If you are interested to know which brand is a perfect pod coffee maker, then you might first want to think about the definition of "perfect". In short, what is a perfect single serve coffee maker?
There are probably tons of definitions out there, but mine goes like this: As long as the pod coffee maker can brew many types of coffee blends, it would be perfect, don't you think so?
The single most daunting thing about single serve coffee maker is the closed system and their lack of coffee varieties. Pod coffee maker are already easy to use and are also very easy to clean, add in the element of variety, no coffee makers can match them in capability!
Just imagine owning a senseo, this machine is easy to use and maintain, which are great. Now, imagine having the ability to use any types of coffee that you fancy that is a very good thought right?
Unfortunately, till now, senseo is still a closed system like many other single serve coffee makers. Which means you would have to use douwe egberts if you are brewing coffee with a senseo.
There is however a machine that can mitigate this situation. It is known as the perfect pod maker. Its sole purpose is to make coffee pods that are applicable for coffee makers like senseo.
Rather than highlighting which brands would be able to use this great piece of machine, I would share which brands would not be able to use coffee pods from this perfect pod maker.
They are Nespresso, Keurig and Tassimo. This is mainly because these 3 companies are using their own special pods and not the standard coffee pods. So, other than these 3 brands of pod coffee maker, the rest of the brands theoretically have the ability to brew any coffee blends using the perfect pod maker.
And this pod maker similar to the single serves coffee maker concept, easy usage. All one need to do is to choose a coffee blend they like, and then filled it into the paper filter that is provided by the perfect pod maker.
The amount of coffee is really up to individual, but I would recommend a 8-10 grams for a strong and intense coffee. After filling the filter paper, simply press down this pod maker and wait for approximately 8 seconds and you would get a coffee pods that you can use.
There are not much things that you need to take note while using this perfect pod maker, although, it would be important to check that your coffee pods are properly sealed as any breakage (especially inside your coffee maker) could be disastrous.
For optimum taste, many users of the perfect pod maker feedback that it is better to wet the pods prior to inserting it into the single serve coffee maker, the feedback is that wetting the pods allows the hot water to seep better thus providing a better tasting coffee.
So, while this is not a pod coffee maker per se, this is a machine that can really better your coffee experience with a single serve coffee maker, right?
Author Bio:
Ebenezer Heng, the owner of On Coffee makers does the research for on any machines related to coffee. As long as you are looking for a machines to better your coffee experience, chances are you can find it at http://www.oncoffeemakers.com and you can also learn more about pod coffee maker.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?I-Have-a-Perfect-Pod-Coffee-Maker!&id=1520491
Monday, November 29, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Fight Leukemia with a Pre-Sale Ticket Car Wash Fundraiser
One of the most devastating cancers of all is Leukemia and the costs to fight it are immensely expensive. When a child has leukemia it is even more devastating threatening to cut a life short. Many times communities will rally together to have fundraisers to cover the costs. Generally the whole community and several fundraisers can come up with the funds with a couple of large donations. To attract large donors, it pays to have the public relations and show a consciousness effort to reach the goal for the treatment. Every year bone morrow transplants costs in crease. One of the fundraisers you might wish to consider is a car wash fundraiser. A pre-sale ticket car wash fundraiser can make significantly larger dollars than a normal car wash fundraiser. Let's discuss pre-sale ticket strategies for a moment.
PRE-SALE TICKETS
You should seriously consider selling presale tickets for your car wash. There are a lot of advantages in pre-selling your tickets such as:
You know about how many people will come to your car wash ahead of time
66% of the ticket buyers never show up but you've already got the money
If it rains you're washed up but not washed out
You will also have use of the money in advance even in the event of rain. Your rain date might be three weeks later yet you have most of the money in your coffers now. Important monies that can go towards your goal for the treatment.
Let's take one of our 1990 car washes. It was for the local high school band. There were one hundred plus students in the band. The average student sold twenty tickets at $5.00 each. The presale ended up about $10,000. That in it self would be great, but it gets better. The day of the event we raised $985.00 in drive-ups. Some of the girls on the drill team waved tall flags and others held poster board signs that brought the cars in all right. We washed 408 cars. Wow, were we tired! We had two solid lines of cars at least fifteen deep all day long. 201 cars were drive-ups with no presale tickets. With tips included that made up the $985.00. That left 207 cars worth of presale with tickets. But you say, "How can that be?" 207 times $5.00 = only $1,035.00. That's right. Since our lines were so long a lot of people didn't claim their tickets or never intended on coming in the first place or forgot or had some thing else to do that day. I believe it was a combination of all these reasons. Whatever the reason, the money went to a good cause. We've had many many fundraisers that have been equally successful over the years.
Now someone will have to typeset these tickets and have them printed. There is probably someone in your group who is a graphic artist or really good with a PC or MAC computer. They'll do fine. The tickets should be eight to ten on a page. You should print them on colored paper so they are not easily duplicated. You should pick a color that matches with your church, club or school's colors. Have the tickets cut. Put the individual tickets into piles of twenty. Put a piece of cardboard or poster board the exact size underneath each stack. Buy some rubber cement. Put about ten stacks of twenty tickets on top of each other and put them in a vice. Paint the rubber cement on the left side of the ticket book and let dry for one hour. Repeat until you have enough booklets for each member. You might want to print another dozen booklets just in case. If the tickets are selling fast, you don't want to run out. That will break your momentum.
You should have frequent ticket sales progress meetings with the people selling the car wash tickets. That way, if sales aren't meeting goals you can help motivate members or reorganize the group.
Tickets can be expensive to print. Ask a local print shop to advertise on the back and become a sponsor in exchange for half price or free printing of the tickets. Most print shops do binding so you may be able to trade for that and save you the time and aggravation of binding the ticket books yourself. Print shops will do a more professional job at binding than you can do on your first time trying. Professional tickets are more presentable and look more official when selling to customers. This will help your group in their selling efforts.
When a community unites in a common cause miracles can occur, all this positive energy and mind power may significantly help the child win their battle with leukemia. Work together and work smart to raise the funds needed and the awareness required to rid the world of this terrible problem and save your local VIP from leukemia. Think on this.
Author Bio:
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fight-Leukemia-with-a-Pre-Sale-Ticket-Car-Wash-Fundraiser&id=41510
PRE-SALE TICKETS
You should seriously consider selling presale tickets for your car wash. There are a lot of advantages in pre-selling your tickets such as:
You know about how many people will come to your car wash ahead of time
66% of the ticket buyers never show up but you've already got the money
If it rains you're washed up but not washed out
You will also have use of the money in advance even in the event of rain. Your rain date might be three weeks later yet you have most of the money in your coffers now. Important monies that can go towards your goal for the treatment.
