The wedding quilt has had a long, significant role in America. It even appears that the oldest surviving North American quilt is a wedding quilt. According to “The History of the Patchwork Quilt: Origins, Traditions and Symbols of a Textile Art” by Schnuppe von Gwinner, that oldest example, as far as we know, is Anna Tuels’ wedding quilt, which was given to her by her mother in Maine on August 23, 1785.

In the 1800s, quiltings (now commonly known as quilting bees) were popular and were often held to mark special occasions, particularly engagements and weddings. Girls were expected to sew several quilt tops for their dowries; ultimately, quiltings were often equivalent to engagement announcements.

While we may not be so concerned with dowries these days, the making of a wedding quilt is still a valued tradition. Whether you want to make a wedding quilt yourself or have it made by The Frances Burks Decorative Arts Studios, here are some unique suggestions for creating a quilt that will be cherished for years to come:

Bring the quilting bee into the 21st century and host an online “bee” to create a wedding signature quilt. Simply have well wishers send their names and/or short messages to your e-mail address. Take all the names and messages you receive and transfer them to fabric, then use the “signed” fabric to create the wedding quilt. There are several products available for transferring images and inscriptions to fabric. You can even print images and words on fabric using a computer Inkjet printer. Many craft, fabric, and office-supply stores carry such products.

If you want to transfer photos and inscriptions to fabric to create a wedding quilt, consider using photos that will not only preserve wedding memories, but also enhance home decor. For example, use honeymoon photos of a beautiful sunset or ocean scene. Preserve the bridal bouquet by incorporating a close-up photo of it into the quilt design. As for inscriptions, consider incorporating the wedding vows, newlyweds’ names, or a favorite poem into the quilt design.

Instead of having wedding guests sign a guest book, have them sign fabric squares that will later be sewn together to make a wedding quilt. For best results, have the guests sign with a permanent fabric marker. Additionally, make sure a quarter-inch space is left blank around all sides of the squares so that when the squares are sewn together, names and messages won’t be lost in the quarter-inch seam. To determine the best method for this, practice the technique on a few fabric squares before the wedding day. Alternatively, have wedding-shower guests sign fabric squares and incorporate those into the wedding quilt.

Create a central-medallion quilt in which the center of the quilt is a monogram using the initials of the bride and groom. The medallion can then be surrounded by quilt borders that incorporate the wedding flower and/or wedding colors.

For a more casual look, consider a wedding quilt made with T-shirts commemorating the honeymoon spot or other places that are special to the newlyweds.

Essentially, there is no wrong way to design a wedding quilt. Whether you make the quilt yourself or have it made, the making of the wedding quilt is one tradition that will never be out of style.

Copyright © 2006 by The Frances Burks Decorative Arts Studios

Frances Burks has been participating in the decorative arts trade for more than 15 years. Through the Frances Burks Decorative Arts Studios, Burks seeks to continue the tradition of preserving cherished memories with her unique, custom-made, wedding and memory quilts. See examples of her designs at http://www.francesburksstudios.com

A “Warrior’s Mentality” is a combination of mental strength, spiritual toughness and Arthurian Chivalry. It is possessing the need, the will, and the attitude to engage life with purpose and to accomplish goals regardless of the difficulty. It is having the resolve of a fighter, a gladiator, and a combatant, to face doubt, fear, and pain, often in the face of overwhelming odds.

It is possessing a mindset that is positive in thought, words, and deeds. It is the mindset to never quit attempting to reach your goals regardless of the difficulty or setbacks. It is possessing the attitude, skills, and knowledge to successfully accomplish goals and solve problems.

A “Warrior’s Mentality” starts with a mental strength and spiritual toughness, that is brave and strong which leads to accomplishing great deeds. Like a Medieval Knight, it is behavior which is orderly, controlled, disciplined, faithful and virtuous. It is the presence of honor and integrity in your behavior and it is the absence of cheating, foolishness, hysteria, or selfish behavior.

The late Bruce Lee widely regarded as the World’s greatest martial arts champion said, being a “Warrior” is:

“Honesty in expressing yourself in every activity and it is obedience to high standards.”

To achieve this mighty “Warrior’s Mentality”… You must have a NEED to be the best!

