies, leaves and other beautiful designs
with the usage of wool, leather and wood padding. Still popular
today is the Western European embroidery called crewel. This
technique uses two-ply wool stitching on linen twill and is
practiced when making decorations on different household cloths,
such as counterpanes, wall hangings, draperies, chair coverings.
What strikes most in these embroidery styles is that they are
incredibly difficult to produce and many people lose their
patience before completing one canvas. Nowadays, embroidery has
developed so far, that even the clumsiest novice can try and
stitch something beautiful by using computer software or
high-tech sewing machines. That makes things more pleasant for
the new beginner. Despite the available technology, artistic
embroiderers prefer authenticity and still spend their time
doing everything themselves. The finest details cannot be
produced by technologically-based machines, because embroidery
is most of all a kind of art, and all art needs its talented
artists.

Few know the meaning of consequence. Those of us who do are responsible for those who do not know consequence. Many words can go without consequence and many should. Many words, dependant upon who they come from, need consequence. One cannot justify their argument by claiming themselves to be a victim when the evidence proves otherwise.

Rarely, with the elementary playground excluded, do people get singled out and treated poorly by an infinite number of people. If a number of peoples experiences with one person indicate that said person is one thing or another, chances are that the person truly is guilty of such convictions.

A flaw with convictions:

As said above, a person may be guilty of something – but it is not a conviction until someone has convinced the person of error or has compelled the admission of a truth.

One may say that there is no consequence for what I say. To that I need to respond with: what consequence do I deserve other that which I have served for not speaking these words that should have been spoken when YOUR crime was first committed? The only crime that I am hereby guilty of is stupidity. I have allowed myself to be used while you portray yourself as a kind and loving yet abused person. You are a manipulative. Your truths are only truth to you because your lies which you have spread so vigorously have come back to you. You now believe your own lies to be true.

When life is handed to you and all that you call your own has come to you with no sweat or blood of your own being exhausted, how can I expect that you would be able to understand what I am trying to put forth in an attempt to make you understand where I am coming from? But then, how can you expect ME to understand where you’re coming from. How can I empathize with you? I have had to deal with disappointments far beyond anything that life has ever presented to you. I have learned to work past the kinks and avoid the large bumps. You get hung up on a strand of hair that falls before your path.

I fear for you. I fear what will happen when reality strikes you.

If you’re a writer, researcher, subject matter expert, enthusiastic hobbyist, or an authority on almost any topic, there has never been a better time to start your own subscription website or online newsletter.

And if you’re already publishing a hobby website, now is the ideal time to convert at least a portion of the content to fee-paid access.

Smart website owners are now realizing just how valuable their hard-earned knowledge is to others. Much of the information that used to be available for free to anyone and everyone on the World Wide Web is moving behind closed doors, accessible only to paying subscribers.

Savvy writers and publishers are not giving it away anymore. They’re setting up profit-driven, members-only websites and building online communities of subscribers who value their knowledge. Perhaps surprisingly, resistance to paying for content is gradually melting away.

The end of free

This trend away from websites offering free information and toward a subscription, or pay-for-access business model, has several causes.

First, only a few websites operated by big companies can afford to provide valuable content without being compensated. Some of them can do it for the public relations value, but they are the exception.

The rest of us can’t be so generous. And trying to recapture our expenses by selling advertising on our websites has failed to pay the bills. Online advertising and click-through rates are on the decline.

Second, many people are now more than willing to pay to learn what you already know, as thousands of online publishers of subscription websites have already proven.

Why subscribers are ready to pay

The Internet has enabled people with similar interests to find each other and form online communities. Whether your interest is in politics, gardening, or model railroading, the Internet enables you to connect to others who share your enthusiasms and values.

But in the current political and social climate, there is heightened anxiety and concern about privacy. If you previously contributed to public online discussion forums, you may now be feeling vulnerable. You never know who is lurking and reading your comments, or gathering information about you. One frequent concern: what spammers are harvesting your e-mail address?

However, in the seclusion of a subscribers-only website, you feel more protected. You can share ideas with an affinity group of like-minded people with less fear of ridicule or repercussions. The publisher moderates the forum and promises to honor your privacy.

These concerns are not diminishing over time, they are intensifying as people perceive the world — and cyberspace — as an increasingly dangerous place. The result has been a proliferation of private, members-only, subscription websites and online newsletters covering literally hundreds of diverse and specialized topics.