Let's take one of our 1990 car washes. It was for the local high school band. There were one hundred plus students in the band. The average student sold twenty tickets at $5.00 each. The presale ended up about $10,000. That in it self would be great, but it gets better. The day of the event we raised $985.00 in drive-ups. Some of the girls on the drill team waved tall flags and others held poster board signs that brought the cars in all right. We washed 408 cars. Wow, were we tired! We had two solid lines of cars at least fifteen deep all day long. 201 cars were drive-ups with no presale tickets. With tips included that made up the $985.00. That left 207 cars worth of presale with tickets. But you say, "How can that be?" 207 times $5.00 = only $1,035.00. That's right. Since our lines were so long a lot of people didn't claim their tickets or never intended on coming in the first place or forgot or had some thing else to do that day. I believe it was a combination of all these reasons. Whatever the reason, the money went to a good cause. We've had many many fundraisers that have been equally successful over the years.
Now someone will have to typeset these tickets and have them printed. There is probably someone in your group who is a graphic artist or really good with a PC or MAC computer. They'll do fine. The tickets should be eight to ten on a page. You should print them on colored paper so they are not easily duplicated. You should pick a color that matches with your church, club or school's colors. Have the tickets cut. Put the individual tickets into piles of twenty. Put a piece of cardboard or poster board the exact size underneath each stack. Buy some rubber cement. Put about ten stacks of twenty tickets on top of each other and put them in a vice. Paint the rubber cement on the left side of the ticket book and let dry for one hour. Repeat until you have enough booklets for each member. You might want to print another dozen booklets just in case. If the tickets are selling fast, you don't want to run out. That will break your momentum.
You should have frequent ticket sales progress meetings with the people selling the car wash tickets. That way, if sales aren't meeting goals you can help motivate members or reorganize the group.
Tickets can be expensive to print. Ask a local print shop to advertise on the back and become a sponsor in exchange for half price or free printing of the tickets. Most print shops do binding so you may be able to trade for that and save you the time and aggravation of binding the ticket books yourself. Print shops will do a more professional job at binding than you can do on your first time trying. Professional tickets are more presentable and look more official when selling to customers. This will help your group in their selling efforts.
When a community unites in a common cause miracles can occur, all this positive energy and mind power may significantly help the child win their battle with leukemia. Work together and work smart to raise the funds needed and the awareness required to rid the world of this terrible problem and save your local VIP from leukemia. Think on this.
Author Bio:
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fight-Leukemia-with-a-Pre-Sale-Ticket-Car-Wash-Fundraiser&id=41510
Friday, November 26, 2010
Coffee Makers - Things You Should Consider
Coffee machines have advanced quite a bit in recent years. Therefore prior to heading to rushing down to your local mall, you need to do some research. Think about what kind of coffee you want, how often you drink coffee and just how much space you have for a coffee maker.
Espresso or Non Espresso?
Espresso coffee makers are usually quite expensive. They cost more than some other coffee machines and make a selection of coffee types such as cappuccino as well as lattes. Espresso models often make only one cup at a time and they also need cleaning following each cup. The actual coffee is stronger compared to that made by other means.
True coffee lovers would rather make use of an espresso maker, particularly the super computerized models which perform just about everything from grinding the coffee beans to actually pouring it into the cup.
Standard drinkers who prefer to have a pot of joe available all the time and are not interested in lattes or various other versions of coffee tend to prefer non-espresso coffee makers. Non-espresso coffeemakers work well for people who like to start the actual coffee brewing and go on about their typical activities while it brews. They purchase coffee already ground and don't bother with beans or grinding.
For coffee drinkers needing vast amounts of their favorite drink, non-espresso is what you want. Large percolator type urns can be used to make more than a hundred or so cups at once.
Non-espresso type coffee makers are much less expensive compared to espresso machines.
Author Bio:
Whatever you decide to buy Espresso or Non Espresso, you will always be able to buy it for less online. For a large selection of coffee makers at very affordable prices go to http://freshroastedcoffeebeans.org/category/coffee-makers
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Makers---Things-You-Should-Consider&id=4641116
Espresso or Non Espresso?
Espresso coffee makers are usually quite expensive. They cost more than some other coffee machines and make a selection of coffee types such as cappuccino as well as lattes. Espresso models often make only one cup at a time and they also need cleaning following each cup. The actual coffee is stronger compared to that made by other means.
True coffee lovers would rather make use of an espresso maker, particularly the super computerized models which perform just about everything from grinding the coffee beans to actually pouring it into the cup.
Standard drinkers who prefer to have a pot of joe available all the time and are not interested in lattes or various other versions of coffee tend to prefer non-espresso coffee makers. Non-espresso coffeemakers work well for people who like to start the actual coffee brewing and go on about their typical activities while it brews. They purchase coffee already ground and don't bother with beans or grinding.
For coffee drinkers needing vast amounts of their favorite drink, non-espresso is what you want. Large percolator type urns can be used to make more than a hundred or so cups at once.
Non-espresso type coffee makers are much less expensive compared to espresso machines.
Author Bio:
Whatever you decide to buy Espresso or Non Espresso, you will always be able to buy it for less online. For a large selection of coffee makers at very affordable prices go to http://freshroastedcoffeebeans.org/category/coffee-makers
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Makers---Things-You-Should-Consider&id=4641116
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Green Fundraising Ideas - Raise Money the Eco-Friendly Way
If you are starting a fundraiser for your local school, church or youth activity center, you should know that, by going green, you can make a lot of money.
Why continue to sell the same old disposable and ecologically dangerous items that schools have been selling for years?
People are so interested in going green these days that it can really boost your sales to offer something green in your fundraising efforts. There are so many eco-friendly fundraising options out there, you can be sure to find something appropriate for your group from the following ideas.
Sun Tea Fundraiser
Making tea with natural sunlight is not only eco-friendly, it's delicious too. Your group can get donations for large gallon glass jars and tea bags. Pre-take orders for a gallon of sun tea and then arrange a day to make all of the tea. Drop off the tea at a pre-determined day along with a thank you card attached to the glass jar.
Silent Auctions
Although this fundraising idea isn't exactly new, it's definitely green! By having items donated from community businesses and running a silent auction, your organization can make a lot of money.
Hold the auction yourself by placing a clipboard with room for the bid amount and the person's name. People can walk around, look at items and place their bids.
Alternatively, the bidding can be done in secret with each person donating a specified amount. Whoever pays the most gets to keep the item and the rest of the funds are collected as a donation for the organization.
You can give your silent auction a green theme by getting donations from gardening shops or by using recycled materials.