A “Warrior” has a burning, almost insatiable need, craving or requirement to be the best. Like a “Warrior,” you must discover and develop an “inner need’ to succeed that is so intense that “nothing” will stand in your way of achieving your goals. You must look within your soul to find this need. You must find the “fire” within you to accomplish the difficult tasks to be the best. You must “need” to operate the best shop, company or corporation in town.

You must have the WILL to be the best!

A “warrior’s” will is a conscious and deliberate expression of action and movement. Often, it is movement against overwhelming odds. It is the process of forging your mind, your body and your spirit into a powerful synergistic life force, where movement toward your goals is your only acceptable option.

A “warrior’s will” is a head strong, intentional choice to take upon yourself, the idea that you have the absolute right to succeed. It is backing your ideas, with movement and a resolution that you simply will not fail.

You must have a “Warrior’s” ATTITUDE!

A “warrior’s attitude” is a “can do” demeanor and a powerful spirit to succeed. It is tackling difficult tasks with vigor and enthusiasm. It is the rejection of negative thought. It is possessing a positive spirit to counter and defeat those inner voices of doubt, fear, and pain. A “Warrior’s” attitude is a mental, spiritual and physical demeanor that is positive in thought, words and deeds. It is the process of “being positive” especially when facing adversity.

The “Warrior’s” mentality demonstrates the need, will and attitude required to succeed in business. We have shown you “what” you need and “why” you need to be a Warrior…but unfortunately you still have to move yourself to action…nobody can do it for you.

You must commit!

You must commit to become the absolute best. This is not rocket science! Your decision to be the best and your commitment to this goal must be with 100% cooperation of your mind, body and spirit. This commitment is a self-imposed commandment that you will not quit or fail. It is when your need to succeed, your will to move, and your attitude to persevere, form together and become a synergistic force that is unstoppable.

You will become a warrior!

Like a “Warrior,” you will learn to enjoy the thrill of competition. “Warriors” hate to lose, but they understand that in life they may often lose. They understand that losing has the potential to make them STRONGER, not weaker. And they understand that they may lose 100 times before they win once. When “Warriors” lose, they lose like true gentlemen [women] and remain unbroken in spirit like a true champion.

No matter how many times they lose, “Warriors” stay the course, never give up, and therefore often win when others quit. They possess a performance driven approach to life and NEVER OFFER EXCUSES for lack of performance or failure.

Michael Jordan, NBA All-Star, and member of the NBA Hall of Fame, said it clearly

“I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. 26 times I have been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I have failed over and over and over in my life and that is why I succeed.”

Like Michael Jordan, you should understand that in order to succeed in life, business, sports, politics, or personal relationships, it is necessary for you to learn to be focused and determined, never give up, and to develop this “Warrior’s Mentality.”

Your competitors are already warriors!

This mentality is necessary for your survival because it is the mindset of your competition. You can be certain that your competition is already accomplishing whatever difficult tasks are required to win, to succeed, and most of all to beat you! In fact, you can be certain that your competition already has a warrior’s mentality, and has a desire to win that is greater than you realize. You can be certain that your competition is actively, not passively, trying to beat you.

You must counter the Herculean effort of your competition, you must measure up or perish. The barbarians are at the gate and they are after you!

At the Life Performance Institute, we emphasize, and you will learn the leadership attitude, skills and knowledge to solve problems and achieve goals. You will learn the “Half Step Concept,” a “Warrior’s Mentality,” and a “can-do” philosophy of life. When the understanding of these concepts are linked together with an intense work effort, a pre-determined action plan and the leadership to follow through, they synergistically form a powerful life force. This force will allow you to move yourself to action so that you reach your business goals and achieve your dreams. You will combine these new leadership principles and strategies into a new pattern of performance, production, and operation.

The Life Performance Institute, Leadership, Personal Training for Your Mind

http://www.lifeperformanceinstitute.com/index.html

It is rare that eating chocolate is recommended for health reasons. However, quite surprisingly, dark chocolate is said to contain antioxidants that benefit your body when eaten properly.

People often refer to dark chocolate as “bittersweet” chocolate. It contains roughly 70% cocoa solids and has less or no sugar added.

Since it has less or no sugar, dark chocolate is far less susceptible to heat than milk chocolate.

