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Unless you live in the permanently arid Southwest, summer usually means more water use and higher water and sewer bills. Even if you draw water from a well, the increased water use also means higher electric bills and more wear on the pump. but for many, this summer, the concern isnt just about higher bills. With parts of the country suffering from prolonged dry spells and drought, many communities have implemented water use restrictions and water conservation has become a summertime necessity. The good news is that a few small changes to your daily routine and a couple of quick fixes around the house can save you both water and money -- this summer, and year 'round!

In the house

• turn that faucet off. While you brush your teeth, that is, and save about 2 gallons a minute. Do that every time you brush and save an extra 240 gallons a month. turn the faucet off while you shave and save even more.
• Use the shower; skip the tub. Youd think it would be the other way around, right? but, a five-minute shower typically uses only 10-25 gallons of water while a full tub uses about 70 gallons. To keep shower time to a minimum, dont run the shower while you shave. If you like your leisurely soaks, stopper the drain right away and adjust the temperature as you fill up.
• Wash a full load of clothes. With the average washer using about 41 gallons a load, the more loads you do, and the more water you use. To cut down on water use, wait until you have a full load.
• Fix that leaky toilet. You know the sound: the sudden hissing of water as the tank fills itself back up, but you didnt just flush. Or, you might notice a regular damp spot on the floor below the tank. A leaking toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water a day!
• Fix leaky faucets and showerheads. A little drip might not seem like much, but a faucet dripping at the rate of 1 drop per second wastes about 2,700 gallons a year.

In the yard

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical single-family household uses about 30 percent of its water outside, on lawns, landscaping and gardens. As much as 50 percent of that water is wasted through evaporation or runoff. To avoid this kind of waste and lower your water bill use the following tips.

• outdoor faucets leaking? Those little drips can be costly, too.
• Water early or late in the day, while the sun is low and the air is cooler, so less water is wasted through evaporation (be aware, your community may have watering restrictions in effect, and observe those).
• If you hand water, aim at the base of the plant, where the roots are; you dont have to water the entire plant.
• Set sprinklers (preferably the droplet and not the mist-type) so they water only your vegetation and not your driveway, sidewalk or street.
• Time your sprinkler use so you dont overwater (overwatering can be as harmful to your landscape as not watering enough). simple timers are available for under $15 that hook right up to your faucet.

What else you can do

These steps involve a little more effort and/or money but have a timely payback and offer long-term savings through consistently lower water bills.

• Think about a new toilet. Toilets made before 1992 use anywhere from 3.57 gallons per flush. Newer models use, on average, less than 2 gallons per flush. high-efficiency toilets use about 1.3 gallons per flush resulting in a 10-year cost savings of about $1,000 for a family of four without compromising performance. but, if youre worried about the flush factor (will it all go down?), consider a dual-flush toilet that uses less water for liquid waste removal, and more water for solid waste removal.
• Consider an automatic irrigation system. If youre spending a great deal of time hand-watering, or moving your sprinkler from place to place, an automatic irrigation system is an excellent investment. Of course, a system that waters even if its raining wont save you much, but PC programmable and self-adjusting systems are available now that offer a drop in water use of 8-60 percent (depending on how arid your particular climate is) and can pay for themselves in as little as 8 months to a couple of years (again, depending on climate).
• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. If an irrigation system is out of the question for your entire yard, consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation around your landscaping and garden. A soaker hose emits water gently along its entire length directly to the base of the plant and little is lost through runoff or evaporation (you can even make your own soaker from a length of old garden hose). Drip-irrigation systems accomplish the same thing, with drip holes called emitters spaced at intervals along the hose. Drip systems will cost a bit more. With either of these methods, youll find youll have to water less often and use less water when you do. Attach a simple hose timer and you can save even more.

Sources: u.s. EPA, Popular Mechanics, Natural Remodeling (2006, Lark Books).

Liz Pauley is a staff writer for ranchrevival.com, a website devoted to owners of ranch style houses, old and new.