Finding the right subscription business model

Coming up with the right topic for a successful subscription website is usually the biggest stumbling block for those wanting to get into this business. Choosing your site topic is a serious issue, as the topic you select pretty much dictates your chances of success with a subscription website.

Research by the Subscription Website Publishers Association (http://www.SWEPA.com) shows at least five successful models for subscription website topic selection. These include existing print newsletter topics; trade and professional associations; career advancement, personality based or insider tips; and downloadable product libraries. For details go to http://www.swepa.com/public/136.cfm.

As the Internet changes, it is creating moneymaking opportunities for people who like to write, teach and otherwise share their expertise. Your years of study, hands-on experience, and tried and true wisdom could be worth a hefty income when turned into an online community.

Online communities bring together people who are interested in a common topic. They create value by providing insiders’ secrets that the group is eager to learn about. And best of all, the members are willing to pay money to join.

Why having a subscription website on the Internet is so great

As the publisher of a subscription website, you have an almost unfair advantage over other print publications that don’t operate on the Internet. Consider the benefits:

• Low cost of entry — a computer, minimal software and Internet access are all you need.

• No or low rent — work from home.

• Low overhead — production and distribution costs are close to zero.

• No employees — do it all yourself.

• Operate from anywhere in the world.

• Access a worldwide audience.

• Reach a well educated, affluent market.

• Offer a visually rich website, with text, images, audio or video.

• Sell and deliver digital information products instantly.

• Build loyal communities through discussion groups, online events.

The next phase in the subscription website evolution

Information is increasing in value. Over the next several years, the trend to information provided on the Internet by paid subscription will continue.

A two-tier model for the dissemination of quality content is emerging. Successful online publishers provide samples of their wares for free, either on the public portion of their website, or through a free, opt-in e-mail newsletter.

But to get down to the most valuable data — the premium content of secrets and the insider’s tips and techniques — subscribers are learning that they have to pay. Information seekers are getting accustomed to the change, just as they have learned to pay for premium content on cable and satellite television.

The most successful online publishers will be those who can strike the perfect balance between free and fee. The time to get started with your own subscription website is now.

About The Author

Peter A. Schaible is executive director of the Subscription Website Publishers Association (http://www.SWEPA.com).

SWEPA exists to support online publishing by providing education, training and industry recognition. Our goal is to help members build successful, profitable subscription websites.

Copyright 2003 Subscription Website Publishers Association. Permission to reprint is granted provided the references and hypertext links to SWEPA are included.

peter@swepa.com

The majority of motorcycle braking systems have a right-front lever for activating the front brake and a right foot pedal for activating the rear brake. There exist some variations on the basic motorcycle brake systems. Some of these innovations may affect how you handle low-speed manuevers.

1. Integrated brakes: Application of the rear brake will cause some application of the front brake.

2. Linked brakes: Application of either the rear or front brake will cause some pressure to be applied to the opposite brake.

3. Anti-lock brakes: Popular in BMW and the Yamaha FJR bikes. These are designed to minimize skidding in the event of a maximum-braking straight-line stop.

If you are going to learn anything about motorcycling, it is Stopping a motorcycle in the shortest possible distance. I urge you to practice in a safe place, an empty parking lot in order to keep your braking skills sharp.

Straight-Line Braking

You may ask, but how do I implement maximum motorcycle braking? Well, the best way to achieve maximum braking is to apply both brakes fully without locking either wheel. Simultaneously squeeze the front brake lever and apply the rear brake pedal. Keepyour body centered and keep looking straight ahead to maintain your balance. Do not look down or you will most likely go down. Looking straight ahead helps you to keep the motorcycle in a straight line.

Braking in a Curve

The important thing to remember about braking in a curve is that the amount of traction available to you and your tires is reduced. Why? well this is because there is a limited amount of grip (surface area of the tire) existing between the tires and the road surface when the motorcycle is in a leaning over position. Now the key to stopping quickly in a curve is to get the motorcycle in an upright straight position as soon as possible. Time is distance, do it quickly. You want to do this so that the maximum amount of traction is available for braking. By uprighting the bike, more surface area of the tire will be in contact with the road. If road and traffic conditions allow, straighten up the motorcycle first and center or square the handlebar before you apply maximum braking. You will now be making a Straight-line stop.