Some recent studies suggest that eating dark chocolate provides your body with essential antioxidants that could help with getting rid of free radicals that cause premature aging.

Other studies indicate that another benefit of dark chocolates is it could help with lowering bad cholesterol oxidation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

The primary reason why dark chocolate have these benefits is the flavonoids it contains. A flavonoid is a ketone that one can also find in the stems, seeds, and leaves of several plants. These flavonoids are members of a class of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are also found in red wine, tea, and certain fruits and vegetables.

It is estimated that dark chocolate contains eight times the levels of polyphenol antioxidants when compared with strawberries.

More studies have indicated that there are reduced benefits eating dark chocolate antioxidants if it were taken with milk or if milk were part of the dark chocolate mixture. It is believed that the molecules of milk adhere themselves to the epicatechins and prevent the proper assimilation of the flavonoids by the body.

Not all studies favor dark chocolates. Concerns have been raised about the possibility of dark chocolate inducing migraine attacks. However, data to fully support those concerns is still insufficient.

In addition to being a pleasure on the palate, consuming fifty grams of dark chocolate made of at least 70 percent chocolate solids could provide health benefits and supplement your diet with additional iron, potassium, and calcium.

Find more chocolate information at TheChocolatePro.com, including advice on using confectionary coating as a chocolate alternative.

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Adventure travel is a rather new term for something that people have been doing for a long time. If you don’t want to just go on vacation to visit friends and take in the sights of a place you have wished to visit, you can have adventures to make you vacation something truly memorable. These may include almost any type of physical activity you can imagine, and may take you places you have never dreamed or going. You have an opportunity to see natural wonders, and travel far from the beaten path.

There are many different adventure travel packages from which you can choose, and it may just depend on what you want to do and where you want to go. You can find adventure travel almost anywhere in the world, and you can find travel packages to make planning your trip all the more easier. If you want to go rock climbing, there are probably packages for you to take if you would like, or you can go somewhere where the white water rafting is second to none. You may also skydive above the most beautiful landscape you have ever seen, or perhaps take a hike up one of the world’s largest and most daunting mountains.

Your adventure travel may also take you through a jungle or out into the middle of nowhere to see some of the world’s best examples of natural beauty. When you plan adventure travel you do have to be realistic about what you can do and what you may have a problem with. If you are going in a group, you don’t want to over extend yourself and find that you are holding everyone back because you can’t keep up.

You can look for adventure travel on most of the online travel sights and you may also want to call your local travel agent to see what they can find for you. Make sure someone helps you with everything you need, and remember that adventure travel is different from other types. There may be more things you have to worry about when planning, and you may need special shots to get into some areas of the world that most people don’t regularly go to for travel purposes. You may also have to have special equipment or items you may not have considered, so make sure you ask questions and get all the details before you go.

For more information on the best Colorado Vacations try visiting Colorado Best Vacations located at http://ColoradoBestVacations.com where you will find valuable information on colorado springs vacations and other information..

Introduction

The EPA has defined Total Cyanide as the amount of cyanide ion liberated by distillation with a sulfuric acid - magnesium chloride solution followed by either colorimetric, titrimetric, or ion selective electrode measurement. The high heat and low pH of the distillation process have been demonstrated as causing low reproducibility and questionable accuracy, as well as being known to produce both false positive and false negative results depending upon the sample matrix.

Distillation

In the absence of interference, simple cyanides such as HCN, KCN, and NaCN are determined readily by each of the determinative steps, however, to determine “total” cyanide metal cyanide bonds must be broken and cyanide separated to produce simple cyanide. In all the approved EPA methodology this is accomplished by distillation from acid solution. Although distillation is assumed to eliminate, or at least minimize, most interferences the high temperature and strong acid solutions can potentially introduce significant positive or negative bias.

Thiocyanate and Sulfide are commonly occurring compounds in industrial waters and wastewaters, and are the most common and significant interferences in distillation based cyanide methods. While there are ways to remove sulfide, there are no adequate solutions for the removal of thiocyanate prior to analysis. The assumption that thiocyanate interference can be compensated for by the analysis of “Total Cyanide including Thiocyanate” and subtracting thiocyanate determined by a separate analysis depends on the accuracy of the cyanide measurement made in the presence of thiocyanate. Because thiocyanate can produce both positive and negative interferences, without an accurate analysis of each matrix one can never be sure whether to add or subtract.

