Credit Card Fraud: 21 Tips to Protect Yourself

Although credit card fraud is certainly on the rise -- and credit card fraud on the Internet is rising even more dramatically -- many savvy Internet shoppers know that the reality is that it's actually much safer to enter your credit card number on a secure online order form than it is to give your credit card to a waiter at a restaurant.

After all, what's to stop the waiter from writing down your credit card number and placing orders on the phone with it later?

And research shows that the rate of fraudulent purchases made by cell phones is much higher than credit card fraud on the Net.

Nevertheless, we encourage you to take precautions when giving out any confidential information (including your credit card number) over the Internet, over the phone... or anywhere else for that matter!

Always use common sense -- it is the best rule of thumb.

Nonetheless, we've created 21 tips to protect yourself from credit card fraud -- which you'll find below.

First though, we wanted to mention a much more prevalent -- and much less publicized -- aspect of credit card fraud: the dangers of credit card fraud for businesses who accept credit cards over the Net. You can read more about 'Eight Sure-Fire Strategies Any Business Owner Can Use to Reduce Credit Card Fraud' by clicking here.

Internet ScamBusters' 21 Credit Card Fraud Prevention Tips:

1. Keep an eye on your credit card every time you use it, and make sure you get it back as quickly as possible. Try not to let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible.

2. Be very careful to whom you give your credit card. Don't give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call and you know the company is reputable. Never give your credit card info out when you receive a phone call. (For example, if you're told there has been a 'computer problem' and the caller needs you to verify information.) Legitimate companies don't call you to ask for a credit card number over the phone.

3. Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card info via email -- and don't ever respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit card) information. These are called 'phishing' scams.

4. Never provide your credit card information on a website that is not a secure site.

5. Sign your credit cards as soon as you receive them.

6. Shred all credit card applications you receive.

7. Don't write your PIN number on your credit card -- or have it anywhere near your credit card (in the event that your wallet gets stolen).

8. Never leave your credit cards or receipts lying around.

9. Shield your credit card number so that others around you can't copy it or capture it on a cell phone or other camera.

10. Keep a list in a secure place with all of your account numbers and expiration dates, as well as the phone number and address of each bank that has issued you a credit card. Keep this list updated each time you get a new credit card.

11. Only carry around credit cards that you absolutely need. Don't carry around extra credit cards that you rarely use.

12. Open credit card bills promptly and make sure there are no bogus charges. Treat your credit card bill like your checking account -- reconcile it monthly. Save your receipts so you can compare them with your monthly bills.

13. If you find any charges that you don't have a receipt for -- or that you don't recognize -- report these charges promptly (and in writing) to the credit card issuer.

14. Always void and destroy incorrect receipts.

15. Shred anything with your credit card number written on it.

16. Never sign a blank credit card receipt. Carefully draw a line through blank portions of the receipt where additional charges could be fraudulently added.

17. Carbon paper is rarely used these days, but if there is a carbon that is used in a credit card transaction, destroy it immediately.

18. Never write your credit card account number in a public place (such as on a postcard or so that it shows through the envelope payment window).

19. Ideally, it's a good idea to carry your credit cards separately from your wallet -- perhaps in a zippered compartment or a small pouch.

20. Never lend a credit card to anyone else.

21. If you move, notify your credit card issuers in advance of your change of address.

If you suspect credit card fraud:

If your credit cards are lost or stolen, contact the issuer(s) immediately.

Most credit card companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with these emergencies -- they are eager to avoid credit card fraud.

According to US law, once you have reported the loss or theft of your credit card, you have no more responsibility for unauthorized charges. Further, your maximum liability under federal US law is $50 per credit card -- and many credit card issuers will even waive that fee for good customers.

If you follow all these tips, it will go a long way in protecting you from credit card fraud.

Internet ScamBusters™
By Audri and Jim Lanford
Copyright © Audri and Jim Lanford.
All rights reserved.
Issue #79 June 9, 2004

Networking in a Nutshell

by Claire McLennan

Networking is a powerful tool and an integral part of business and professional development. Some people are natural networkers, although many of us find ourselves avoiding events because we don't know how to take advantage of them.



It's not all hard work. With the right method it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some ideas which you can use to help you get the most out of your network.



What is networking?


As described in the Collins dictionary, a network is an interconnected group or system. Therefore networking is the process of using a network or interconnected group to your advantage.



Why network?