Ok, there may be a tome when conditions do not allow you to straighten out your bike and time to square your handlebar. These are, running off the road in a left-hand turn (me, I did this) or dealing with the uncoming traffic in a right-hand turn. In these conditions, you will need to apply both brakes smoothly and easy. Do not slam down on the brake controls, this will most likely cause you to lock up one or both tires and cause you a world of problems such as going down. As you gradually apply the brakes, the lean angle will be reduced into a more upright position, as this occurs apply more braking force.

The goal is to have the motorcycle straight up at the end of a stop. Remember, this is the reason you want to center up the handlebar as you near the end of the stop.

Contributing author to Cycle Solutions.
http://www.cyclesolutions.net

We call some people “self disciplined” and others we call “undisciplined.” And what’s fascinating is that one person can be disciplined at one thing but not at another. I know an extremely successful businesswoman who has run two different billion-dollar businesses. If you saw her in her business environment, you would say she was disciplined. However, this same woman has had an extreme weight problem for as long as I’ve known her, and so far she hasn’t had discipline in that area of her life, even though she would identify it as an area of tremendous concern to her.

How can this happen? How can a brilliant person so strong and disciplined in one area of his or her life be so undisciplined and unsuccessful in another?

The answer is deceptively simple. Discipline always involves the act of reaching a goal, and it also reflects the level of commitment that is attached to the goal. Furthermore, our various personal commitments will be ranked in the order we consciously, or more likely unconsciously, believe fit with our life priorities.

When goals are set halfheartedly and they don’t reflect our top life priorities, there should be no surprise when we display low discipline and we fail.

The vast majority of us have no grasp of what our top life priorities are. And because we aren’t conscious of them, we tend to move them around very fluidly. That’s why weight may seem like a high priority on Monday but be lowered to a secondary importance below taste enjoyment by Friday. Likewise, fidelity might seem like the highest priority until temptation comes in our path.

In general we allow ourselves to get in the habit of setting goals for which we are not truly committed, and then we beat ourselves up when we fail at achieving them. There is a huge difference between even a 99% commitment and a 100% commitment. Choosing to be disciplined about something means committing 100% to reaching the objective.

My great friend Wayne Dyer (author of The Secrets to Manifesting Your Destiny) is a wonderful example of what it means to be “truly disciplined.” There was a time when Wayne had run eight miles every day for 21 years in a row without missing a day! That’s over 7,665 days straight running eight miles a day with no exceptions! I don’t know about you, but I’d be overwhelmed with the thought of attempting that. And yet to Wayne, it was a part of his day — every day — without exception. Now I think Wayne would admit he isn’t disciplined at everything. But what allowed him to be so disciplined at this?

He simply made running the most, or certainly one of the most, important activities in his day, every day. The great thing about this is that you simply don’t allow anything to get in the way of the most important objectives in your day. Everything else takes a lower priority. All of a sudden reaching the objective becomes easy. You become — disciplined.

In the case of Wayne, I’m sure that over the 21-year period there were literally millions of things that he could have used as an excuse not to run one of those days. But, because it was one of his top priorities, nothing got in the way of Wayne’s running. He ran when he had a fever, he ran in place on long flights, and during bad weather he would run up and down the halls of his hotel. That’s discipline!

Here’s a fun, potentially life-changing game I’d encourage you to play. Pick out an area of your life that you’ve had weak discipline in in the past. Set an objective relating to this area. Now, set that objective as your life’s top priority — or at least put it in the very top few. Then set a minimum time that you will stay committed to this objective. I’d recommend a minimum of a month, but for this game you could even choose a week. If you can be disciplined for one week, you can be disciplined for as long as you choose.

Now, this is going to mean reprioritizing your time from your normal weekly schedule, but you’ll do it – Why? Because it’s your top priority!

While doing this, you’re going to experience an interesting phenomenon. In the past, when you have set halfhearted objectives, your brilliant mind would start figuring out how to get around the objective to get you back to your comfort zone. However, now you’ll find when it’s your top priority, your mind works only on achieving the objective and taking you where you really want to go.

During this trial period I suggest you keep a priority journal. Each time you fail to meet your objective, write down what activity or activities took a higher priority. It will prove to be interesting to see what you allow as an excuse to knock your objective from its top position.