Development of a Distillation Free Method for the Determination of Total Cyanide Recognizing that most interferences in accepted total cyanide determination methods stemmed from the distillation step that was supposed to eliminate interferences researchers developed a distillation free total cyanide method based on segmented flow - on-line UV digestion - gas diffusion with amperometric detection.[1] This novel method that quantitatively liberates most strong metal cyanide complexes, and accurately measures total cyanide from 0.002 mg/l to 5.00 mg/l at a rate of two minutes per sample is available from OI Analytical as Total Cyanide by UV-Digestion Amperometric Detection.

There are no known spot tests to detect thiocyanate, sulfite or thiosulfate accurately so no treatment can be applied to these samples. Recovery data indicates that cyanide can be accurately measured when analyzed by this non-distillation method, and that cyanide is not recovered when these same samples are distilled.

Conclusions

Approved total cyanide methods requiring a preliminary distillation step often produce unreliable data in complex real world samples. A method available from OI Analytical ” Total Cyanide by On-Line UV Digestion Amperometric Detection” solves most interference problems by producing reliable data in the presence of known interferences.

Although the method has not been EPA approved (EPA defines total cyanide as cyanide determined after distillation) it is still advantageous to analyze cyanide by a method known to produce correct results. Analyzing strictly for compliance purposes can result in serious errors including potential under-reporting when cyanide is actually present, or in over-reporting when cyanide is not even there.

[1] Ljiljana Solujic, Emil B. Milosavljevic, and Michael R. Straka, Analyst,1999, 124, 1255-1260

Whole life insurance covers you for your entire life, not just for a specific period or term. Because your premium stays the same until the policy is paid for, it’s important that you find the cheapest whole life insurance quote.

Look Online

The Internet is your best source for finding the cheapest whole life insurance quote. With insurance comparison websites you can complete a questionnaire about what kind of insurance you want. The websites will ask such information as:

* Your age

* How much insurance you want

* Whether you smoke

* Whether you work in a hazardous occupation

* Whether you have any risky hobbies

* Whether you have any health conditions

Once you complete the questionnaire you’ll get fast quotes from multiple companies. You can then easily compare the quotes and choose the best one for you. (See link below.)

When you get your whole life insurance quotes, look for companies that offer no-load or low-load whole life insurance policies. These policies may be the cheapest choice for you because they include little or no sales commissions.

Save on Your Whole Life Insurance Quote

Because whole life insurance builds up cash value, it can be an expensive form of insurance. However, there are ways you can save on your whole life insurance:

* Check the price of several insurance amounts with the same company. Sometimes more insurance actually costs less. For example, a company might charge $1.00 per $1,000 of coverage up to $249,999, but 90 cents per $1,000 of coverage over $250,000. So it would cost less to get $250,000 worth of coverage than $245,000.

* Change your habits. If you stop smoking and lose weight, you can save up to 50% on your premiums.

* If you have a health condition, look for a whole life insurance company that specializes in people with that condition.

* Ask about hidden fees. For example, your insurer might charge you to set up an automatic payment plan.

Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/life-insurance.html or click on the following link to get the cheapest whole life insurance quotes online from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section, and get answers to your insurance questions from an insurance expert by using their online chat service.

The authors, Brian Stevens and Stacey Schifferdecker, have spent 30 years in the insurance and finance industries, and have written a number of articles on getting the cheapest whole life insurance quotes online.

As an interior designer, I’m often asked by my clients if it’s a good idea to use similar colors and furnishings in a room. Their common belief is that similar colors will create a safe, clean-looking design. I tell them that although the design will be safe and clean-looking, it will also be very uninteresting.

Why do I say that? Because a truly interesting room design requires dimension in fabric textures and natural material finishes, as well as furnishings that have a common theme but are diverse in style.

For example, when you enter a beautifully designed room, you first notice the color. Then you notice the dimension of the furnishings, and finally you notice the complete picture as everything takes shape.

Imagine if that room was all in beige tones with very clean-lined furnishings and soft textures on the walls and finishes. Think of how flat, bland, and boring it would look. By just adding colorful art, you’ll add interesting dimension.