Networking gives you the opportunity to gain insights into other businesses and contacts, and increase your exposure. At a networking occasion you are presented with the opportunity to tap into a wealth of information and experience in one room. A great asset of networking is that you never know what treasure is around the corner.



If time allows for it become involved with a networking organization. This will open up even more opportunities. Budget and time permitting, organise to be a guest speaker or a sponsor as this will greatly increase exposure for you and your business.



How to network your Small Business


This is perhaps the most daunting part of the process. Follow these tips to make it easier:


1. Make sure you have enough business cards to hand out and make sure you swap cards; this one of the most important items you can take from the event.



2. Look professional and dress accordingly.



3. Set out objectives for the evening. Are you looking to build your contacts or are you after a certain type of contact? Try and hit your objectives early, then you can generally mingle and increase your exposure.

4. If you do not find it easy to start a conversation pick a couple of current news topics you can use.



5. Take a colleague or business associate if turning up to an event on your own seems tough. Alternatively it could be a good opportunity to take a new business contact.



6. Take a look around the room – if it's not a seated event look for opportunities to enter conversations.



7. Manage your time and don't get stuck in one conversation. The room is full of ideas, so use the time wisely. Have a general rule of 15 minutes per contact.



8. Remember that everyone is there to network, so the person you are speaking to is also after knowledge and contacts. Think about what you can provide them. Even though you might not get an immediate return you might see potential in the future for a returned favour.



9. Don't dismiss any opportunities – you never know where conversations might lead.



10.Set up future meetings at the event – it's much harder for people to reject you face-to-face.



What to do with the contacts


So, what happens to all those business cards? Firstly you need to categorise them. You can then enter them into an appropriate database which can be set up in Excel or Access. Your database should include information such as contact details, where you met the contact and any special interests or insights you might have gained during your conversation.



Make sure that all ideas are written down in your database and that actions are documented straight away. Networking is mentally and physically draining so notes will ensure the benefits are not lost.



You then need to work out what to do with them – do you have any immediate tasks?



Reaping the benefits


The most important part of networking is ensuring you are able to learn and grow from the experience. The more you gain the better. By setting up some tools you can make sure you don't miss any opportunities. Eventually what once seemed like the daunting process of networking becomes second nature and an important part of growing your small business.

About The Author:
Claire McLennan is a business analyst writes articles for Microsoft Small Business

Submit RSS Feeds For Endless Traffic!

by Davion Wong

Why do people submit RSS feeds? Surely there must be reasons behind them doing so faithfully. Webmasters submit RSS feeds when they update their website with new web pages or build new websites, while companies do so when new products enter the market. The one sole purpose is to drive traffic, or get visitors to their websites.

Where does the traffic come from? We need to understand how RSS feeds work so as to
appreciate the whole mechanism of deriving traffic. RSS is simply put, Really Simple Syndication and in XML format. These are files that need to be parsed or read using aggregators or RSS readers.

Before you get drown in a complex myriad of terminology, I will explain things in simple digestible language. RSS feeds essentially displays news or content that refreshes and updates itself whenever the source is updated. Try to imagine that your website is a TV set, and each TV channel is an RSS feed. Each time the channel changes, we see a different image or content on your TV. The same goes for RSS feeds.

People use feeds to convey messages and bring news about finance, stocks, weather,
entertainment, latest product reviews, shopping discounts etc to targeted audience. Webmasters can submit RSS feeds to RSS feed directories for free. Such an activity brings significant benefits:

1. Content Syndication

Webmasters are always hungry for unique content. RSS feeds are useful for content management and because content delivery is instantaneous without the need to dabble with and modify their web pages, it’s the choice content source of many websites today. They essentially find their feeds at RSS feed directories, either in general or niche topics. This is one main reason why it makes perfect sense to deposit or submit RSS feeds to these directories. Envisage the kind of traffic your website would receive if your feed is published on other websites in the same theme as yours.

2. Link Popularity

Did you know that you can build RSS feeds and incorporate your links to your websites? If your feed is displayed on another website, that is an additional backlink for you. This has a positive effect on your link popularity in time to come. Download RSS Builder, a freeware to try building an RSS feed of your web page. Submit RSS feeds after that.

3. Build Credibility

Almost all successful webmasters regularly submit RSS feeds of their websites. Since RSS feeds are popular, invest more time in creating news worthy information on your website before distributing the RSS feeds. This would improve the chances of getting your feeds syndicated on popular and authority websites. You can establish yourself as an expert and build credibility in the long run. Credibility is invaluable in business as people would entrust their money to you, ie purchase your products.