You will realize that failing to meet your objectives, regardless of what they are, is a choice, because something else has been given higher priority. If you fail, it is because you choose to fail – It’s as simple as that!

Vic Conant is the President and CEO of Nightingale Conant Corp. the premier publisher of audio personal development programs in the world.

Vic had the great fortune of growing up surrounded by the works of the modern legends of the motivation industry like Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale to name a few.

Vic has undoubtedly worked with more of the great self-improvement authors than any other human being alive today. And when an upcoming author in the human potential field wants to get published it is just natural for him or her to seek out Vic and Nightingale-Conant.

Online cash advance requirements are very simple and you can easily qualify. With all the requirements fulfilled, your application is usually approved within 24 hours. Basically, there are two main online cash advance requirements:

- You must have a current job

- You must have a valid bank account

Having these, you have just fulfilled the cash advance qualifications for an online cash advance. Now you need to decide only the amount of online cash advance. This, of course, will depend on your monthly income. To qualify for online cash advance, you are not required to undergo a credit check. You may be required to furnish copies of your last paycheck, copies of your latest bank statement, a copy of your driving license, etc. Filling up an online cash advance application does not require more than a few minutes.

Cash Advance Qualifications – A Few Essentials

Other than the above requirements to qualify for online cash advance, you need to have access to the Internet, and you need to be above 18 years of age. There is no credit check, you need not provide any security and you need not to furnish any references.

- You need to have access to Internet, as that is how you make your online cash advance application.

- You need to be above 18 years of age as this is the legal requirement.

- You need to be currently employed, as you will need to supply copies of your latest pay slip.

- You need to have a bank account, as your online cash advance amount will be deposited in your account. In addition, you will pay back your loan through your bank account.

Instant Cash Advance – How Does It Work

You may face a situation in which in which you require cash quickly for an emergency. Applying for instant cash advance may just be the way out. Many online lenders would be willing to provide you an instant cash advance of, say, between $250 and $1,500. In return, you need to provide them with your bank account details or your next paycheck.

Instant cash advance schemes are very similar to payday loans and are legal and above board. They are similar to seeking an overdraft from your bank until the next time you are paid, and cancel the overdraft. Only, instant cash advance is faster.

If you land up with an unexpected bill, you now knows that instant cash advance can be a lifesaver!

With simple requirements you can get fast cash advance within 24 hours. Get instant cash loan with no teletrack no fax required. Are you in Australia? Check out our other articles on cash advance and payday loan in Australia.

What is Hardanger embroidery?

Hardanger embroidery, also known as Hardangersøm
embroidery from Hardanger), originates from the Hardanger
region of Norway. It is a cutwork embroidery, traditionally
worked in white thread on white evenweave linen fabric.
Many people come to Hardanger embroidery from a
background of cross stitch. Hardanger, like most cross
stitch, is a counted embroidery. Hardanger offers new
challenges to cross stitchers as it has a much wider range
of stitches, and a very different look. While cross stitch is
pictorial, Hardanger is not: its designs are based around
pattern, texture and areas of openwork.

Historical Hardangersøm

The history of Hardanger is unclear, but it is likely that it was
originally created as a “homemade” version of the
needlelaces that were popular in the 1600s and 1700s in
Europe.

Early Hardangersøm was often worked in horizontal bands
in pieces such as aprons and ecclesiastical linen. It had
cutwork in simple shapes such as diamonds and triangles.
These were edged with satin stitch (klosters). They also
used cable stitch, often as a pulled thread stitch. There was
additional satin stitch to decorate, and eyelets (though not in
the centre of kloster block clusters). Along the edges of the
band was usually a section of needleweaving (a long drawn
thread section with hemstitched edges with threads woven
back together in patterns). The entire design usually had
four-sided stitch worked as a pulled thread stitch along the
tops and bottoms of these bands. Examples of work such
as this can be seen at Vesterheim Norwegian American
museum in Decorah, Iowa, and in a Norwegian book
entitled “Hardangersaum” by Gudrun Stuland, (Oslo:
Fabritius & Sonners Forlag, 1960).

Within the parameters described above, there was a large
amount of room for creativity in design. The designs are
hugely varied, and very beautiful. The filling stitches used in
the cutwork needleweaving were very simple - often just
plain woven bars, sometimes with knotted picots, or
diagonal twisted bars.