Green Cookbook Fundraiser
Help your community eat better and use locally grown produce, all while getting donations for your organization. First, collect recipes from your local community or look online for organic and eco-friendly recipes that use locally grown items. Spread the word about the recipe collection and you'll be sure to have a lot of submissions.
Once all the submissions have been collected, have the students or members of the group type up the cookbooks. You can get them printed very cheaply on recycled paper and spiral bound. Once the books are created, hold a bake sale with recipes from the book and sell your cookbook. You may also be able to put a few books for sale at local shops.
Planting Trees
Taking donations and planting trees is probably one of the most eco-friendly fundraisers there is. Although you could do the planting yourself, there is a much simpler way to fundraise. An organization called Help the Planet (just do a quick Google search for the URL) will plant one tree for every bookmark that is sold by your organization. The bookmarks are sold at $3 each and you can keep 30% of the money raised. In addition, a tree will be planted. Talk about win-win!
Author Bio:
Going green? Find the latest Gaiam coupons here and promotions for green wine.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Fundraising-Ideas---Raise-Money-the-Eco-Friendly-Way&id=3063988
Why continue to sell the same old disposable and ecologically dangerous items that schools have been selling for years?
People are so interested in going green these days that it can really boost your sales to offer something green in your fundraising efforts. There are so many eco-friendly fundraising options out there, you can be sure to find something appropriate for your group from the following ideas.
Sun Tea Fundraiser
Making tea with natural sunlight is not only eco-friendly, it's delicious too. Your group can get donations for large gallon glass jars and tea bags. Pre-take orders for a gallon of sun tea and then arrange a day to make all of the tea. Drop off the tea at a pre-determined day along with a thank you card attached to the glass jar.
Silent Auctions
Although this fundraising idea isn't exactly new, it's definitely green! By having items donated from community businesses and running a silent auction, your organization can make a lot of money.
Hold the auction yourself by placing a clipboard with room for the bid amount and the person's name. People can walk around, look at items and place their bids.
Alternatively, the bidding can be done in secret with each person donating a specified amount. Whoever pays the most gets to keep the item and the rest of the funds are collected as a donation for the organization.
You can give your silent auction a green theme by getting donations from gardening shops or by using recycled materials.
Green Cookbook Fundraiser
Help your community eat better and use locally grown produce, all while getting donations for your organization. First, collect recipes from your local community or look online for organic and eco-friendly recipes that use locally grown items. Spread the word about the recipe collection and you'll be sure to have a lot of submissions.
Once all the submissions have been collected, have the students or members of the group type up the cookbooks. You can get them printed very cheaply on recycled paper and spiral bound. Once the books are created, hold a bake sale with recipes from the book and sell your cookbook. You may also be able to put a few books for sale at local shops.
Planting Trees
Taking donations and planting trees is probably one of the most eco-friendly fundraisers there is. Although you could do the planting yourself, there is a much simpler way to fundraise. An organization called Help the Planet (just do a quick Google search for the URL) will plant one tree for every bookmark that is sold by your organization. The bookmarks are sold at $3 each and you can keep 30% of the money raised. In addition, a tree will be planted. Talk about win-win!
Author Bio:
Going green? Find the latest Gaiam coupons here and promotions for green wine.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Green-Fundraising-Ideas---Raise-Money-the-Eco-Friendly-Way&id=3063988
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Coffee - The Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee
Drinking coffee daily is a normal routine for more than 108 million Americans consumers, including the majority of US adults and a growing number of children. Is this habit good for our health or is it harmful?
Coffee has been the subject of research for decades and the results consistently show that coffee is more healthful than harmful. Research takes place daily on coffee, caffeine and health around the world. Hundreds, if not more, of new studies are published every month by scientists and research institutes worldwide.
Coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidants and caffeine. Both of these substances have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. These free radicals are produced as a by-product of cells through normal daily activities.
The health benefits of coffee are many and the research supports them. For example,
ASTHMA RELIEF: caffeine can help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is not available. Did you know that a single dose of pain reliever such as Anacin or Excedrin contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine? This is the equivalent of a hefty cup of coffee.
CAVITY PROTECTION: caffeine can prevent cavities because of a compound called trigonelline which gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste. Trigonelline has both anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties that help prevent dental cavities from forming.
CHOLESTEROL: a paper filter is worth a "pound of cure" or so. There are two substances in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, that raise cholesterol levels. During the brewing process, paper filters capture these substances. Paper filters, in this case, help in the prevention of harmful cholesterol levels. Coffee drinkers who drink non-filtered coffees such as "lattes," which do not use paper filters, may want to reconsider their choice and frequency of beverage for their own health benefit.
COLON CANCER: drinking at least two cups of coffee daily can translate into a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer. Coffee drinkers, as compared to non coffee drinkers, appear to be 50% less likely to get liver cancer. They also have lower rates of colon, breast and rectal cancers. There is a powerful antioxidant found almost exclusively in coffee, methylpyridinium, that boosts blood enzymes widely believed to protect against colon cancer. Methylpyridinium is formed in the roasting process from a chemical found naturally in coffee beans. Dark roasted coffees contain two to three times more of this antioxidant than medium roasts.
CIRRHOSIS: coffee drinkers have up to 80% reduced risk to suffer from cirrhosis than non coffee drinkers. People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less liver damage as compared to those who do not. The reduced risk of alcohol cirrhosis may be associated with the phenolics and related substances in coffee.
DEMENTIA: drinking coffee during middle age may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the risk of dementia in the elderly. Coffee drinkers at midlife have a lower risk for dementia or Alzheimer's later in life than people who drank little or no coffee at midlife. Moderate coffee drinkers had up to a 65% decrease risk of contracting these conditions as compared with low coffee drinkers.
GALLSTONES: certain compounds in coffee may help prevent liquid stored in the gallbladder ("bile") from crystallizing or hardening. This is what causes gallstones and obstructs the bile duct, a narrow tube which leads from the gallbladder to the intestine. Gallstones are painful and patients can experience fever and jaundice. Coffee drinkers have almost a 50% reduced risk of suffering from gallstone disease as compared to non coffee drinkers.
HEART DISEASE: People who smoke and are heavy coffee drinkers have less heart disease as compared to those who do not. Drinking coffee as part of a healthy and balanced diet is not associated with the development of cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerotic disease, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension.
MENTAL ALERTNESS: caffeine enhances concentration, reduces fatigue and heightens alertness. The reason lies in caffeine's effect on brain receptors, enabling a better energy uptake.