4. Content Delivery and Notifications

Subscribers of RSS feed directories would get occasion notifications about the latest RSS feeds available. Submit RSS feeds from time to time, and be a regular contributor of useful feed content. You would pick up many loyal fans along the way as people start book marking your website as their regular content source.

Expert webmasters understand the power of RSS feeds and more so, the importance of
distributing feeds to as many directories as possible for explosive impact. Find out what secret tools they are using to submit RSS feeds to feed directories faster and reach more targeted audience at my blog.

About The Author:
Davion is a successful webmaster and author and RSS feed user. Read more about RSS feeds submission and which are the best tools available to submit RSS feeds to targeted audience, gain more traffic and boost your sales at Submit-RSSFeed.blogspot.com.

Latest news from Worlddect - about the Feeder

Newsletter Worlddect


We are very proud to announce that our Downlinebuilder “Residualincome” will be ready for pre-registrations on Wednesday 30 May 2007. We will have a countdown clock on the website for kick-off.


This means that you will be able to secure yourself one spot at the very beginning of this fast growing “Downlinebuilder” before the rest of the world gets a chance to join. We have decided to restrict everybody to ONE spot each during the pre-registration period in order to make it fair play for everybody. According to our slogan: “One4all and All4one”. Pre-registration is limited to two weeks prior to the official launch.


To pre-register means you secure your spot to be placed in the first matrix according to entrance number as soon as we launch the full matrix system. Notice will be sent out to everyone who has pre-registered when this happens.


When you pre-register you pay the amount of 19.95$ which will cover the one time fee to enter the first matrix of the Feeder.


The Feeder consists of 3 matrixes. In each matrix you have to have 15 spots under you to qualify and commence the cycle.


You enter into matrix 1 for only 19.95$. When you qualify in matrix 1 you cycle into matrix 2 and receive a new Free entry back into matrix 1.


You can also enter directly into matrix 2 for only 149.95$ in order to cycle faster. When you qualify in matrix 2 you cycle into matrix 3 and receive a new Free entry back into matrix 2.


Matrix 3 is the final matrix to qualify in and progress to receive your 4250$ worth of benefit (3,000$ in cash). You can NOT buy your way into matrix 3 but only cycle either through matrix 1 or matrix 2. When you qualify in matrix 3 you receive a new Free entry back into matrix 3, which means you will cycle again and again!


I can hardly wait (or sleep) until then ;-)
The Mother Blogger

They are "Crazy" :-)

I don't know if you are aware of it yet, but I am now working with a young Danish company called WorldDect - both online & offline.

(actually one of the reasons why I am moving back to Denmark, from Sunny Spain - so you can reckon I see it as serious business ;-)

They will now launch an extremely interesting so-called Feeder ("new form of marketing") !

(If you don't know the principles of a "Feeder" system, you can read about it here on my Blog - where its explained why the companies do it, and why its not as it may seem; "too good to be true"......)

If you join in from the beginning - you will get an IP phone, Shares in the company & make Good Money - hardly without doing anything !

(That is if you can help yourself - NOT "working" it - by spreading the word, when you see how much anyone can benefit from it :-)

Its 3 (2-tier) matrix - but which everyone fills together - so its not that you have to go out and get people in on your own !

(like in other MLM matrixes; where it depends on your own circle of sign-ups - here its just a question of time; if you help getting people in; you will cycle & get paid faster, than if you just sit back and wait for others to do it :-)

Pay the one-time fee: $ 19.95
- then you will see: $ 4,250.00 again & again & again.........

3 EASY STEPS:

1. 15 members in your downline; and you'll cycle into board 2 + get a new FREE re-entry into Board1.
2. 15 members in your downline; and you'll cycle into board 3 + get a new FREE re-entry into Board2.
3. 15 member in your downline; and you have reached your goal;

Get your CASH and sponsored gifts for $4,250.00 + a new FREE re-entry into Board3.

For now, I only give this offer to my own close network - as I want Worlddect to be my "Bread & Butter" in the future - thus don't want them to go "bankrupt" on this (in my eyes) a little bit too crazy marketing-stunt :-)

(But then again: when we have cycled once - I will broadcast it to the world - as should you ;-)

If you want in at the top of the matrix; let me know now - and I will send you a special invite ASAP - before it hits the streets!

(Launch should, after the plan, be on the 30.th of May 2007)

All the best wishes for your future endeavours !!!


The Mother Blogger

The European Goldenvision Team Blog !


