How to Write Great Movie Reviews for Your Entertainment Website

If you have an entertainment website then you're always looking for fresh, new, fun and interesting material to keep your readers coming back for more. Movie reviews are a great way to do that. People always want to know what someone else thinks about the movie they want to see and they will scour the web to look for these opinions. Now you could syndicate another site's reviews, but why do that? You want your readers to be loyal to you and your site and honestly, they want to hear what you have to say and what you think. If you're thinking you haven't the foggiest idea on how to write fun, compelling movie reviews, then think again. I'm going to tell you all you need to know.

1. Actively Watch the Movie ? Yes, I recognize that movie watching is a passive activity. Watching a movie isn't something you do, it is something that happens to you. However, if you want to write good reviews you have to learn to look at movies with a critical eye. This means you need to pay attention to everything and I mean Everything. Notice how the actors are placed in each shot, the setting, the camera angles, even the music. All of these elements play a role in the story that is trying to be told and are important to talk about if you want to write the compelling sort of reviews that your readers will stop by your site each week to read. .

2. Take Copious Notes ? No, I don't expect you to sit in a theatre with pen and pad or laptop in hand. But I do expect you to take solid mental notes. Information such as the actor's names or who the director was is easy to come across, but information like camera shots, or plot devices is not, so you need to train yourself not only to watch for that type of information but also to remember it.

3. Summarize. Don't Spoil. ? This is important. Nothing is worse then reading a review that tells the whole movie from beginning to end and leaves nothing for you to see. People want your opinion, not for you to spoil the movie. A basic summation of the plot is all that is necessary. From there you can talk about whether or not the plot worked well or was the plot even a plot at all. Let the details of the film be revealed when your readers see the film, not when they read your review.

4. Critical Analysis is Key ? The difference between a review anyone can write and a review people will clamor to read is in how well you analyze the film. Think about those papers you had to write for lit class in college. The professor didn't want you to just tell him what the book was about but wanted you to break down the themes in the book and how they related to the plot, the characters, etc. Well the same is true for a movie review. No one wants a summary of events or the plot. A good review will examine the themes or ideas the movie raises and talk about how well or not so well the movie executed those themes and ideas.

5. Point Out the Pros and the Cons ? No movie is perfect and rarely is any movie all bad, so take the time to talk about what the movies does well and what it does not so well.

6. Be Original ? For some folk it is two thumbs up, for others it is rotten tomatoes. Whatever you decide you want your rating system to be, be original. Try to find a hook that works for you. Just don't do something that closely resembles someone else or you'll just seem like a bad copy of the original.

Follow these steps and you'll be writing the best reviews the web has to offer and your readers will constantly come back for more week in and week out. Happy writing.

(C) 2005 Tamika Johnson

Tamika Johnson is a freelance writer and editor and chief of Prologue, the best arts and entertainment online community the web has to offer. To read more articles by Tamika and to receive FREE tips on how to be a successful writer visit http://www.prologuezine.com

Motivating Your Employees

CREATE A MOTIVATIONAL CLIMATE: Create a climate where others find long-term motivation. Long term motivation comes from a positive work environment, and positive reinforcement. Usually long-term motivation is impossible without short-term motivation. Short-term motivation comes from the staff working together, learning from each other, and giving as well as receiving constant feedback to each other. Short-term motivation builds self motivation. Self motivation comes from daily reinforcements. Little reinforcements such as good food in the cafeteria, jolly co-workers, and a little pat on the back contribute to self motivation. If the staff enjoys working in the organization, they're more likely to do their best to stay there.

CREATING A POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE: The ability to create a positive atmosphere is easier than you think. Your first aim is to achieve is perspective; the perspective of the employees who work for you. With their needs in mind, you will be able to create a more comfortable, yet professional atmosphere. Remember every time you do something positive for the staff, you are boosting morale which leads to a better work environment, or as the saying goes, "You are likely to get more with honey than vinegar."

YOU CAN BOOST EMPLOYEE MORALE: 1. Have an effective benefit plan. 2. Be flexible. 3. Trust employees. 4. Be pleasant. 5. Have a cafeteria with good food and good prices. 6. Have an office holiday party. 7. Have an annual luncheon for employees. 8. Schedule company outings and teams. 9. Thank employees for a job well done.

LINKING THE ORGANIZATION AND STAFF: Leaders link the organization and staff together. In fact, they are one of the few elements that directly connect the two. Other elements are projects, and office-related social events, both of which may not pose high-obligation for many employees. If an organization consisted of only employees nothing would happen, aside from a little hoopla. That's why there's often a chain of command in an organization, which usually range from the most successful leader to the least successful. And the least successful leader has no where to go but up.