MALE FERTILITY: caffeine in coffee appears to increase sperm "motility." Motility is the speed at which sperm moves. Since sperm hyperactivity is critical to fertilization, heightened motility increases the odds of pregnancy.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE: antioxidants and caffeine have health and anti-aging benefits. Antioxidants repair the damage to cells caused by free radicals. People who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Caffeine's adenosine-blocking power may be one mechanism through which the brain cells in Parkinson's disease are protected. Based on this and other evidence, Parkinson's drugs are being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine. However, it seems that coffee protects men better than women against Parkinson's disease. This is because estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized and estrogen captures those enzymes.
TYPE 2 DIABETES: drinking one to three cups of coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. Drinking six cups or more each day can reduce men's risk up to 60% and women's' up to 30% as compared to non coffee drinkers. Coffee has large amounts of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic acid and tocopherols. Coffee also has minerals such as magnesium. All these components improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar.
The good news about coffee and health keeps getting better. Coffee and caffeine are recognized for their positive health benefits and potential functional food attributes. Obviously, check with your own physician regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you.
Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you will derive some health benefits. Enjoy a cup of Panama Boquete specialty coffee!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee---The-Health-Benefits-of-Drinking-Coffee&id=4086466
Coffee has been the subject of research for decades and the results consistently show that coffee is more healthful than harmful. Research takes place daily on coffee, caffeine and health around the world. Hundreds, if not more, of new studies are published every month by scientists and research institutes worldwide.
Coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidants and caffeine. Both of these substances have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. These free radicals are produced as a by-product of cells through normal daily activities.
The health benefits of coffee are many and the research supports them. For example,
ASTHMA RELIEF: caffeine can help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is not available. Did you know that a single dose of pain reliever such as Anacin or Excedrin contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine? This is the equivalent of a hefty cup of coffee.
CAVITY PROTECTION: caffeine can prevent cavities because of a compound called trigonelline which gives coffee its aroma and bitter taste. Trigonelline has both anti-bacterial and anti-adhesive properties that help prevent dental cavities from forming.
CHOLESTEROL: a paper filter is worth a "pound of cure" or so. There are two substances in coffee, kahweol and cafestol, that raise cholesterol levels. During the brewing process, paper filters capture these substances. Paper filters, in this case, help in the prevention of harmful cholesterol levels. Coffee drinkers who drink non-filtered coffees such as "lattes," which do not use paper filters, may want to reconsider their choice and frequency of beverage for their own health benefit.
COLON CANCER: drinking at least two cups of coffee daily can translate into a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer. Coffee drinkers, as compared to non coffee drinkers, appear to be 50% less likely to get liver cancer. They also have lower rates of colon, breast and rectal cancers. There is a powerful antioxidant found almost exclusively in coffee, methylpyridinium, that boosts blood enzymes widely believed to protect against colon cancer. Methylpyridinium is formed in the roasting process from a chemical found naturally in coffee beans. Dark roasted coffees contain two to three times more of this antioxidant than medium roasts.
CIRRHOSIS: coffee drinkers have up to 80% reduced risk to suffer from cirrhosis than non coffee drinkers. People who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less liver damage as compared to those who do not. The reduced risk of alcohol cirrhosis may be associated with the phenolics and related substances in coffee.
DEMENTIA: drinking coffee during middle age may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and the risk of dementia in the elderly. Coffee drinkers at midlife have a lower risk for dementia or Alzheimer's later in life than people who drank little or no coffee at midlife. Moderate coffee drinkers had up to a 65% decrease risk of contracting these conditions as compared with low coffee drinkers.
GALLSTONES: certain compounds in coffee may help prevent liquid stored in the gallbladder ("bile") from crystallizing or hardening. This is what causes gallstones and obstructs the bile duct, a narrow tube which leads from the gallbladder to the intestine. Gallstones are painful and patients can experience fever and jaundice. Coffee drinkers have almost a 50% reduced risk of suffering from gallstone disease as compared to non coffee drinkers.
HEART DISEASE: People who smoke and are heavy coffee drinkers have less heart disease as compared to those who do not. Drinking coffee as part of a healthy and balanced diet is not associated with the development of cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerotic disease, myocardial infarction, ventricular arrhythmias and hypertension.
MENTAL ALERTNESS: caffeine enhances concentration, reduces fatigue and heightens alertness. The reason lies in caffeine's effect on brain receptors, enabling a better energy uptake.
MALE FERTILITY: caffeine in coffee appears to increase sperm "motility." Motility is the speed at which sperm moves. Since sperm hyperactivity is critical to fertilization, heightened motility increases the odds of pregnancy.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE: antioxidants and caffeine have health and anti-aging benefits. Antioxidants repair the damage to cells caused by free radicals. People who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Caffeine's adenosine-blocking power may be one mechanism through which the brain cells in Parkinson's disease are protected. Based on this and other evidence, Parkinson's drugs are being developed that contain a derivative of caffeine. However, it seems that coffee protects men better than women against Parkinson's disease. This is because estrogen and caffeine need the same enzymes to be metabolized and estrogen captures those enzymes.
TYPE 2 DIABETES: drinking one to three cups of coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. Drinking six cups or more each day can reduce men's risk up to 60% and women's' up to 30% as compared to non coffee drinkers. Coffee has large amounts of antioxidants such as Chlorogenic acid and tocopherols. Coffee also has minerals such as magnesium. All these components improve insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and lower blood sugar.
The good news about coffee and health keeps getting better. Coffee and caffeine are recognized for their positive health benefits and potential functional food attributes. Obviously, check with your own physician regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you.
Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you will derive some health benefits. Enjoy a cup of Panama Boquete specialty coffee!
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee---The-Health-Benefits-of-Drinking-Coffee&id=4086466
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Turn Simple Fundraisers Into Profitable Legacy Events
Are lackluster fundraisers sucking the life out of your fundraising enthusiasm? It doesn't take much to freshen up even the poorest performing event. If your ideas for fundraising are getting stale, then it's time to take some extreme measures before you have a mutiny within your ranks!
1) Do some serious planning ahead of time and take a good hard look at your event. Do some research and see what others are doing with that same event. Don't assume your way is the only way. You might even ask for help from other area groups if you know someone else who has done this event before.
2) Be honest about what you see. Don't pussyfoot around a problem area. Pick the event apart and be brutal in your analysis. It is like a doctor digging the infection out of a wound. He can't be sure it will heal 100% if there is any remaining infection hiding. Look for it all!
3) Now that you know the weakest part of your event, figure out what would make the problem go away. Sit on the other side of the planning table, so to speak. Be the antagonist and charge yourself with finding a way to fix the problem. Don't automatically assume there is no 'fix' available. Believe me, there is a 'fix' for every issue. You might not be willing to pay the price to repair it though, but with a little creativity who knows what miracles you might whip up.