For members, friends and others who are interested in daily tips & tricks to the Net, Health, Wealth, online Biz, Investing, Marketing and International Trading !


For more information on the Team, Health & Wealth - go to; www.goldenvision.dk


For more information about the "Mother-Blogger" (note; not with an F :-) - go to: www.ryze.com/go/dubli


HAPPY BLOGGING !!!
(Do you want an invitation? just write me; BlogInvitation@goldenvision.dk)

Evaluating Health Information On The Internet

by Diego Pineda

Late one day you receive an assignment on a topic you know little about: autism. You decide you need some background information and type “autism” in Google. The results page lists more than 5 million links. A quick scan shows you sites of parent advocacy groups, research centers, government agencies, stores offering autism resources and sites describing new miraculous treatments for the disorder.


How do you make sense of all this? How do you know which sites are reliable and scientifically accurate?


Unless you are familiar with the topic and can easily spot the bad apples in the barrel, a search engine such as Google is not the best place to start. Instead, start with a source that you know provides reliable information and that can direct you to other reliable sources of information. For example, The National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus (www.medlineplus.gov) is one of the best places to begin a search about health matters.

Once you are on your way with your Internet search, ask these questions about each Web site you visit:


* Does the Web site display who is responsible for the site? The site should describe the type of organization it belongs to (for example, nonprofit, government, commercial) and disclose the sources of funding.


* Is the purpose of the Web site stated? The site’s purpose should be to provide unbiased
information about the health topic, not to promote a product or treatment.


* Does it provide a mission statement? The mission of the sponsor organization should be
clearly stated and should be consistent with the site’s content.


* Is there a way to contact the information provider or Webmaster? Different methods of contact should be available (for example, e-mail, phone, mailing address).


Then, ask the following questions about the Web site’s content:


* Is the information slanted in favor of the Web site’s sponsor or source of funding? Health information should be accurate and unbiased.


* Do scientific experts review the medical information before it is posted on the Web site? The names, credentials, and affiliations of the Editorial Board or scientific reviewers should be made available to the readers. Remember, however, that credentials may be misleading: experts in one field may not be experts in other areas. The credentials should reflect expertise in the health topics addressed on the site.


* Does the information display the date of last revision, and is it kept up to date? The Web site should keep up with recent developments in medicine.


* What is the scientific evidence for claims made? The original source of facts and figures
should be shown (for example, journal citations). Warning: some Web sites may misquote
scientific studies or take statements out of context. When possible, check the facts in the original study.


* Does the Web site rely on anecdotes about sick individuals instead of large scientific
studies? Case-control studies provide a better understanding of a disease or treatment than isolated case reports.


* Are personal opinions presented as facts? Editorial and opinion pieces should be clearly
identified as such.


* Is the information presented in context? Enough background information should be provided to better understand the topic.


Although not essential with regard to reliability, a good health Web site should also have the following characteristics:


Design. A professional design is more than high-quality graphics and state-of-the-art
animations; it comprises logical organization of the information and ease of navigation through the different sections of the site. In other words, you should not get lost when moving around the site. A well-designed site will offer a navigational menu on every page, a site map, an internal search engine and a frequently asked questions page to help you find information.


Writing. A Web site filled with typos and grammatical errors will not make a good
impression—much less among writers. Proper grammar, spelling, and composition add credibility to the information because they are signs of an appropriate editorial process.


Additional resources. A single Web site will hardly cover a health topic in its entirety.
Therefore, a good site will link to other good sites that complement its information.


Medical knowledge changes rapidly, so always check more than 1 site to make sure you
have obtained the most recent information. If the information is not clear or you have questions about something not covered on the Web sites, try to obtain a clarification from the authors. Finally, it is a good idea to double-check the facts with a known source you have worked with before.