Copyright AE Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Spyware - The Internet Devil Of Our Times!

Spyware and Adware infest over 90 percent of computers in use today. Internet linked computers has made it easy for spybots, adware, and trojans to infiltrate and compromise online privacy. Installed toolbars can also contribute to browser hijacking and spyware related problems.

Spyware, malware, scumware, and trojans gather information about people and online activities. It is important to deny these "Internet Pests" the opportunity to infiltrate computers, so that computer privacy is intact. Everybody is entitled to enjoy online privacy and security.

There are serious consequences pertaining to unidentified spyware, which include identity theft, computer corruption, slow down of pc system, privacy issues, and annoying pop-up ads. Neglecting to stop spyware is a surefire way to invite computer infestations. Spyware removal software is a "must" for Internet privacy and security.

Spyware slips by anti-virus and firewall protection by piggybacking on seemingly legitimate downloads. These spyware files are stealthily installed on computer systems without anyone ever knowing it. Infestations often occur when people download freeware, shareware, file sharing or through email and instant messaging.

Spyware and adware are applications that intertwine with core computer functions and make manual removal, without system disruption, very difficult for most computer users. That is why it is important to have anti-spyware software installed.

A spyware scanner is a useful tool that protects computers at all times, so that people can enjoy surfing the net, without compromising privacy. Personal surfing habits, online chats and Internet activities are protected from those prying Internet eyes. Online identity theft is of great concern these days. Hence, it is a good idea to install spyware removal software, for online privacy. Protect yourself, from Internet snooping and stealing of personal information, for peace of mind.

Julian Pereira has researched Spyware and its many implications over the years. He brings to light the many problems that spyware can cause to unsuspecting computer users besides the loss of privacy and the risk of identity theft. Julian also has a website that offers a Free Spyware Scanner that can be found at http://www.DeleteSpyware.net

End-Times and the Other Bible

Can you imagine Biblical "End-Times" prophecies happening in your lifetime? Does thinking about disasters like the three days of darkness and the Wormwood predictions trouble you when you're alone in the still of the night? If so, the "End-times" knowledge in a Bible-era wisdom text called The Kolbrin offers hope through new insights. Parts of it were written in the very days when Jesus walked the Earth, and it echoes the warnings of the Bible, that we could be in the "End-Times!"

Unlike the rare and arcane texts used by Bible researchers, The Kolbrin offers a familiar way to understand Bible prophecy. Written with families in mind, it offers simple "you-were-there" style accounts of many of the disasters also mentioned in the Bible. As a historical text, it covers the period between Exodus and the last additions to the New Testament.

WRITTEN IN BIBLICAL TIMES TO EXPLAIN THE END TIMES

Within its 548 pages, The Kolbrin offers a profound collection of prophecies and creation stories. Published by Your Own World Books in both print and ebook editions, it is now available at Amazon.com and other popular Internet bookseller sites.

By reading and sharing this ancient text with others, you will deepen your understanding of the Nature of God because of the way it complements the Bible. While God used the Bible to chronicle the growth of a Nation, The Kolbrin chronicles the lives of those who loved Him, and in a manner that reaches deep into the soul of the reader.

From ancient times and different lands, the Bible and The Kolbrin contributors describe many of the same accounts. Focused on individual impact, The Kolbrin's authors make you feel the gritty darkness against your skin, hear locusts swarming in to destroy your crops, and then leave you to watch your livestock whither and die before you.

The Kolbrin also offers ancient stories that could have been excluded from the Bible during its first translations centuries ago. These ancient stories reveal new "End-Times" perspectives with breathtaking clarity. You'll read about "End-Times" harbingers such as the giant "sky-monsters" (meteors) that battled in the heavens above until God cut them apart and threw them down upon the Earth.

ANCIENT WARNINGS OF MODERN THREATS

According to The Kolbrin, these "sky-monsters," precede and accompany the "The Destroyer," a massive object in a long-period orbit around our sun. What does it look like? They warn us it will "burns redly" as it enters the core of our system.

Mentioned profusely in the texts, the prophecy is clear. The "Destroyer" will return after The Kolbrin is revealed to humanity ? but could the ancients be wrong? Not likely. Our sun is more violent now than ever before in recorded history, and our planet is warming, as are the other major bodies in our system. Perhaps these are harbingers of the "Destroyer," as well.

While The Kolbrin offers somber warnings, it also offers hope. According to the ancients, the "Destroyer" is attended by "helpers" that can wreak havoc upon the Earth, or help humanity to grow in wisdom, and thereby, closer to God.