If you have any interest in the art of golf tournament organizing, there are a number of vitally important things that you need to remember. While a golf tournament is essentially a competition, you want to make sure that everyone has a good time during it and there are several ways to make sure that that happens. one of the ways that you can make your golf tournament organization run smoothly is to think about the people involved in four groups and to meet their needs.

The first group is the competitors themselves. A pre-registration will get things in order and will help things run smoothly. Offer incentives for registering early and make sure that your tournament rules are clear and easily available. A website can keep you in touch with everyone, not only by making sure that information can be changed quickly and easily, but also for whipping up excitement for the event!

The second group that you should consider when organizing your golf tournament is the staff at the site. While this takes care of itself if you own the course, there is a lot to be done if you are renting the venue. Make sure that you are familiar and friendly with the staff; dont question their rules and treat everyone with courtesy. They can help you a lot when tournament day comes, and if you have any questions, ask them early!

Your own volunteers are the third group and with any luck, theyll be the easiest to work with. If your friends or family enjoy the game of golf, get them involved, whether that is helping with concessions or manning the check in. Make sure that they know that while they have certain responsibilities that they are also permitted to enjoy themselves and keep them well-hydrated throughout- especially if they are known to be workaholics!

Finally, the fourth group that you need to keep in mind are the spectators. They are there to support your competitors, so make sure they are comfortable. You will want to check with the venue, but make sure that refreshments are available, as well as things like sunscreen and water bottles.

golf tournament organizing is something of an art, and as the person in charge, you need to make sure you know what is going on, even if you are not the one immediately responsible for it. Its still a lot of fun, though, so remember that even if the day gets hectic, that youre definitely there for a good time, just like everyone else!

For more information on golf tournament organizing, including tips on planning a golf tournament, visit http://www.golftournamentpro.com today.

The environment that people are required to work in can have a significant impact on their ability to undertake the tasks that they have been asked to do. This can affect productivity and employee health and well-being. The key factors fall into two categories, those that are driven by procedures, protocols and management requirements and the factors that arise from premises, office or factory design.

Management driven factors include the development of:
Organisation plans such as the allocation of responsibilities at all levels of the organisation, definition of job descriptions and the degree of access to the management and administrative support needed to complete their tasks;
Working patterns, shift-working, break times, absence or holiday cover; and
Health and safety policies, including the provision of training, development of safe working practices and the adequate supply of protective clothing and equipment.

The work environment can also have an impact on an individuals ability to work safely, competently and in compliance with operational performance targets. It is important to address the following:
Work space availability. Have you determined whether there is adequate space available for the tasks the individual is required to undertake? Are desks/computer terminals being shared and is this affecting productivity or causing stress? If the individual is working in a manufacturing area and they need to complete documentation or carry out inspection is there a work station available in their work environment close to where they work?
Light intensity. The requirements for light intensity and type of light should be determined as insufficient light will impact on visual inspection activities.
Weather/temperature. Is the area where the individual is required to work too hot or too cold, open to the weather/elements? If there is a requirement to work outside or in adverse temperatures does the company provide adequate controls, clothing or equipment?
Ventilation/humidity. Does the work environment contain poor quality air that could cause fatigue or a reduction in performance?
Noise/vibration. Can vibration affect an individuals performance or safety? Is it a requirement to wear ear protection? Could this adversely affect performance?
Odour/dust or other emissions. How is this assessed and if required controlled to ensure personnel safety?
Premises hygiene/welfare facilities. Is the area that the individual is expected to work in hygienic, clean and tidy? Does the level of clutter affect performance? Is the area so filthy, unhygienic or infested with pests that it causes stress to those individuals working there? Are staff facilities, toilets, washrooms, canteens, coffee making facilities appropriate and maintained in a hygienic state?

How often do you as a senior manager take a site walk? What do you look for? Do you know what effect current employee dissatisfaction has on organisational productivity and profitability? Remember it is your responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of those who work for you!

http://thehumanimprint.typepad.com/the_human_imprint/2007/08/does-the-work-e.html

The subconscious mind is a subject of much debate. Some say that it wields more power over our everyday actions than we know, while others discount it as more or less an additional complexity of the vast human mind to be pondered, but nothing so powerful as to control our every choice. This is where self for weight loss hypnosis enters the picture.