Quick Guide to Money on the Internet

Quick Guide to Money on the Internet By Nathan Price

With so many ways to make money on the internet, it can be very difficult to figure out where exactly to begin. Which methods are legit? Which methods are just hype? Which are just scams? It can get very confusing for sure. One method I have become really excited about recently is Affiliate Marketing. So I would like to take a moment to talk about it a bit, and offer a quick guide on how one can get started almost immediately. What is Affiliate Marketing exactly? Affiliate Marketing is a very simple concept where an affiliate earns commissions for sending buying customers to a merchant. An affiliate basicly acts as a sort of free-lance advertiser, sending potential customers to a specific web merchant in hopes that they will buy something from the merchant. The Affiliate Marketing concept has been around for quite some time, but really took off with the advent of the internet. In July of 1996, Amazon.com introduced their Associates Program, which was one of the first really successful affiliate programs. Since then, as the internet has grown exponentially, tons and tons of great affiliate opportunities can be found. Benefits of Affiliate Marketing Affiliate Marketing is highly benefitial to both the affiliate, and the merchant providing the program. Because of the sheer size of the internet, it can be extremely difficult, if not impossible for small businesses to effectively advertise their products to a large enough group of people. The costs of running large scale ad campaigns can be very risky to those businesses, especially if they do not perform well. But having an "army" of affiliates to advertise for them keeps the costs down since the affiliates themselves pay for their own ads. The costs are also very efficient because the merchant only pays for those ads that successfully produce a sale. The affiliate sees much benefit as well. Because it is the merchant that is doing all the selling, the affiliate does not need to concern themselves with any shipping or inventory expenditures, customer service, return policies, or any actual selling. Affiliates are also not bound in any way to a particular merchant, and can promote any number of merchants at any time. As long as their commissions generate more than their costs in ads, the affilate can make some "easy" profits. How does it work? And how can I get started? Affiliates send customers to their promoted products through links in their ads. These links send the customer to the merchant site while embedding an "affiliate ID" in the link. This ID tells the merchant site which affiliate is responsible for sending that particular customer to their site, and thus, who to pay commission to if a sale takes place. Getting started in Affiliate Marketing is actually very easy. Most all online merchants have some sort of affiliate program, which is always free to sign up for (Note: never pay to sign up for one of these, you should never have to pay a merchant anything to sell their own producs). Once signed up, you simply have to find ways to send people to the affilate URL the merchant provides you (contains your affiliate tracking ID). So basicly, you just have to find a merchant or product to promote, sign up to their free program, and begin promoting. Quick Guide 1.) Many merchants use a third party company to handle their affiliate programs. One such company is Clickbank.com. Be sure to visit their site and sign up for free. You will then have access to thousands of products to promote. (Clickbank handles all sales and commissions for products on their site, and send checks every 2 weeks). 2.) Find a product which interests you, and you feel may interest others. Check out its commission rate, and cash earned per sale. Also try to ascertain its popularity and potential competition if you can. 3.) Get your "hoplink" to the sales page of the product through Clickbank. It is imperitive to make sure this link is correct with your ID in it so you can make sure you get credit for commissions. 4.) Get your link out there. Find ways to promote your product of choice. Pay-Per-Click advertising is extremely popular for this and requires no website of your own. Many seach engines provide PPC, with Google Adwords being one of the most popular. 5.) Test, Test, and Test. Always do your best to track all results and always try to find new information on marketing strategies. The more you know, the easier making money online can be.

MLM Feeder Program

To better understand the feeder from Worlddect (a truly UNIQUE and EXTREMELY PROFFIBALE one), that I will give you in a short while (they are working hard to get it ready for you as I write this) - you should read this article, explaining why the companies do it, and why its not as it may look; "too good to be true".......................


MLM Feeder Program
by Chris K. Anderson


What is an MLM feeder program? What it does and how can help a network marketer whether seasoned or just beginning?


To take it from the start this feeder programs started as a necessity and a clever way by some marketers to get more value from their advertising and don't lose their prospects. Those networkers were already involved in an MLM business in which they were concentrated and put most of their effort. The problem was that some of the companies had a high entry cost that most of the prospects couldn't afford or didn't want to pay. This resulted to low conversion rates and as a result a high ratio of advertising dollars per new customer or member.


In order to solve this problem and don't lose their prospects for ever they started using other programs with low entry cost to offer to them if they were unable to join their first opportunity. Some of them would find the second proposal interesting and become part of it.

What this network marketers accomplished was to keep communication with the people that joined the second company and have the chance in the future to also make them distributors for their primary business. What's more was that they were able to build a second stream of income, at the company they used as a feeder, with the same budget. As you can understand soon this method took of and many of the top network marketers started using it.


That feeder method wasn't immune to side-effects and for sure it created some problems. First, the distributors who used this method no matter how little time they spent on the feeder program they have to pay attention at two programs that at some extent it was diluting their efforts. Second, they were helping someone to succeed in one business with the end result being moving him later to similar or not so similar one which could ruin all the work he might have done in the feeder program.