SHARE THE KOLBRIN WITH OTHERS TODAY

With the future of humanity at stake, the need for the common man to access the wisdom of The Kolbrin is paramount. The Kolbrin Citation System is designed specially for this purpose. Available only with Your Own World Books print and ebook editions, it speeds collaborative studies with a Bible-intuitive design. Optimized for popular ebook formats, it quickly leads readers to passages of interest in ways that were unimaginable to the original authors.

If the ancients are correct, the return of the "Destroyer" will happen in the near future. This makes the "End-Times" warnings of The Kolbrin a matter of urgency. For those with the foresight to prepare, it opens a doorway to ancient knowledge stretching back to the very days when Jesus walked the Earth.

For those on a limited budget, the publisher offers a special low-cost edition in the Mobipocket format. Also, most local libraries will acquire a copy of the print version upon request.

Free Publishing Guidelines: You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

Marshall Masters is an author, publisher, Internet radio host, and former CNN science features news producer. His titles include Godschild Covenant: Return of Nibiru, Gold Fever, Indigo?E.T. Connection, and Orange Blossom. He also developed the Kolbrin Citation System to help encourage collaborative analysis of The Kolbrin, a Biblical-era document, published in both print and electronic versions.

The Kolbrin: Your Own World Books, First Edition
Learn More: http://yowbooks.com/html/kolbrin.html
Free Samples: http://dx.doi.org/10.1572/kolbrin
Marshall Masters, The Kolbrin Citation System
http://dx.doi.org/10.1572/marshall.masters

Fuel Prices on the Rise

With gasoline prices at the pump climbing strongly into the $2 slot, many people are becoming concerned about how high they may go, and what Congress should do about it, if anything. Petroleum prices effect the pricing of so many other products. Most of the items bought by consumers have been trucked some distance from a factory, to a warehouse, to a retail store. Consumer transportation, home heating, and electricity can also be adversely affected by rising fuel costs.

Besides capped oil wells and vast reserves in Alaska, the United States maintains a petroleum storage called the "U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve". This government-owned stockpile of crude oil is stored away in a series of salt domes in Texas and Louisiana. Current records show the reserves to be holding 700 million barrels of crude. These reserves are held for national emergencies or during wartime efforts. A significant amount was withdrawn from these reserves during Desert Storm in 1990. As of late, the Bush Administration has been topping off these large salt caverns with crude, even as the price was on the rise.

Unfortunately, these vast reserves are only a drop in the barrel when compared with the United States domestic demand. Presently at 20 million barrels per day, the United States could completely drain this reserve in just 35 days. Of course, every country on the globe uses petroleum. Global demand is now at about 82 million barrels per day, and rising each year by about 2 million barrels per day. The Energy Information Administration website estimates total global reserves of petroleum at approximately 1.2 trillion barrels. It is unclear from the report viewed for this article as to whether this is a report of all known crude on the planet, or just the crude of developed sites. If it is an estimate of all known crude, than at current global usage---without increases in use--- this indicates that 39-1/2 years of crude remains.

Some in U.S. Congress have been pushing the agenda to begin drilling in the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge. On March 16, a closely divided senate voted in favor to open Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, moving the country one step closer to opening the Alaskan crude reserves. Experts estimate that the billions of barrels of oil beneath the 1.5 million-acre coastal plain can be extracted from key positions so as to cause minimal interruption to the surrounding area. Many political hurdles must be passed before drilling would be permissible. After committee reviews, the Senate and House both still must pass the final version of the proposal. Experts estimate that it would take 7 to 10 years of development before oil would be pumping from the ground.

Opponents argue that the volume of Alaskan oil will be insignificant to control petroleum prices, or to substantially reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Government models forecast that oil companies would be able to pump nearly 1 million barrels of oil per day from the Alaskan Refuge by the year 2025. At present U.S. demand, that represents 5% of daily consumption.

According to the Energy Information Administration website, the Middle East crude reserves account for 57% of global supply. The North American continent holds about 17%. The remaining 26% of supplies are somewhat evenly split around the globe, with the smallest volumes being in Asia and Western Europe, where crude demand is quite high. Much of the developed world relies on imported crude.

Tom Clouser is a 38 year old farmer in Pennsylvania. In addition to farming, he and his father publish a monthly 16-page newspaper called "Trees 'n' Turf", which targets subjects of interest to those in land use industries and activities. View their website at http://www.clouserfarm.net

5 Tips for Dining Out and Eating Healthily

Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant meal has over 1,000 calories? That's enough to blow any healthy eating plan. Fortunately, by following a few simple guidelines, you can dine out without having to sacrifice good taste and nutrition.