First, let's start off on a little history lesson on hypnosis. Hypnosis as we know it today actually has its roots (arguably) in several different cultures, at around the same time, hundreds of years ago. It's roots go back to early Hindu cultures as well as early European civilizations as a means of healing one's body and treating ailments.

Here's where it gets interesting. It is believed that hypnosis may have crept into modern medicine and common practice inadvertently through what may have been the first failed "placebo" experiment on whether magnet therapy worked or not, performed hundreds of years ago at the request of the medical community.

Magnet therapy was put into practice and was believed to have helped heal many people's ailments until it was put to the test and found that the only effect it had on anyone was what was called a "placebo" effect.

A placebo effect is basically an effect that is physiologically real (you can feel it physically, and your body obeys the suggestion of the mind), but is in fact simply brought on, or conjured up, by the human mind. It is essentially the power of suggestion at work, and that is exactly what hypnosis is - the utilization of the power of subconscious suggestion.

Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed "trance" state where suggestions made verbally by the hypnotizer are grabbed by the subconscious mind of the person being hypnotized, and the power of suggestion is such that the subject's body and mind obey the "orders" of the hypnotizer, without even fully and consciously realizing why or how.

I experienced the power that hypnotism can have when I purchased some weight loss CD's and attempted self hypnosis as a means to help control my ballooning appetite - and waistline, and was shocked at how it actually worked and gave me an unshakable sense of self control and "calm" that I'd never felt before.

My previous attempts at losing extra weight that I had gained were not pleasant experiences. I am not "overweight" by most standards, but I definitely fluctuate in the ten pound bracket up and down all of the time because I really do love food. Just experiencing the different tastes and textures of food is such an experience to me that I sometimes don't realize that what I'm putting in my mouth is polluting my body and adding unnecessary extra weight.

Not only are the foods I choose wrong many times, but I also can tend to eat too much at one sitting, feeling bloated and moody afterwards. So, I wanted to take control of my eating habits again, and had always wanted to try self hypnosis to see if it could help me gain that quiet inner strength and that little voice guiding me to make the right decisions, and quelling my appetite.

And it did. The first time I listened to the it I was, as instructed in a deeply relaxed state which was accomplished by following the hypnotist's instructions to take several deep breaths. The soothing voice was accompanied by what sounded like trance music, and I became so relaxed I actually dozed off (which she said was ok, in fact, expected).

I did it right before bed, and I woke up the next morning pretty much forgetting that I had listened to it. I went through my day without the usual cravings for sugar and high fat, high salt foods that usually litter my day at work due to stress or boredom with mundane tasks (can't we all identify with that).

I tend to have somewhat of an oral fixation, especially when at work, meaning that I like to always be chewing or sipping on something. But I noticed this overwhelming urge did not hit me, and instead I just sipped on my water and some hot tea, and only ate when I was truly hungry. Strangely enough, I didn't even have my usual mid-afternoon craving for chocolate.

Often times I'd be hitting up the candy machine for Peanut M&M's around that time, and the afternoon came and went without the urge to eat chocolate. I thought this was a major accomplishment for me, but I also wondered if it wasn't some of that "placebo effect" entering in.

Since I knew that I had listened to the hypnosis CD, was I actually "talking myself into" believing the hypnosis was cutting my appetite and shaping my food decisions as well as my intentions to work out?

Well, isn't that what hypnosis is - that is, a placebo effect in itself? I suppose it doesn't really matter, because the end result is that I saw a dramatic change in my eating habits, all seemingly without the pain of a constant internal struggle to not eat.

As far as the root cause of it, I really could care less. It accomplished the task of giving me a renewed sense of self control and eating to live, not living to eat, and that is all that matters in the end!

Danna Schneider is the cofounder of Hypnotherapy for Weight Loss, where there's more about the self hypnosis CD's mentioned in this article, and more about people's real experiences with hypnotherapy for losing weight. She also founded a new blog dedicated to fitness and exercise equipment reviews and discussions called Fitness Equipment Reviews : Treadmill Reviews : Elliptical Reviews, a blog about physical fitness and health.