4) Get creative - even extreme if needed - to solve the problem. Then go one step further. After you've come up with the solution to fix it, give yourself another challenge and see if you can 'go yourself 1-better', bumping it up another notch. A good cook isn't just happy with a good dish. Dedicated cooks, whether in a restaurant or at home, are always looking to tweak their recipes and rachet them up another level or two.
5) Find ways to show off the event's strength. What is the best part of your event? What do people like most about it? Once you isolate the 'Gold Star' area, then you can find ways to show it off even more. Play up the strong points so they stand out beyond any weak areas.
6) Finally, don't complain or talk poison. If you know there are problems with the event that you simply cannot repair, keep them to yourself. Discouraging comments and grumbling only serve to bring down the enthusiasm of your event workers. Instead, think about combining two mediocre events into one 'super day'. This will hide a myriad of weaknesses, and the more excitement going around, the better your whole event vibe will be.
So whatever your event trouble is, either fix it or minimize it. Focus on the fun, and it just might turn into one of your favorite events. Who knows, your group might even like it so much it becomes one of your legacy events, one of your winners that you repeat year after year.
Author Bio:
Sherie Smith has 12 years experience as a professional entertainer and event planner. She has a knack for custom-designing SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISERS. For Sherie's FREE Ultimate Fundraising Success minicourse or more information, visit: http://3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com You can also follow Sherie at her fundraising blog: http://fundraisingsuccessjournal.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Turn-Simple-Fundraisers-Into-Profitable-Legacy-Events&id=4180870
1) Do some serious planning ahead of time and take a good hard look at your event. Do some research and see what others are doing with that same event. Don't assume your way is the only way. You might even ask for help from other area groups if you know someone else who has done this event before.
2) Be honest about what you see. Don't pussyfoot around a problem area. Pick the event apart and be brutal in your analysis. It is like a doctor digging the infection out of a wound. He can't be sure it will heal 100% if there is any remaining infection hiding. Look for it all!
3) Now that you know the weakest part of your event, figure out what would make the problem go away. Sit on the other side of the planning table, so to speak. Be the antagonist and charge yourself with finding a way to fix the problem. Don't automatically assume there is no 'fix' available. Believe me, there is a 'fix' for every issue. You might not be willing to pay the price to repair it though, but with a little creativity who knows what miracles you might whip up.
4) Get creative - even extreme if needed - to solve the problem. Then go one step further. After you've come up with the solution to fix it, give yourself another challenge and see if you can 'go yourself 1-better', bumping it up another notch. A good cook isn't just happy with a good dish. Dedicated cooks, whether in a restaurant or at home, are always looking to tweak their recipes and rachet them up another level or two.
5) Find ways to show off the event's strength. What is the best part of your event? What do people like most about it? Once you isolate the 'Gold Star' area, then you can find ways to show it off even more. Play up the strong points so they stand out beyond any weak areas.
6) Finally, don't complain or talk poison. If you know there are problems with the event that you simply cannot repair, keep them to yourself. Discouraging comments and grumbling only serve to bring down the enthusiasm of your event workers. Instead, think about combining two mediocre events into one 'super day'. This will hide a myriad of weaknesses, and the more excitement going around, the better your whole event vibe will be.
So whatever your event trouble is, either fix it or minimize it. Focus on the fun, and it just might turn into one of your favorite events. Who knows, your group might even like it so much it becomes one of your legacy events, one of your winners that you repeat year after year.
Author Bio:
Sherie Smith has 12 years experience as a professional entertainer and event planner. She has a knack for custom-designing SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISERS. For Sherie's FREE Ultimate Fundraising Success minicourse or more information, visit: http://3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com You can also follow Sherie at her fundraising blog: http://fundraisingsuccessjournal.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Turn-Simple-Fundraisers-Into-Profitable-Legacy-Events&id=4180870
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Most Expensive Coffee in the World Comes From an Animal?
What you may have already heard is absolutely...true! One of the world's most expensive coffees in the world comes not only from Indonesia, but also from a wild animal's...behind. Okay, so I assume you are wondering why someone would take a sip of such a 'repulsive' product, but one thing that needs to be mentioned is that the beans are, in fact, cleansed before use. Thought that would settle your stomach. No? Alright, let's just learn a little about this true-to-the-core rumor that we have been hearing about.
The wild beast-like creature that produced the exotic delicacies is called a civet cat. It is a fact that this coffee bean is not harvested by human hands. It is handpicked by those little, exotic looking cat-meets-a-weasel looking thing with long narrow noses that have quite a penchant for the finest Indonesian beans. The civet cat is a nocturnal creature which feeds among the Robusta and hybrid arabusta trees at night, searching for the prized berries and making themselves quite a rewarding meal on the seed (or coffee bean-to-be) inside after chewing away all the luscious fruit.
This lucky animal produces the coffee product cleverly named Kopi Luwak, from the Indonesian words coffee and civet. Now, even though I have never paid the $600 many fans prefer to pay, nor have I paid the $30 for a cup of the wildcat brew, but the resulting product does sound a bit interesting. Once the civet cat consumes the cherry and it enters its stomach, the enzymes in the animal's gastric juices sift through the beans which removing the harsher outer layer which is known to cause bitterness in coffees as well as some of the caffeine. So, that's it? That is why there is such a hefty price tag on this drink-gone-wild? Well, that and the fact that not too much more than 1,000 pounds of this style of coffee are produced each year.
So, overall, we have learned that the reason individuals and coffee enthusiasts alike enjoy sipping on the left-behind bean brew is simple because of the lower bitterness, caffeine, and rarity. Now, I don't get the caffeine part, but I guess it's a lot more of an organic way to go versus the traditional way of chemically decaffeinating coffee beans.
Author Bio:
S. Michael Windsor is currently publisher and a writer for The Franchise Coffee Network online Franchise Coffee Guide. A premier Franchise Coffee information platform. Visit us today at http://www.franchise-coffee.net
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Most-Expensive-Coffee-in-the-World-Comes-From-an-Animal?&id=756852
The wild beast-like creature that produced the exotic delicacies is called a civet cat. It is a fact that this coffee bean is not harvested by human hands. It is handpicked by those little, exotic looking cat-meets-a-weasel looking thing with long narrow noses that have quite a penchant for the finest Indonesian beans. The civet cat is a nocturnal creature which feeds among the Robusta and hybrid arabusta trees at night, searching for the prized berries and making themselves quite a rewarding meal on the seed (or coffee bean-to-be) inside after chewing away all the luscious fruit.