1. Avoid ordering an appetizer. It's a little known fact that some appetizers have more calories and fat than the main course. Plus, many appetizers are fried and served with heavy sauces which will add to your intake of saturated fat as well as trans fats and calories. It's not a healthy way to start your meal.

2. Say "yes" to salad. Salad is a healthy eater's best friend. Not only will it fill you up so you'll consume fewer calories overall, but it will also give you a hefty dose of antioxidants which are heart healthy. Be sure to ask your waitress to hold the croutons and cheese which will further reduce your caloric load. Also, choose your dressing wisely. Avoid cream based dressings and go for the vinegar based ones. You also have the option of using vinegar and olive oil which is heart healthy.

3. Make the right entree selection. Go for broiled and grilled rather than fried. Not only will you save calories and fat grams, you'll also avoid trans fats which are so prevalent in fried foods. Instead, consider asking for a doubles order of vegetables with your entree. Very few Americans are getting the 7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended for optimal health. Plus, by avoiding the starch, you'll be reducing your caloric and carbohydrate load. Also, stick to tomato based sauces rather than cream based and you'll enjoy a considerable calorie savings. Lastly, ask for the sauce to be served in a separate dish on the side so you can control the amount you eat.

4. Think about what you're drinking with your meal. By not ordering an alcoholic beverage, you've saved yourself a considerable number of calories. Try sipping iced tea sweetened with a noncaloric sweetener, a diet soft drink, or water with lemon. You'll be glad you did when you consider the calorie savings.

5. Indulge your sweet tooth wisely. Many of the chain restaurants now offer a low fat or low carbohydrate dessert selection such as a low carb cheesecake. These are wise choices for the health conscious eater and still allow you to end the meal on a sweet note. If a healthy dessert option isn't available, try a cup of coffee with skim milk to help satiate your desire for something sweet.

6. Learn to control your portions. Many restaurants are serving larger quantities of food than in the past. If this is the case, put aside a portion of your entree at the beginning of the meal to take home with you. If you remove it from your plate before you start eating, you'll be less tempted to overindulge.

By following these steps, you can make your dining experiences not only healthy, but enjoyable. Your heart will thank you!

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.

Planning Weddings on a Budget

Planning as early as possible for your wedding is the key to maintaining a budget you can afford. It is a good idea for both the future Bride and Groom to do this together. You may find that you have two completely different ideas of what your wedding should cost.

Make a list for each area of your wedding. This will help you in coming up with a total cost for your special day. Include the amount you would like to spend and who will be paying for each area. The following is a list of some area's you may want to consider adding to your list:

1. Wedding accessories and gown
2. Grooms Formalwear
3. Bridal Jewelry
4. Ceremony Site, Officiator, Musicians and vocalists
5. Photographer
6. Reception Hall
7. Wedding Favors & Decorations
8. Wedding Cake
9. Toasting Flutes and a Cake Serving Set
10. Flowers
11. Dancing Music for the reception
12. Invitations
13. Flowers
14. Attendant Gifts
15. Honeymoon

Open a savings account just for your wedding expenses and start saving for your big day as soon as possible. Try to plan only what you can afford without the use of credit cards and loans. Remember you are beginning your new life together, and it will be much easier without the accumulated a huge debt in planning your wedding.

Best wishes on starting your new life together debt free.

Rose Baylor handles news and information for Rosemarie's Wedding Boutique. For more information on bridal accessories, bridal party gifts and other items for your wedding day, visit http://www.weddingsbyrose.com

The Ultimate Magic Garden

Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the future. For me, the ultimate Magic Garden would be planted using the Feng Shui bagua as a guideline for the boundaries of the plot and incorporate flowers herbs and plants that correspond to each signifigant direction..

The first thing I would suggest, is to mark off your garden(or balcony full of pots) as a square (or as close to a square as you can get it) and determine the directions -- north, south, east and west. Then use the rough guideline below, taking into account your climate and seasons to know what to plant where to bring you health, wealth, peace, guidance, happiness and protection. You don?t have to incorporate all the suggestions below of course -- just a couple of touches here in there might do wonders.

The SOUTHERN corner of your garden governs recognition and fame. The flowers you plant there should be predominantly red in colour. Red and pinks should be main theme, although there well be flowers in there included for properties besides colour. Flowers that bring you fame: poppies, roses, bluebells,violets. Trees: Cherry, orange. Foilage: Holly, hazel, heather and all ferns. Herbs: Star anise, veviter. Trees: .Produce: strawberries, leeks, chili peppers. This corner also represents the Fire element so it is a good area to string up lights, put the barbeque or have a little hearth for fire.