Today things are better in this field. Although many people still use the method mention above these days many companies create their own feeder programs. By doing that they help people who can't afford the initial cost to join to do it at a fraction of that within the same company so to solve the above problems. That way they keep their distributors focused while giving more choices to their prospects without the need to sidetrack them to other opportunities. As you can understand this is a win-win situation that benefits all the involved parties and increases the success rate of the company's members and the future success of the company as a whole.


More than that there is even independent companies who are created by their founders with the purpose to serve as feeder program for another company. Those two companies have no other connection other than the owners of the feeder are usually distributors for the 'parent' one.


The concept of the MLM feeder program is on the rise and the number of companies that use a feeder though small today it will increase in the future. Where we see the most growth today is in independent businesses that run as a feeder for another company and they come to fill a void as many distributors want to utilize them in their marketing efforts.





About The Author:
John Jackson has dedicated over 10 years to Data Backup management and technology concentrating on information security and privacy

Evaluating Health Information On The Internet
by Diego Pineda

Late one day you receive an assignment on a topic you know little about: autism. You decide you need some background information and type “autism” in Google. The results page lists more than 5 million links. A quick scan shows you sites of parent advocacy groups, research centers, government agencies, stores offering autism resources and sites describing new miraculous treatments for the disorder.

How do you make sense of all this? How do you know which sites are reliable and scientifically accurate?

Unless you are familiar with the topic and can easily spot the bad apples in the barrel, a search engine such as Google is not the best place to start. Instead, start with a source that you know provides reliable information and that can direct you to other reliable sources of information. For example, The National Library of Medicine’s Medline Plus (www.medlineplus.gov) is one of the best places to begin a search about health matters.

Once you are on your way with your Internet search, ask these questions about each Web site you visit:

* Does the Web site display who is responsible for the site? The site should describe the type of organization it belongs to (for example, nonprofit, government, commercial) and disclose the sources of funding.

* Is the purpose of the Web site stated? The site’s purpose should be to provide unbiased information about the health topic, not to promote a product or treatment.

* Does it provide a mission statement? The mission of the sponsor organization should be clearly stated and should be consistent with the site’s content.

* Is there a way to contact the information provider or Webmaster? Different methods of contact should be available (for example, e-mail, phone, mailing address).

Then, ask the following questions about the Web site’s content:

* Is the information slanted in favor of the Web site’s sponsor or source of funding? Health information should be accurate and unbiased.

* Do scientific experts review the medical information before it is posted on the Web site? The names, credentials, and affiliations of the Editorial Board or scientific reviewers should be made available to the readers. Remember, however, that credentials may be misleading: experts in one field may not be experts in other areas. The credentials should reflect expertise in the health topics addressed on the site.

* Does the information display the date of last revision, and is it kept up to date? The Web site should keep up with recent developments in medicine.

* What is the scientific evidence for claims made? The original source of facts and figures should be shown (for example, journal citations). Warning: some Web sites may misquote scientific studies or take statements out of context. When possible, check the facts in the original study.

* Does the Web site rely on anecdotes about sick individuals instead of large scientific studies? Case-control studies provide a better understanding of a disease or treatment than isolated case reports.

* Are personal opinions presented as facts? Editorial and opinion pieces should be clearly identified as such.

* Is the information presented in context? Enough background information should be provided to better understand the topic.

Although not essential with regard to reliability, a good health Web site should also have the following characteristics:

Design. A professional design is more than high-quality graphics and state-of-the-art animations; it comprises logical organization of the information and ease of navigation through the different sections of the site. In other words, you should not get lost when moving around the site. A well-designed site will offer a navigational menu on every page, a site map, an internal search engine and a frequently asked questions page to help you find information.

Writing. A Web site filled with typos and grammatical errors will not make a good impression—much less among writers. Proper grammar, spelling, and composition add credibility to the information because they are signs of an appropriate editorial process.

Additional resources. A single Web site will hardly cover a health topic in its entirety. Therefore, a good site will link to other good sites that complement its information.

Medical knowledge changes rapidly, so always check more than 1 site to make sure you have obtained the most recent information. If the information is not clear or you have questions about something not covered on the Web sites, try to obtain a clarification from the authors. Finally, it is a good idea to double-check the facts with a known source you have worked with before

Missing Madeleine

Missing Madeleine

Last updated: 14 May 2007

Madeleine McCann

Find out how to send messages of support to the McCann family and download Madeleine's poster appeal

It's been over a week since youngster Madeleine McCann went missing from an Algarve holiday resort.

The four-year-old, from Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared from an apartment in Praia da Luz on May 3.