This lucky animal produces the coffee product cleverly named Kopi Luwak, from the Indonesian words coffee and civet. Now, even though I have never paid the $600 many fans prefer to pay, nor have I paid the $30 for a cup of the wildcat brew, but the resulting product does sound a bit interesting. Once the civet cat consumes the cherry and it enters its stomach, the enzymes in the animal's gastric juices sift through the beans which removing the harsher outer layer which is known to cause bitterness in coffees as well as some of the caffeine. So, that's it? That is why there is such a hefty price tag on this drink-gone-wild? Well, that and the fact that not too much more than 1,000 pounds of this style of coffee are produced each year.
So, overall, we have learned that the reason individuals and coffee enthusiasts alike enjoy sipping on the left-behind bean brew is simple because of the lower bitterness, caffeine, and rarity. Now, I don't get the caffeine part, but I guess it's a lot more of an organic way to go versus the traditional way of chemically decaffeinating coffee beans.
Author Bio:
S. Michael Windsor is currently publisher and a writer for The Franchise Coffee Network online Franchise Coffee Guide. A premier Franchise Coffee information platform. Visit us today at http://www.franchise-coffee.net
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Most-Expensive-Coffee-in-the-World-Comes-From-an-Animal?&id=756852
Friday, November 19, 2010
Getting Donors to Support Your Annual Fund
As a board member, volunteer or staff of a nonprofit, you know that garnering solid support for your annual fund each year is critical to achieving your mission. Without regular financial support, you can't pay the rent, the bookkeeper, the office equipment or any of the usual expenses incurred by operations. So, to you, the words "annual fund" likely generate a picture of core support that your nonprofit needs to provide services to the community whether your organization's mission focuses on the arts, the environment, affordable housing or employment training for the homeless.
What do the words "annual fund" connote to the average donor of any of these organizations? Not much, if anything, comes to mind when the recipient of a donation request reads a letter that begins "We need you to support our annual fund..." Why? Because "annual fund" is meaningless jargon to people outside your organization as much as it may mean to you. Most people, no matter how generous they are, will not relate to this term. They may send you a donation if they already know what you do and are committed to your cause. Otherwise, your annual fund request will end up in the trash.
Does this mean you should stop sending such requests? Absolutely not; it simply means that you don't use the term "annual fund" as part of your ask. You know that you are requesting money to support the basics needed to run your organization; let your donors know that their money will be used to help the people, places or things they connect with and want to support. Let me give you some examples.
Your nonprofit provides music education to children in elementary schools that can no longer afford to offer instrumental music classes. You need money to pay your musicians to bring their instruments to the classroom and educate children. You have research that demonstrates "Music students out-perform non-music students on achievement tests in reading and math. Skills such as reading, anticipating, memory, listening, forecasting, recall, and concentration are developed in musical performance, and these skills are valuable to students in math, reading, and science." (B. Friedman, "An Evaluation of the Achievement in Reading and Arithmetic of Pupils in Elementary School Instrumental Music Classes," Dissertation Abstracts International.)
Why not open your request with this quote or use words of a child who participated in the program last year such as "It was amazing when they all played Mozart's First Symphony. I didn't know he was eight. I'm eight!" (Elementary student participant in Instrumental Music Program) Depending on the view of the donor, you are now asking them to support music education because it improves academic performance or because it brings excitement to a child. In either case, this approach is much more likely to result in a donation than simply asking for money for the annual fund.
Let's look at another nonprofit which provides services to homeless people. Even if your prospective donors believe it is important to help the homeless, they aren't concerned about how much it costs to run your office. These prospects want to know exactly what you are doing that will help homeless individuals move into a home. Your annual fund supports the staff of your workforce development program that provides skills and training so that the homeless can find jobs that will pay the rent. Your counselors help residents regain their self-confidence so that they can search for jobs, get more education, do what they need to do to move from the shelter into supportive housing. So focus your letter on one or two individuals who have successfully gained employment and/or housing and briefly tell their stories. Your prospective donors will be much more likely to give money to help these people than they will to pay your phone bill or marketing costs, even though you know you need to pay these expenses to help your clients.
I could go on and give examples of raising annual funds for addiction recovery centers, afterschool programs, computer education for inner city children, and so on but I think the above two examples demonstrate how to take the work supported by your annual fund and present this as the focus of your annual fund letters.
© Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. 2010
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Donors-to-Support-Your-Annual-Fund&id=4153218
What do the words "annual fund" connote to the average donor of any of these organizations? Not much, if anything, comes to mind when the recipient of a donation request reads a letter that begins "We need you to support our annual fund..." Why? Because "annual fund" is meaningless jargon to people outside your organization as much as it may mean to you. Most people, no matter how generous they are, will not relate to this term. They may send you a donation if they already know what you do and are committed to your cause. Otherwise, your annual fund request will end up in the trash.
Does this mean you should stop sending such requests? Absolutely not; it simply means that you don't use the term "annual fund" as part of your ask. You know that you are requesting money to support the basics needed to run your organization; let your donors know that their money will be used to help the people, places or things they connect with and want to support. Let me give you some examples.
Your nonprofit provides music education to children in elementary schools that can no longer afford to offer instrumental music classes. You need money to pay your musicians to bring their instruments to the classroom and educate children. You have research that demonstrates "Music students out-perform non-music students on achievement tests in reading and math. Skills such as reading, anticipating, memory, listening, forecasting, recall, and concentration are developed in musical performance, and these skills are valuable to students in math, reading, and science." (B. Friedman, "An Evaluation of the Achievement in Reading and Arithmetic of Pupils in Elementary School Instrumental Music Classes," Dissertation Abstracts International.)
Why not open your request with this quote or use words of a child who participated in the program last year such as "It was amazing when they all played Mozart's First Symphony. I didn't know he was eight. I'm eight!" (Elementary student participant in Instrumental Music Program) Depending on the view of the donor, you are now asking them to support music education because it improves academic performance or because it brings excitement to a child. In either case, this approach is much more likely to result in a donation than simply asking for money for the annual fund.
Let's look at another nonprofit which provides services to homeless people. Even if your prospective donors believe it is important to help the homeless, they aren't concerned about how much it costs to run your office. These prospects want to know exactly what you are doing that will help homeless individuals move into a home. Your annual fund supports the staff of your workforce development program that provides skills and training so that the homeless can find jobs that will pay the rent. Your counselors help residents regain their self-confidence so that they can search for jobs, get more education, do what they need to do to move from the shelter into supportive housing. So focus your letter on one or two individuals who have successfully gained employment and/or housing and briefly tell their stories. Your prospective donors will be much more likely to give money to help these people than they will to pay your phone bill or marketing costs, even though you know you need to pay these expenses to help your clients.