The SOUTHWESTERN corner governs marriage prospects and marital happiness.The predominant flower colour should be yellow. Flowers for emotional security: daffodils, lillies, tulips, asters, bleeding hearts, daisies, roses, gardenia, lavender, orchid, poppy, primrose, periwinkle, hyacinth, trilliums, violet, geranium. Trees: Magnolia Fig, Willow, Olive Elm, Plum,Foilage: Myrtle, rye, witch grass, juniper, chickweed. Herbs: basil, marjoram, dill, mint, rosemary, thyme. Produce: Ginger, endive, raspberries, tomatoes. This area represents Big Earth so it is a good place to put a stone statue or a large rock or boulder.

The WESTERN corner governs children and fertility. The predominant flowers should be yellow and white. Flowers: Lavender, Cyclamen, Lily of the Valley, Morning Glory Trees: Oak, olive, banana, apple pine Foilage; Hawthorne Herbs:Mustard, catnip. Produce: Beans, carrots, cucumbers, grape, mustard. This area is known as Small Metal and would benefit from some windchimes or small silvery objects that catch the sun.

The NORTHWESTERN corner governs helpful people or mentors. The predominamt flower colour should be white yellow and orange. Flowers: Passion flower, sweetpea, Sunflower, Iris, carnation Trees: Lemon, peach, beech, walnut Foilage: Rowan, Myrtle, dogwod, clover Herbs: Pennyroyal, lemon balm, sage Produce: peppers, fennel, pumpkins, squash. This corner is called "Big Metal" so it is a good place to put table and chairs to invite the help into your life.

The NORTH corner governs career prospects. The flowers here should be predominately dark purple or blue. Flowers that boost career: Camellia, honeysuckle, jasmine, periwinkle, poppy, trillium, snapdragons, dandelion. Trees: Orange, elder, apple, oak, maple, poplar Foilage: bromeliads, myrtle, Irish moss (all mosses), ferns Herbs: dill, goldenseal, mint Produce: cashews rice, grapes, onions, oats,peas, wheat. This direction represents water, so it is the ideal place to put a fountain or pool. Add fish to it and double your luck.

The NORTHEAST corner governs education and wisdom. The flowers here should be predominatly yellow and orange. Flowers: jasmine, marigold, roses, iris , sunflower. Trees: peach, bohdi, acacia Foilage: bracken, all grasses,flax Herbs: borage, eyebright, peppermint, saffron, thyme, rosemary, caraway, rue, savory, mint Produce: celery, onons, grapes. This area is "Small Earth" so it is good for a rock garden, a small alter or a birdbath.

The EAST governs family relationships and health. The foilage here should mainly be green and filled with bush or trees. Flowers are: loosestrife, meadowsweet, morning glory, violet, daisies, hostas Trees: all trees especially pines and spruces, Magnolia, Elder Foilage: Witchgrass, purslane, tobacco, hemp, hops Herbs: Lavender, scullcap, vervain, linden, sage Produce: avocado, rhubarb, rye. This area is called Big Wood which is why it is good to have at least one big tree there or a tree house.

The SOUTHEAST governs wealth and prosperity and should be as green and lush as possible. Flowers that bring wealth: Camelia, golden rod, helorope, honeysuckle, trillum Trees: all fruit trees, pecan, walnut, oak, pine Foilage: all bromelaids, mosses and ferns Herbs basil, clover, dill, mint, vervaine Produce: lettuce, corn, peas, oats, onions. This area is known as Small Wood and would be augmented by windmills, a swing or another structure made of wood (preferably one that moves to circulate energy.)

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

Dual Pane Window Glass Repair

For the past few weeks, I have been explaining how to repair a broken window pane in your home. But, what if you have dual pane windows? Is the process the same? Well, pretty much, except for a couple of variations. So, let's review the single pane repair process, and I will point out the differences regarding dual pane windows.

When we start talking about dual pane windows, one of the first things that comes to mind is vinyl window frames instead of aluminum. When dealing with dual pane windows, you can have either aluminum or vinyl frames, depending on the year the house was built. Dual pane glass got popular in the 1980's, but vinyl frames didn't really catch on until the 1990's. So, if your house is less than 10 years old, chances are you have vinyl framed windows. In either case, I will discuss the differences. Let's say you have a sliding aluminum frame window with dual pane glass. The procedure for removing the frame from the opening and the glass from the sash is the same as with the single pane windows.

The differences are, first, the glass goes into the frame about twice as far as the single pane window. The single pane window glass went 1/4" into the surrounding rubber. The dual pane usually goes 1/2" into the rubber. So, if both pieces of glass have been broken, you are going to have to order a new IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) from the local glass shop. They are going to want to know the width, height, overall thickness, and possibly the individual glass thickness. The best way to get the dimensions is to measure the width and height from rubber to rubber, write those numbers down. Then, remove the panel from the opening and place it on a table like we did with the single pane window. Remove the screws from opposite corners and pull of the frame. You will be able to see how far the glass goes into the surrounding rubber. If it's 1/2", then you want to add 1" to the width and height that you measured previously (1/2" times two sides= 1"). Then, measure the overall thickness of the unit by removing the rubber from the glass edge.