The Internet has moved from novelty to virtual necessity for many people in recent years. motorhome satellite internet technology brings this necessity to your motorhome.

For many people, the internet has become a way of life. It is used to keep in touch with family and friends. It is used to pay bills and handle banking transactions. It is used to retrieve information of all types quickly. All of these functions are as important on your motorhome vacation as when you are sitting at home. motorhome satellite internet semotorhomeices have made it possible to perform all of them when on the road.

The motorhome satellite internet semotorhomeices generally operate with dish type antennas. These antennas use GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology to locate and lock on to a satellite which provides the internet connection. The two basic types of antennas are called automatic and tripod. The automatic antennas are permanent mounted to the motorhome. They have a stow position that protects them from wind when the vehicle is in motion. Most of them will automatically go into stow mode when the GPS senses the vehicle is in motion, although there is a stow button on the controller.

The tripod antennas must be manually set up and connected. They are much less expensive than the automatic antennas, but the time required to set them up and take them down makes them less practical for quick internet connection during rest breaks. They are designed to be used when the motorhome has moved to a permanent camp site. People who wish to have quick access to the internet even during short stops usually opt for the automatic antennas.

The systems are not perfect. An unobstructed view of the southern sky is needed and trees or buildings can block the reception. Cloud cover and weather conditions can have some effect on reception, but usually only in the most extreme storm conditions. For the most part, access is fairly easy to achieve. Most of the satellite internet provider semotorhomeices offer broadband semotorhomeices with extremely fast download times. It is possible to combine your internet reception with satellite TV on the same system.

The initial cost of the system is a bit high, especially when you go with an automatic antenna. Once you have your system installed, the monthly costs for semotorhomeice are in line with normal internet semotorhomeice. The advantages of having immediate internet semotorhomeice in your motorhome are many. For years, motorhomeers have been carrying laptops and connecting to the internet in a variety of difficult and time consuming methods. The motorhome satellite internet system has made the internet as much a part of the motorhome experience as the stove and sink.

Find more information on RV campgrounds at http://www.RVRentalsforyou.com.

This quote from Gandhi is usually invoked to silence the complainer. You know, if you cant put up, shut up.

Recently, I received the full quote, Be the change you wish to see in the world, at the bottom of an email from my Wednesday night yoga instructor, Tracy. Each time we begin and end a class, we sit in silence and think about our relationship to the natural world and the other creatures in it. Its a good centering activity for remembering our mutual interdependence and our responsibility for shepherding the good in life.

Having this intention during each class helps me to work on the different poses with more concentration and success. And, I leave most classes humbled by my struggle with the physical practice and also the notion that there is so much more I could do to improve life for myself and others.

But then Im quickly back in my usual day to day, regularly noting all of the things that are amiss in the worldour dependence on oil, global warming, corrupt politicians, inequity in health care deliveryand not doing much of anything about it all. Except grouse and complain.

Noticing What Needs Attention
Most days, I take my dogs for a circular four mile walk near our home. We begin and end on dirt roads, but the middle of our walk is along a relatively quiet paved road that connects Hillsboro and Washington, NH. It is a residential area, abutting woods and for the most part very pleasant.

However, months ago, out on my own on a slightly rainy day when I left the dogs at home, I counted over sixty bottles and cans, assorted plastic containers, and other stray articles along the route. The counting was simply an exercise to pass the time and a curiosity to me that this tranquil area could be so heavily trashed when so lightly trafficked. Angry that others could be so insensitive and selfish, I promised myself that I would get back out there within the week to clean up what I had noticed. I did not.

With three leashed pups in tow on subsequent walks, I let myself off the hook for picking anything up. It would be nearly impossible to carry a big trash bag while busy tending my charges. Besides, I would pick up stray plastic six-pack holders, so that a bird wouldnt get its neck caught. And Id also snare pieces of broken glass in the road so another dog or walker wouldnt get cut. I was doing something. But each day I took that walk, I felt a tug of guilt over my failure to follow through on cleaning up the wake of castaways now buried beneath taller grass.