I could go on and give examples of raising annual funds for addiction recovery centers, afterschool programs, computer education for inner city children, and so on but I think the above two examples demonstrate how to take the work supported by your annual fund and present this as the focus of your annual fund letters.
© Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. 2010
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Donors-to-Support-Your-Annual-Fund&id=4153218
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Where Does Coffee Originate?
It is widely believed that coffee is a native of the Ethiopian rain forest, which lies in eastern Africa in the southern part of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean on its northern side. But, that was over hundred years ago. In present times, there are over 50 countries across the world where coffee is cultivated on a substantial scale. Some of these are Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Guatemala, Vietnam, Indonesia and Yemen besides Ethiopia, of course.
A common fact that many people, including regular coffee drinkers, do not know is where coffee comes from. These same people may say it comes from plants, but little knowing that these are actually trees!
Yes, that is true! Coffee grows on trees, though these trees may not always be tall as many coffee farmers prefer to keep their trees short because it is easier at harvesting time to deal with shorter trees. Just like the climate in the original country where coffee was first grown, the South American rainforest area too, provides similar shade as required for the optimum yield in coffee plantations.
Thus, it can safely be said that the best coffee in the world is that grown near the equator, as it requires tropical environment to produce best results. Apart from shade, coffee trees need a fair bit of water, and sun though no special soil conditions. In some areas, coffee farmers may use fertilizer to increase productivity but doing so may be detrimental for the environment.
However, national coffee boards of the above mentioned countries which are top producers of coffee beans reveal that the best beans come from coffee trees planted in tropical plantations at high altitudes, which typically have rich soil. This is why countries along the equatorial zone have the best coffee plantations.
However, as mentioned earlier, location, including altitude, is not the sole criteria governing the quality of coffee. Its flavor as well as its quality is dependent on other factors too, such as the plant variety used, the chemical composition of the soil it is grown in, amount of rainfall experienced in the region and the availability of sunshine.
It is a vital combination of the right mix of these complex components along with the manner in which the cherries are processed post-picking that determines the quality of coffee one receives from a particular region and sets the distinction of coffee obtained from different countries. Sometimes, due to the complex nature of these variables, the coffee obtained from the same plantation may also yield different quality and flavor.
A little known fact about coffee beans is that these are actually berry seed, and very small in size, therefore referred to as cherries. Each berry will typically contain 2 green coffee beans but sometimes these may be mutated. After these berries turn red, it means they are ripe for picking and this is the ideal time for harvesting them, as opposed to 'strip picking' which some farmers indulge in to save on labor, but this early picking before coffee berries ripen causes the coffee obtained from them to be of an inferior quality.
However, the time invested in harvesting ripe coffee berries can be considerable, taking up to 7 days or more for a farmer to single-handedly pick coffee for filling a 100-pound bag of beans, by hand. Now, when one thinks of nearly 7 million tons of this brown concentrate, being produced annually, one can well imagine the number of laborers required on coffee plantations to pick enough berries to meet this demand!
Author Bio:
Learn more about the History Of Coffee on our Blog.
http://www.automaticcoffeemachinesguide.com/the-short-history-of-coffee/ You can also find Automatic Coffee Machine Guides and Reviews, plus much more information all about the humble coffee bean!
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Where-Does-Coffee-Originate?&id=3641681
A common fact that many people, including regular coffee drinkers, do not know is where coffee comes from. These same people may say it comes from plants, but little knowing that these are actually trees!
Yes, that is true! Coffee grows on trees, though these trees may not always be tall as many coffee farmers prefer to keep their trees short because it is easier at harvesting time to deal with shorter trees. Just like the climate in the original country where coffee was first grown, the South American rainforest area too, provides similar shade as required for the optimum yield in coffee plantations.
Thus, it can safely be said that the best coffee in the world is that grown near the equator, as it requires tropical environment to produce best results. Apart from shade, coffee trees need a fair bit of water, and sun though no special soil conditions. In some areas, coffee farmers may use fertilizer to increase productivity but doing so may be detrimental for the environment.
However, national coffee boards of the above mentioned countries which are top producers of coffee beans reveal that the best beans come from coffee trees planted in tropical plantations at high altitudes, which typically have rich soil. This is why countries along the equatorial zone have the best coffee plantations.
However, as mentioned earlier, location, including altitude, is not the sole criteria governing the quality of coffee. Its flavor as well as its quality is dependent on other factors too, such as the plant variety used, the chemical composition of the soil it is grown in, amount of rainfall experienced in the region and the availability of sunshine.
It is a vital combination of the right mix of these complex components along with the manner in which the cherries are processed post-picking that determines the quality of coffee one receives from a particular region and sets the distinction of coffee obtained from different countries. Sometimes, due to the complex nature of these variables, the coffee obtained from the same plantation may also yield different quality and flavor.
A little known fact about coffee beans is that these are actually berry seed, and very small in size, therefore referred to as cherries. Each berry will typically contain 2 green coffee beans but sometimes these may be mutated. After these berries turn red, it means they are ripe for picking and this is the ideal time for harvesting them, as opposed to 'strip picking' which some farmers indulge in to save on labor, but this early picking before coffee berries ripen causes the coffee obtained from them to be of an inferior quality.
However, the time invested in harvesting ripe coffee berries can be considerable, taking up to 7 days or more for a farmer to single-handedly pick coffee for filling a 100-pound bag of beans, by hand. Now, when one thinks of nearly 7 million tons of this brown concentrate, being produced annually, one can well imagine the number of laborers required on coffee plantations to pick enough berries to meet this demand!
Author Bio:
Learn more about the History Of Coffee on our Blog.
http://www.automaticcoffeemachinesguide.com/the-short-history-of-coffee/ You can also find Automatic Coffee Machine Guides and Reviews, plus much more information all about the humble coffee bean!
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Where-Does-Coffee-Originate?&id=3641681
Monday, November 15, 2010
Do's and Don'ts for Cheerleading Fundraisers
So you need new cheerleading uniforms and your squad wants to go to camp? Well it's time to raise money! Here are some cheerleader fundraiser do's and don'ts to give your squad a fun, safe way to earn money.
DO have a fundraiser brainstorming session. Gather the squad in a room with a chalkboard and scribble down every idea that comes to mind.
DO keep in mind that the purpose of a brainstorming session to think of as many ideas as possible without shooting anything down.
DON'T say anything negative about anyone's idea until the end when you go through the list and cross off unfeasible ideas, such as giving skydiving lessons.
Car Wash
Have it at your school, local gas station, restaurant parking lot...anywhere! Be sure to either set a price limit or ask for donations.