Typically, this dimension is 1/2", but not always. There is a metal spacer that divides the two panes of glass. Make a note of the color so you can request the same color in the new IGU. It's either going to be silver or bronze. If you want to get the same size spacer you need to give the glass shop the thickness of each piece of glass in the IGU. If the old unit has 1/8" glass on both sides, and the overall thickness of the unit is 1/2", then they will use a 1/4" spacer. If the glass is 3/32" on both sides, they will use a 5/16" spacer. If you don't care about matching the spacer thickness, you can request the thicker 1/8" glass, and they will automatically use a 1/4" spacer.

When you get the new IGU home, the installation is the same as the single pane window. Now, what if only one side of the IGU has been broken? Many times the outer pane will break, but the inside pane is fine. You can order a whole new IGU Like we just did, or, if you're the adventurous type, you can order only the single pane of glass that was broken and replace it. I'm going to explain how to do it, then i'm going to tell you the things that can go wrong. After you have the window pane on the table with the surrounding frame removed, you will see a black rubber type substance around the edge where the spacer is applied. This is a butyl sealant, and you have to separate the broken glass from this butyl. The best way to do it is to take a utility knife with a new blade and break through the butyl where it meets the broken glass. Then, take a new hacksaw blade, and push it into the area where you sparated the butyl from the glass. You don't want the hacksaw blade to be attached to a hacksaw. Using your hand, saw back and forth as you work your way around the edge of the glass. This should allow you to remove the glass.

Once that's done, lay rags on top of the good piece of glass to catch any debris, and scrape the surface of the spacer that will be contacting the new glass. Use a putty knife. Then, remove the rags and debris. When you are ready to put the new glass on, clean the inside of the good piece of glass that you didn't remove. Remember, once you install the new glass, any debris or finger marks on the inside will be permanently sealed. So, clean it real good and check it from all angles. Do the same to the side of the new glass that will be going to the inside of the IGU. Then, run a thin bead of clear silicone around the entire perimeter of the spacer. Set your new glass on the spacer and use finger pressure to adhere the glass to the silicone all the way around.Then, come in from the side, and run silicone around the side where the glass and spacer meet. Cover the window opening with something for 24 hours. You do not want to touch the IGU for 24 hours. The silicone needs to cure. After 24 hours, you can assemble the unit and install it back into the opening.

There are a couple of things that can go wrong. The first one is leaving marks on the inside portion of the glass. Once you seal the glass, you cannot clean what's between the panes. The other thing involves condensation between the panes. If you have even the slightest break in the silicone seal around the glass, chances are you will beging to see moisture form as soon as the nights get cold and the days get warm. You are going to have to decide if you are confident enough in your ability to do the job right, or if it's better to pay the extra money to have it done for you. Just because you pay someone to do it, doesn't mean you still won't encounter the same problems. The difference is, they have to guarantee their IGU for a minimum of 1 year. I have received many units over the years that had marks in between the glass. The beauty of it is the manufacturer can't dispute it, because there's no way anyone else could have done it except them.

OK, what if the window frames are vinyl instead of aluminum? Well, the main difference is the glass in a vinyl window no longer has the rubber gasket around the edge. You dont remove the opposite corner screws and separate the frame from the glass. What they do is put either silicone or a two sided tape on the lip of the frame where the glass rests. That's what holds the glass in the frame, then they apply a snap in stop on all four sides of the glass. So, you have to remove the stops first, then turn over the panel and break the seal holding the glass to the frame using a utility knife. Wear gloves during this procedure. If only one side of the IGU is broken, don't even think about repairing just the one side. You will never get that IGU out of the frame without breaking the other piece of glass in the process. But, on the positive side, you can remove the stops without taking the panel out if it's a slider. You can then measure the dimensions of the glass, and order the new IGU. That way you eliminate any need to temporarily cover up your window. The same is true for the stationary portion of a slider, or a picture window. Before you install the new IGU, be sure and clean the lip that had the tape or silicone, and apply either silicone or tape. Either will work.

You will discover that replacing an IGU in an aluminum frame window is a whole lot easier than a vinyl window. But, in either case, you can do it yourself and save a few bucks.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

Business Start Up Tips From Some Hearty Entrepreneurs

When's the last time someone asked you: "What's new?" If you're starting or growing a business, an e-business, or a web site, the answer is: "Everything!" ? especially on the inside.