Madeleine had been left sleeping with her brother and sister, two-year-old twins Sean and Amelie, while her parents, Gerry and Kate, dined at a nearby restaurant.

Join in the discussion

She had been wearing white pyjama bottoms with a small floral design and a short-sleeved pink top with a picture of Eeyore on it.

The latest...

Despite British media frustration at the news blackout imposed under Portuguese law for the duration of the investigation, the focus of the inquiry appears to have shifted away from a local search for Madeleine to an international child abduction inquiry.
£2.5 million reward.

Meanwhile, businessman Sir Richard Branson, footballer Wayne Rooney and Harry Potter author JK Rowling are among those who have contributed to rewards totalling £2.5m for the safe return of Madeleine.

A "fighting fund" to which members of the public can donate to help in the search for Madeleine is being set up by her family's lawyers.

Support

Mark Warner Holidays which runs the Ocean Club resort where the McCanns are staying said that it had been so overwhelmed with messages of support for the couple that it had set up a special email address.

Anyone who wishes to pass messages to the family can do so by e-mailing: mccannfamily@markwarner.co.uk.

Hotlines

Portuguese police have now issued a formal appeal for information about the disappearance of Madeleine. It carries details of the abduction, alongside a photo of the three-year-old and a phone number for the public to call.

Click here for the Portuguese Police website.

If you are in Portugal and have any information, call the Portuguese Police direct on +351 282 405 400.

Otherwise, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The international number for Crimestoppers is +44 1883 731 336. People with information about Madeleine can call anonymously.

Support the McCanns

You can send the family your messages of support and let us know your thoughts by joining in the discussion on our message boards

Downloads:

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Memory Improvement Tools

This Mind Tools section helps you improve your memory.

The techniques it explains are particularly helpful in studying for exams or in situations where you need to remember detailed, structured information. They also make things like learning foreign languages and remembering people's names much easier.

This section is split into three parts: first of all, the introduction explains the principles behind the use of mnemonics.

We then discuss a range of individual tools that you can use to remember information. Finally we discuss how to use the skills in practice to remember peoples names, languages, exam information, etc.

Enjoy using the tools!

Introduction to Memory TechniquesRemembering a Simple List - The Link Method and Story Method

Remembering Ordered Lists - The Number/Rhyme Mnemonic

Remembering Ordered Lists - The Number/Shape Mnemonic

Remembering Middle Length Lists - The Alphabet Technique

Remembering Long Lists - The Journey System

Remembering Grouped Information - The Roman Room System

Remembering Very Long Numbers - The Major System

Using Concept Maps to Remember Structured Information

Memory Games - Have fun while you improve your memory

How to... Learn a Foreign Language

How to... Remember Information for Exams

How to... Remember People's Names

How to... Remember Lists and Long Numbers

Other Memory Tools - Reviewed... - Our reviews of other important memory resources

Networking in a Nutshell

by Claire McLennan

Networking is a powerful tool and an integral part of business and professional development. Some people are natural networkers, although many of us find ourselves avoiding events because we don't know how to take advantage of them.


It's not all hard work. With the right method it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some ideas which you can use to help you get the most out of your network.


What is networking?

As described in the Collins dictionary, a network is an interconnected group or system. Therefore networking is the process of using a network or interconnected group to your advantage.


Why network?

Networking gives you the opportunity to gain insights into other businesses and contacts, and increase your exposure. At a networking occasion you are presented with the opportunity to tap into a wealth of information and experience in one room. A great asset of networking is that you never know what treasure is around the corner.


If time allows for it become involved with a networking organization. This will open up even more opportunities. Budget and time permitting, organise to be a guest speaker or a sponsor as this will greatly increase exposure for you and your business.


How to network your Small Business

This is perhaps the most daunting part of the process. Follow these tips to make it easier:


1. Make sure you have enough business cards to hand out and make sure you swap cards; this one of the most important items you can take from the event.


2. Look professional and dress accordingly.


3. Set out objectives for the evening. Are you looking to build your contacts or are you after a certain type of contact? Try and hit your objectives early, then you can generally mingle and increase your exposure.

4. If you do not find it easy to start a conversation pick a couple of current news topics you can use.


5. Take a colleague or business associate if turning up to an event on your own seems tough. Alternatively it could be a good opportunity to take a new business contact.


6. Take a look around the room – if it's not a seated event look for opportunities to enter conversations.


7. Manage your time and don't get stuck in one conversation. The room is full of ideas, so use the time wisely. Have a general rule of 15 minutes per contact.