What has changed in contemporary Hardanger?

The buttonhole edge so common in contemporary
Hardanger did not develop until much later, and it is one of
the main things that has changed hardanger designing.
According to information collected by Lucy Lyons Willis, early
Hardangersøm stitchers never used a stitch like this
because it would have used up too much precious thread.
The buttonhole edge has meant that now Hardanger pieces
can be pretty much any shape you care to have! This is a
large difference from the original bands.

Colour of both thread and fabric is also a major difference
between old and contemporary Hardanger. Historical
Hardanger embroidery was traditionally a whitework
embroidery - using white thread on white fabric.
Contemporary designs sometimes use fabric which is
coloured or thread which is coloured. Often they incorporate
metallic threads, overdyed threads, and beading. The
palette of colours is limited only by one’s imagination and
the threads and fabric available. Contemporary Hardanger
sometimes is worked in combination with other techniques
such as cross stitch.

Contemporary Hardanger embroidery is often less intricate
than older pieces, but is used for a much wider range of
applications. Ornaments, cushions, tablecloths,
bookmarks, framed pieces, needlebooks and doilies are all
common applications for contemporary Hardanger.

Learning Hardanger embroidery

The best way to start learning Hardanger embroidery is by
enrolling in a class at a local shop, community college, or
embroiderers’ guild, or by using a step-by-step instruction
book such as “Hardanger Basics and Beyond” by Janice
Love, or “Elegant Hardanger Embroidery” by Yvette Stanton.
There are also basic instructions to be found at some
Hardanger focussed websites.

Hardanger is a great way to move further into embroidery,
such as from an introduction of cross stitch, which is where
many people first encounter the wonderful world of
embroidery. With its elegant cutwork designs, Hardanger is
a beautiful style of embroidery for stitchers to explore. Why
not try it today?

Yvette Stanton

http://www.hardanger.how.to

Author of “Elegant Hardanger Embroidery” and
“Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature”

Yvette Stanton is passionate about historical styles of
embroidery, particularly whitework. She enjoys doing
embroidery, learning about embroidery, teaching
embroidery and writing about embroidery. Hardanger has
always been a particular favourite. To learn more about
Yvette’s books, designs, classes, products and her
embroidery tips, sign up for her newsletter “NeedleNews” at
her website.

With fossil fuel prices expected to continue increasing, many people are nervous about future heating bills. Using biomass as an alternative is becoming particularly popular. As strange as it may sound, corn is a popular fuel.

Not Just For Movies Anymore

As mentioned by President Bush in his State of the Union speech, the United States has a bad oil addiction. Throw in the negative environmental impact of using fossil fuels, and it becomes apparent a change is needed. As we look around for alternative energy sources, biomass is becoming a popular choice. Biomass is simply energy derived from the burning of bio fuels such as animal waste and excessive crops.

As people starve around the world, it is sadly ironic that we have a major surplus of corn. Corn makes an excellent biomass power source. This is because corn packs a serious amount of energy in each kernel. When used with a heating system, they produce as much heat as traditional furnaces, but at a much lower cost.

Biomass corn energy is produced using dry shelled corn as the power source. Unlike the edible variety, the corn does not have to be of high quality stock. Pretty much any shelled corn will do so long as it is dry and free of husk fibers.

Corn is turned into heat for a home much the same way as wood. The process involves a fired stove with corn being used instead of wood. If you’re picturing standing in the snow with a shovel, you will be happily disappointed. These days, shelled corn is delivered to your home where it is stored in a tank. As the heating system requires additional fuel, a thermostat senses the loss in temperature and opens a door in the storage tank. A pre-set amount of corn falls into the furnace and, ta da, you have more fire and more heat. The heat is then piped into the home through the same duct system used with an electric heating system.

Generally, burning corn for heat will cost you half as much as oil produced energy, 30 percent less than coal produced heat and 70 percent less than heat produced with natural gas. If you’re buying energy to heat your house from a utility company, converting to a corn can save you as much as 75 percent.

At first mention, using corn as a fuel source might seem “out there.” In truth, it is the most searched type of furnace on the Internet. That should tell you something about its popularity and viability.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit our biomass energy page to read more about corn burning furnaces.