Face it, launching a new enterprise ? or taking it to the next level ? can sometimes feel scary and overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you begin? And do you have what it takes?

Granted. We've heard about the classic stages of starting a successful business - like Plan, Launch, and Grow. We've heard about the latest web promotion buzzwords - like Stickiness, Link Popularity, and RSS Feeds. Yes, these are important, but let's start at the heart of the matter. My objective is to help you begin your business by focusing on the inner shifts that accompany committing ourselves to any new business venture - the "hearty" changes that we're unable to see directly, but that happen just the same.

I write these words from my 20 years of experience helping entrepreneurs start all types of businesses - both traditional and online - and having discussions with them about their entrepreneurial lives, about their inner achievements. What has it been like for them? What have they learned? What has worked for them, and what hasn't?

The essence is this: Though the outward steps of launching a business may vary from person to person, if you're willing to look closer, you'll see that the process you go through on the inside will trigger all the deep changes in your life that are truly your own, that you've been waiting and wanting to happen all along.

The nature and truth of these inner changes - and their effects - cannot adequately be put into words. My clients tell me that these changes don't move in logical ways. They are subtle, sometimes masked, even from our self. We see the outward advances ? the sign going up, the website being launched, and the first client being won - however the deep, subterranean realizations that occur when we launch a new enterprise (that sometimes seem to emerge "out of the blue"), end up affecting the success of our business far more than any genius business plan or enlightened promotional strategy ever will. So, it's up to us ? to be prepared for as much transformation as we will allow, personally and professionally.

Here are a few "hearty" Start Up Tips I've learned and experienced firsthand from my clients. I hope they will help you as you shift and as you shape your new business:

"Be as you are"

I used to think that appearing confident and fearless regardless of what I was feeling inside was what it took to succeed in business. "Be strong and in control. Never let them see you cry or sweat" is what we are told. Or, at least that's the way I heard it. I believe what that advice amounted to was this: "Be two people. Appear as a competent person in business at any cost" (even though you know all too well that you are sometimes unsure of yourself and make mistakes). I bought into this lie, hook, line, and sinker (or maybe that should read stinker?).

The truth: a straight-forward approach ? warts and all - works better every time. Be as you are. It takes the pressure off and keeps your ego in the right place, while at the same time it makes it crystal clear to others whether you can meet their need from the very start. No hype. Nothing hidden. A few laughs. They can make a decision faster and feel confident in doing business with you because what they see is what they get. They can trust what's real.

And likewise, the clarity and inner confidence that come from being as you are will guide the right actions for your business as well. They will be your light. They will set you going in the right direction and will provide the ready fuel to keep you going - and growing. The spirit of your business will sustain you.

"Humility precedes confidence"

Right up there with transparent living is humility. For most of my life, my take on "humility" was that it meant being "weak" or "less than" in the eyes of others - descriptions that seemed the very opposite of how an "entrepreneur" was supposed to act. But, the more I experience, the more I see that taking a humble, realistic approach as we start any business is essential. Humility is not a demure personality trait; it's part of living our humanity.

I've been blessed to work with many humble people. You know, it's ironic that taking a humble approach to business will, more than anything else I've observed, have a positive, dramatic affect on your personal confidence and motivation, and your ability to communicate well ? to reach people where they are. I've also learned that I can be confident and humble at the same time, as long as my humility precedes my confidence, as long as I keep the notion that I am no more or less than anyone else ever present.

"A chance to help others"

So, my clients say: "See your idea - your new business - for what it is. Simply a way for you to create a living that helps others." That's it. That's all. That's everything. You have talents and gifts. You want to do something that seems natural and personally fulfilling. So be it. At the same time, there are people out there that need what you have to offer. This same equation of life and work is true for everyone. None of us are any more special, while at the same time all of us are capable of wonderful things.

"It's always personal"

Business is always between just two people - it's always inter-personal, even if your client is a huge company, you're still communicating with a person. Today's emphasis on the one-to-one nature of the Internet has always been the case in business, it's just easier to see it illuminated on the web. Bringing your real skills (and person) in contact with another's real need (and person) is the simple essence of meaningful business.

"Go with your heart"

So, we challenge you. Clearly define the parameters of your business upfront - what you will and will not initially offer. And, know your true values and limitations - what you cannot and will not do. Get these things out of your mind and commit them to paper - and re-commit yourself to your business each time you re-read them. Build it as you see it. Ask for others' input and gain the professional help you need to succeed but go with what's in your heart, with what moves you. When you go with what charges you up, you'll have built-in confidence because you'll be offering what is you. You're not trying to make others see your business for anything but what it is. You're not having to psych yourself up all the time. What a relief!