How can you ensure an interesting room design? It’s easy. Just work with your interior designer to understand the specific textures, furnishings and colors of a room he or she is recommending. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The most important thing is to make sure that all the pieces will work together to achieve the look you and your designer envision.

It’s vital that you never forget that it’s your room (or home) that is being designed, and that your functional and aesthetic needs and desires must be met in order for the final design to be considered successful.

But, don’t be afraid to try something different. You’ll probably be very surprised at how wonderful it looks. It may be frightening at first to get out of your comfort zone, but I guarantee that the results will be worth it.

James Charles is an award-winning interior designer who provides revolutionary new affordable online design services at http://www.DesignerAtHome.com. In just three steps he can make your professionally-designed dream home a reality.

Spendthrift trusts are rapidly becoming a key estate planning tool for families with one member who’s been de-railed by the drug or alcohol culture. Look out your window, look down the street or think of the many persons in your card and contact files. How many families show at least one member who’s been impacted by drug or alcohol addiction? Answer? Almost every family has that X-factor.

Primary Purpose And Benefit Of A Spendthrift Trust.

When a family includes a member who has lost some degree of free will and volition due to drug or alcohol addiction, or debilitating disease and accidents, and would not be considered “rational”, then a spendthrift trust creates the perfect sort of “control”. A disabled or mentally unfit “beneficiary” is known as the “spendthrift” and will be unable to access the family estate or assets, unless approved by the Trustee to the spendthrift trust. It is the Trustee, on behalf of the “spendthrift” who legally “controls the purse strings”.

Appointed Trustee Sets “Giving” Rules.

Unless the spendthrift trust charter document specifically sets forth a time table condition on the Trustee, then the Trustee will act is a custodial capacity indefinitely on behalf of the dysfunctional beneficiary. Limits on money and access to the inherited estate are determined in part through the language of the trust charter, along with the judgment skill of the Trustee as fiduciary. For example, where the spendthrift trust specifically sets out a payment such as $10,000 per year to the beneficiary, however where payments can be broken into weekly or monthly allocations, depending upon circumstance, or until the “spendthrift” demonstrates competency.

Result?

In the case where an estate or insurance beneficiary is brain-diseased, with a drug or alcohol or gambling addiction, the Trustee knows that any significant cash distribution will be instantly “converted” into more drugs or impulsive act, so the Trustee “puts the lid” on all but the most necessary expenses, such as rent, food and minor personal expenditures.

Creditor Protection Via Your Spendthrift Trust.

Real or commercial creditors, including banks stores and any other seller of services and products, dislike spendthrift trusts. Reason? A properly constructed spendthrift clause bars the creditor from any access to the trust’s assets. No liens, no court ordered liquidations, no attachments or reductions in the trust’s assets (corpus) and absolutely no payments of any creditor obligation can be imposed on the spendthrift trust unless and until the Trustee approves.

Creditor Costs And Time Limits.

Costs of litigation along with statute of limitations laws in each State further complicate the creditor pool, and they may never receive payments particularly if “the clock runs out”. Result? A creditor can sue, but even winning the court case as a judgment creditors he cannot gain access to the trust’s cash or property for payment relief. Creditors can only attach any “received payment” that the spendthrift gets.

Key Qualifying Language - Spendthrift Clause.

In order for the trust to be valid, in its objective of legally restricting a beneficiary’s access to the trust’s assets, the trust charter or deed of trust document must clearly and unambiguously show the trust creator’s intention to restrict inheritance unless and until specific qualifying conditions are met by the beneficiary.

Simple Standard Form And Low Cost.

Unless your family estate exceeds the Federal thresholds, which may rise to over $3 million under current legislation, you can settle an irrevocable trust, operating with spendthrift clause conditions, using local qualified small practice attorneys. Costs are modest, since the form of trust is “boilerplate” modified only by your family’s particular facts and figures.

Selecting Trustees And Back-Ups.

You’ll need a responsible person to act as Trustee…one who understands the legal and practical implications of her responsibility. You’ll also need a back-up or fall back Trustee to step into the responsibility in the event that your primary Trustee dies or becomes incapacitated. Your Trustee will operate under a legally binding power of attorney authority over the spendthrift trust’s assets.