8. Remember that everyone is there to network, so the person you are speaking to is also after knowledge and contacts. Think about what you can provide them. Even though you might not get an immediate return you might see potential in the future for a returned favour.


9. Don't dismiss any opportunities – you never know where conversations might lead.


10.Set up future meetings at the event – it's much harder for people to reject you face-to-face.


What to do with the contacts

So, what happens to all those business cards? Firstly you need to categorise them. You can then enter them into an appropriate database which can be set up in Excel or Access. Your database should include information such as contact details, where you met the contact and any special interests or insights you might have gained during your conversation.


Make sure that all ideas are written down in your database and that actions are documented straight away. Networking is mentally and physically draining so notes will ensure the benefits are not lost.


You then need to work out what to do with them – do you have any immediate tasks?


Reaping the benefits

The most important part of networking is ensuring you are able to learn and grow from the experience. The more you gain the better. By setting up some tools you can make sure you don't miss any opportunities. Eventually what once seemed like the daunting process of networking becomes second nature and an important part of growing your small business.

About The Author:
Claire McLennan is a business analyst writes articles for Microsoft Small Business

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The European Goldenvision Team Blog !


For members, friends and others who are interested in daily tips & tricks to the Net, Health, Wealth, online Biz, Investing, Marketing and International Trading !


For more information on the Team, Health & Wealth - go to; www.goldenvision.dk


For more information about the "Mother-Blogger" (note; not with an F :-) - go to: www.ryze.com/go/dubli


HAPPY BLOGGING !!!
(Do you want an invitation? just write me; BlogInvitation@goldenvision.dk)

An Old Farmer's Advice:

* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

* Keep skunks and bankers at a distance.

* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.

* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.

* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.

* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

* It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

* You cannot unsay a cruel word.

* Every path has a few puddles.

* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

* The best sermons are lived, not preached.

* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

* Don't judge folks by their relatives.

* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.

* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

* The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from
the mirror every mornin'.

* Always drink upstream from the herd.

* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

Amazing

Convicted forger A. Schiller was serving his time in Sing
Sing prison in the late 1800s when guards found him dead in
his cell. On his body they found seven regular straight pins
whose heads measured the typical 47/1000ths of an inch or
1.17 millimeters in diameter. Under 500 magnification it was
found that the tiny etchings seen on the heads of the pins
were the words to The Lord's Prayer, which is 65 words and
254 letters long. Of the seven pins, six were silver and one
was gold - the gold pin's prayer was flawless and a true
masterpiece. Schiller had spent the last 25 years of his life
creating the pins, using a tool too small to be seen by the
naked eye. It is estimated that it took 1,863 separate carving
strokes to make it. Schiller went blind because of his
artwork.


Thanks to http://www.anomalies-unlimited.com/

Newsletter Worlddect

Firstly we realise that it has been a long time since you have heard from us but this newsletter will more than compensate for our period of silence. As you read on, you’ll realise why we have been so quiet and we’re sure you will be even more excited about your business with us.


We have been working on some major projects, which we felt were too sensitive to reveal, until we had the enhancements in place. This progress is now ready to reveal and we are proud to present the developments taking Worlddect to the next level.


A corporation with a highly professional company has been established to introduce the very popular, low cost, member consuming new trend in online teambuilding. All for one – one for all!


The Downlinebuilder system has already proven itself on the market showing a rapidly growing member base, due to the fact that all members promote the same referral link and ALL pressure is removed!

Another substantial effect is the low-price entrance fee, which appeals to a vast population worldwide, meaning all walks of life have the opportunity to join and become successful.


We proudly reveal the facts regarding our Downlinebuilder:

19.95 $ onetime fee to join.

Cash out:

$ 3000.00 on E-wallet.
$ 750.00 worth to buy mandatory shares in Worlddect Ltd. investment portfolio.
$ 500.00 Voucher for unique IP Worlddect Telephone.

$ 4250.00 Total Benefit.


You cycle through 3 matrix systems of 15 members each to get your 4250$ benefits. We will give you all the details on how the system works, when the pre-register website is ready. This will be within 2 weeks!


Due to this new system launch we had to make vital adjustments in the Worlddect and Eastdect systems. The most important adjustment is that you as a member only can login to your back office on: www.worlddect.com


We will inform you about all the other adjustments to our systems in our next newsletter within a few days.


So look out for our next update and get ready for an exciting prosperous future with us.


Kind Regards
Worlddect Management



The European Goldenvision Team is a proud member of Worlddect !