"Be like an open container"

They also tell me: "Wear life as a loose garment." Be like an open container as you run your business. Be contained in terms of being focused, yet always remain open, in terms of being observant and flexible. You will create the map - your business plan - but without fail know that your map must change as you use it. That's the way it is. As entrepreneurs, we can grow to love the fact that our world and business will change constantly. By saying alert, by consciously observing, by asking ourselves how we can best respond to these changes, we allow our business to take on its own life - a life we don't need to "try" to push or "think through" all the time in order for it to maintain momentum.

"Challenges enliven your business"

And finally, their advice: Remain poised to creatively meet the challenges in front of you. They will appear, and you can benefit from them. They may appear as opportunities. "Oh boy!?" Or, they may appear as hurdles. "Oh, no!?" It's all in how we see them and the actions we take as a result. We can label the very same thing as " a blessing" or an "opportunity," or we can label it as a "problem" or a "roadblock. However, refusing to accept what lies in front of us - just because it is different from what we had envisioned - prevents us from the very thing that will drive our business: change and growth.

"Hope and energy abound everywhere. Surprises are rampant."

Remembering this daily, and living from my heart daily ? is often the greatest challenge for me, and for my clients. It's the challenge of perceiving my changing path and my changing relationship with others clearly and consistently, and allowing the spirit of change ? the spirit of my business ? to propel me forward, without grasping for it, without losing my focus.

Susan Kay Thompson, a Florida Gulf Coast resident, is founder of Emerald Coast Entrepreneur, http://www.emeraldcoastentrepreneur.com, a consulting firm specializing in business start up and web content development services. With a rich and varied background in academic, corporate, and entrepreneurial achievement, she cuts through the theories and the hype to write words ? and find solutions ? that make a difference.

Permission is hereby granted to reproduce this article online without any further arrangement. The only requirement is that it be published in its entirety, including this footer. For information on publishing this article in print media or using excerpts in other publications, please contact Susan personally at: Susan at EmeraldCoastEntrepreneur.com.

Some Copy Tips From An Old Hand

I have been in the ad game for a long, long time. I have trained hundreds of writers, and I've been responsible for moving of millions ? & $ in product worldwide. Here are just a few tips that I hope will help you do a better job, and make a bigger name for yourself.

One.

Whatever copy job you are working on ? brochure, mailer, sales letter, press ad, website ? always include a headline. A pertinent headline. A selling headline.

This headline will be, or should be, powerful enough or intriguing enough to draw your target into the compass of the body copy. If it can do that, you are on a winner.

To put it simply, your headline should be a snapshot of your sales message ? a pr?cis of your offer or promise. In other words, a headline that says: Buy this product and get this benefit.

Two.

Always remember, people don't buy products, they buy the benefits of owning those products. A man doesn't buy a sportscar because it is precision engineered or aesthetically designed. He buys it because of the ego-boost it gives him. It shows the world that he has made it.

Likewise, a woman doesn't by a cocktail dress by Camille of Paris simply because of the cut or the exquisite stitching. She buys it for the cachet that is attached to the label. She would probably look as good in a dress from a High Street department store, but she wouldn't feel as good. And that's the benefit.

Three.

Around 30% of all copy headlines are both useless and irrelevant. The worst of them often take the form of puns or are re-workings of current film titles or song titles. Puns are fine if they are appropriate, which they seldom are. And the writer who tries to demonstrate how cool he is by working his product message into a film or song title is usually doing a lot for the sales of movie tickets and CDs, but very little for his client.

The moral is this. State your sales proposition cleverly, wittily, stridently or emotively, but never ever employ a device simply because it's the easy thing to do. If you can't be original, at least be positive.

Four.

If it doesn't quack, it ain't a duck. And if your copy doesn't make some kind of selling proposition, it isn't advertising ? it's an announcement. So many writers these days fail to understand that copy is nothing more than salesmanship in print. They play with words for the sake of playing with words. They lose sight of the fact that they should be trying to sell something. Thus, copy must use the psychology of the salesman; and it must say, right up front: Here's what's in it for you.

Five.

Always be a little circumspect about experts who try to tell you how to write better copy. And that includes me.

Patrick Quinn is a copywriter, with 40 years' experience of the advertising business in London, Miami, Dublin and Edinburgh.

Over the years, he has helped win for his clients just about every advertising award worth winning.

His published books include:

The Secrets of Successful Copywriting The Secrets of Successful Low Budget Advertising The Secrets of Successful Exhibitions Word Power 1-2 & 3 He also publishes AdBriefing, a free on-line newsletter. http://www.adbriefing.com