Bottom Line.

A spendthrift trust provides long term financial protection for your loved ones, despite their current limitations. Once they improve and “normalize” their lives, they receive the balance of the family estate, according to the family’s intentions.

Learn More About Spendthrift Trusts And Family Estate Planning.
Please go to the following links for additional details on spendthrift trusts for your special needs family estate planning.

Wills and Estate Planning: http://www.wise4living.com/lwill/

Do It Yourself Wills: http://www.wise4living.com/lwill/do-it-yourself-will.html

Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty knowledge site that gives insights and solutions into spendthrift trusts and family law legal needs, home and gardening projects such as deer fencing, technology trends, unique gift designs, HDTV and home entertainment systems, technology gifts, tips for families committed to youth summer camps, body health, household, sport, travel, footwear, education, and much more.

The Korean government (”Ariadna - how Korea stopped the adaptor mess,” el Mundo) issued a standard that mobile phone adaptors should share a universal connector. No matter what brand the phone, providers will have to comply with a universal connector. This seems a very wise decision of the Korea government. “Japan and China are said to follow this example soon.”

The availability of an overdoses of connectors can be a real nuisance. Especially in the innovative mobile phone market where you ought to buy a new one every six months. And every new device will not connect to the previous car set, adaptor, etc. because the (non) standard is for each device slightly (non) adapted.

“The family Park uses eight mobile phones from three different suppliers,” but all use the same universal adaptor. How much adaptors do you use yourself, questions the newspaper next. Too many to count in my case.

A standard rule is quite efficient. There will be an absolute lower amount of adaptors which is a win for nearly everybody. It will increase the overall productivity of a country because of the increased efficiency and less waste, even though the old adaptors could be recycled. The quality of life also increases; just replace the mobile adaptor for the remote control and think how nice it would be if you could use only one (for TV,VCR, DVD, Stereo, etc) instead of four or five.

But it requires a central coordination principle. In order to benefit from a standardized output the stakeholders in the production and supplying process should comply to more rules and this will lead (automatically) to less freedom.

Any central government (read office) could be wrong. What if this new standard turns out to increase the time-to-market or to diminish the opportunities to develop new features or delays production?

(Therefore) whether western countries will follow this strategy remains uncertain. Perhaps they can import the new standard, but the more western approach is to let the markets go; out there some innovative company could just invent “the” connector that will outperform all others designed previously. From such a success will follow an new standard automatically without government interference. It is possible, but whether it will happen…

© 2007 Hans Bool

Hans Bool writes articles about management, culture and change. If you are interested to read or experience more about these topics have a look at: Astor White or sign-up for our newsletter.

In my interior designer practice, I’m often asked by my clients “What’s my style?” They’re having a hard time identifying their own style, and they turn to me as an expert. I always tell them, “The style you like is your style!”

What exactly does that mean? It simply means that, just as you are unique, so is your style. Your style is a reflection of your own taste, lifestyle, and history.

Your style will undoubtedly evolve as you mature. The style you like when you’re in your 50s will probably be different from the style you liked in your 20s. That’s normal. As we change, our tastes change too. We shouldn’t fight the changes, we should embrace them.

You might find that you like a combination of typical interior design styles, and that may seem confusing. But there’s nothing wrong with combining styles. We’re no longer locked into just one style or another. The most important thing is to relax, have fun and enjoy designing your home.

At one time, it was common to select either a traditional, modern, contemporary, art decor or other defined style. But it’s not so cut-and-dried today, because of the many new styles, including eclectic and shabby chic.

In fact, eclectic and shabby chic styles are great examples of styles that were created without any of the old established boundaries. They were born out of the need for new individual looks ─ a buffet of different styles all mixed together to create new styles.

Of course, all of these styles can make selecting your style more confusing. And sometimes it’s just too difficult to choose just one style. That’s okay. You can break the rules and still achieve your design goals.

So, remember, choose your style wisely, and take time to decide. But never forget-it is YOUR style!

James Charles is an award-winning interior designer who provides revolutionary new affordable online design services at http://www.DesignerAtHome.com. In just three steps he can make your professionally-designed dream home a reality.