Vindication by Taking Responsibility
There is much in the world that seems outside of our control. By myself, I cant change a culture where so many drivers consider their personal automobile space more important than the natural world. Alone, I cant end teenage drinking. Without everyone agreeing to use fewer disposable products, I cant stop roadside deposits of refuse.

We often complain on a general level that the world is going to pot, but we know to make any more noise would call attention to the fact we havent done much toward fixing the things that need attention. Thats a sneaky, contributing source to apathy. How can we stop intense consumerism, blind disregard for the safety of others or make other accountable for their actions in any meaningful, if we fail to take responsibility for what we see?

I can shake my fist and scream, Dont be such a pig! Because its not my trash, and I obviously care about the natural world. But where does that get me? Once I see what needs to be done, its up to me alone to follow up in any way that I can. If I take action, then I can claim positive contribution and be more at peace knowing that I did make a difference. And then I really can raise a hornets nest of complaint, and urge others to do as I have.

Moving from Complaint to Action
So much of what is out of whack is within our control, if we break what seems large and overwhelming down into smaller tasks or projects. Or simply take responsibility for doing our small part.

It took me twice as long to walk that four-mile loop, when I finally stopped to pick up all the trash Id been noticing for months. My haul was substantial: 60 aluminum cans, 10 whole or broken bottles, 20+ assorted plastic and paper containers, and an ugly pile of other tangible evidence that I noticed and did something about it.

Picking up trash along the side of the road may not seem like much. But every day I take that walk, I enjoy my surroundings that much more knowing that Ive chosen to be an active steward to keep it clean. If I find a new can or bottle in the days ahead, it will be only one I need to pick up to preserve what is beautiful and shared by all.

Where is Your Next Move?
We can choose to buy and consume differently. We can tutor those who need help. We can teach others what we know how to do. We can give our time and money to causes that respond to our sorrow or outrage, and our sense of what the right thing is to create change. Through our actionsboth large and small, we can be the change we want to see in the world.

Each of us notices what needs attention as we move through our days. We really do know what we can do make a difference.

Complacency is easy. What will you do?

2007 Andrea R. Williams

Andrea Williams, personal and small business success coach, is the creator of the Fearless, Fabulous Project, a 12-week, step-by-step discovery and rejuvenation process to help you gain clarity and commitment about what is most important to you. If you're ready to pump your life with more fun & fulfillment, check out Andrea's coaching programs and resources now at http://www.FearlessFabulousLife.com and sign up for Fearless, Fabulous Female, her free ezine on personal reinvention at midlife.

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80-20 rule states that in general 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts. This applies at every level of business activity and other activities as well.

In every sales organization 80% of the sales are made by 20% of the sales reps. That is why most salespeople struggle (they are in the 80% who produce only 20% of the sales) - its because only 1 in 5 people takes the action necessary to be highly effective.

The Pareto Principle is not a law carved in stone, its a signpost that reminds us that most of our time is spent in activities that do not product the results we want. We all fall into this trap. Its virtually unavoidable.

Yet the most effective people in the business world seemed to have determined what 20% of their activities produce 80% of their results. Furthermore, these individuals have the ability of self-discipline to only do those most-productive activities.

There are three simple ways to start using the Pareto Principle to increase your income and productivity.

1. Slash obvious time-wasting activities from your day. These include checking your email often, watching too much TV, indulging in aimless conversation, or (the worst) listening to other people complain.

2. Take notes on how you use your time and analyze them at the end of the day. Its fairly easy, when we are working, to break up time in 15 minute blocks and record our usage. Its beneficial to record the time spent and how it was used, but its even more important to discover patterns of ineffective behavior and work to eliminate them.

3. Be single-pointed in your focus when you are doing your tasks. Set goals... for example - determine that you will dial 50 phone numbers of potential customers in the next hour... and do it.

Finally, prepare for your day the night before. It only takes a few minutes to jot down the must-do activities for the next day. When morning comes around you will be getting things done while your co-workers (or competition) flounders around.

Loren Woirhaye is a direct sales entrepreneur, sales manager, and internet marketer. He sells automated automated systems and training to make money in the home-based business industry. His website is ZeroDollarMarketer.com