DON'T use signs like 'Free Car Wash' because they are misleading if you want people to donate money. You will get folks who will actually want to get their car washed for free.
DO stand on the street corner in pairs. You never know what might happen!
Bake Sale
It's best to have the bake sale at a school event that doesn't require cheerleaders to cheer such as a track meet or baseball game.
DO bake all the goodies yourselves,
DON'T make mom, dad, grandma or grandpa do the work for your team.
DO plan a small cheering section for your school team, after all, what are cheerleaders for?'
Craft Sale
It's fun to make school-spirited crafts (such as hair scrunchies, necklaces in school colors, bracelets, jewelry boxes, stuffed animals in school colors, painted pens and pencils, painted megaphones, pom pons, cross stich) and sell them at games.
DO assign one or two people per craft and have a craft making party!
DON'T rely too much on help from family members, again, this is your fundraiser.
DO split the cost of the materials evenly between squad members and DO model the jewelry by wearing it to school.
Candy sale
DO check with your school for candy sales during school hours. If you go door-to-door,
DON'T go to houses of people you don't know, DO take a pal with you and DON'T interrupt people during dinner time.
Tee shirt/sweatshirt/boxer short/hat sale-Have apparel with school mascot and name made and sell it.
DO make signs and hang them around the school advertising the apparel.
DO keep a stash in your locker so you can sell them between classes.
DON'T order too many so your squad doesn't make any money.
Cookbook Sale
Putting together a cookbook to sell can be fun!
DO have teachers, friends and relatives contribute their favorite recipes.
DO type them into the computer (so everything looks nice) make a nifty cover and photo copy the pages to make a book. Bind the book with ribbon, plastic bindings or sew them up.
DO make sure the font size is large enough to be read by people with eyesight disabilities.
DON'T use too many different fonts (more than two or three is considered too many).
DON'T use scripty, hard-to-read fonts.
DO give credit to the folks who submitted recipes.
Stunt-Off
Have a stunt-off at one of the games. First select two or three groups and pick the stunt. You can stunt-off to see who can hold an elevator the longest, or who can re-take an elevator the most times.
Take a picture of each stunt team and put them on jars. Have people purchase a raffle ticket or write their name on a piece of paper and charge about a dollar per chance (allow them to enter more than once).
Then they can put their ticket in the jar of the team they think will win the stunt-off. If they are smart, they will buy three tickets and put one in each jar!
Hold the stunt-off during halftime. After the winning stunt is determined, pick a name or ticket from the jar of the winning stunters. That person wins a fabulous prize!
DO make sure the stunts are well-spotted.
DO have extra spotters standing in front or back of the stunt.
DO listen to each other and bring the stunt down the second someone says 'down.'
DO help the crowd cheer you on.
DON'T get hurt!
Hold A Cheerleading Clinic
Cheerleading clinics are a fun way to involve the children of your local community. Have a one or several day clinic where you teach cheers, chants, band chants and maybe basic stunts and tumbling.
Then have the little cheerleaders perform at halftime of one of your games. This will also dr
Author Bio:
Kimberly Reynolds writes for national publications about school fundraisers, cheer fundraiser ideas and charity fundraiser events. Find more school fundraiser tips on her website, FundraiserHelp.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dos-and-Donts-for-Cheerleading-Fundraisers&id=706642
DO have a fundraiser brainstorming session. Gather the squad in a room with a chalkboard and scribble down every idea that comes to mind.
DO keep in mind that the purpose of a brainstorming session to think of as many ideas as possible without shooting anything down.
DON'T say anything negative about anyone's idea until the end when you go through the list and cross off unfeasible ideas, such as giving skydiving lessons.
Car Wash
Have it at your school, local gas station, restaurant parking lot...anywhere! Be sure to either set a price limit or ask for donations.
DON'T use signs like 'Free Car Wash' because they are misleading if you want people to donate money. You will get folks who will actually want to get their car washed for free.
DO stand on the street corner in pairs. You never know what might happen!
Bake Sale
It's best to have the bake sale at a school event that doesn't require cheerleaders to cheer such as a track meet or baseball game.
DO bake all the goodies yourselves,
DON'T make mom, dad, grandma or grandpa do the work for your team.
DO plan a small cheering section for your school team, after all, what are cheerleaders for?'
Craft Sale
It's fun to make school-spirited crafts (such as hair scrunchies, necklaces in school colors, bracelets, jewelry boxes, stuffed animals in school colors, painted pens and pencils, painted megaphones, pom pons, cross stich) and sell them at games.
DO assign one or two people per craft and have a craft making party!
DON'T rely too much on help from family members, again, this is your fundraiser.
DO split the cost of the materials evenly between squad members and DO model the jewelry by wearing it to school.
Candy sale
DO check with your school for candy sales during school hours. If you go door-to-door,
DON'T go to houses of people you don't know, DO take a pal with you and DON'T interrupt people during dinner time.
Tee shirt/sweatshirt/boxer short/hat sale-Have apparel with school mascot and name made and sell it.
DO make signs and hang them around the school advertising the apparel.
DO keep a stash in your locker so you can sell them between classes.
DON'T order too many so your squad doesn't make any money.
Cookbook Sale
Putting together a cookbook to sell can be fun!
DO have teachers, friends and relatives contribute their favorite recipes.
DO type them into the computer (so everything looks nice) make a nifty cover and photo copy the pages to make a book. Bind the book with ribbon, plastic bindings or sew them up.
DO make sure the font size is large enough to be read by people with eyesight disabilities.
DON'T use too many different fonts (more than two or three is considered too many).
DON'T use scripty, hard-to-read fonts.
DO give credit to the folks who submitted recipes.
Stunt-Off
Have a stunt-off at one of the games. First select two or three groups and pick the stunt. You can stunt-off to see who can hold an elevator the longest, or who can re-take an elevator the most times.
Take a picture of each stunt team and put them on jars. Have people purchase a raffle ticket or write their name on a piece of paper and charge about a dollar per chance (allow them to enter more than once).
Then they can put their ticket in the jar of the team they think will win the stunt-off. If they are smart, they will buy three tickets and put one in each jar!
Hold the stunt-off during halftime. After the winning stunt is determined, pick a name or ticket from the jar of the winning stunters. That person wins a fabulous prize!
DO make sure the stunts are well-spotted.
DO have extra spotters standing in front or back of the stunt.
DO listen to each other and bring the stunt down the second someone says 'down.'
DO help the crowd cheer you on.
DON'T get hurt!
Hold A Cheerleading Clinic
Cheerleading clinics are a fun way to involve the children of your local community. Have a one or several day clinic where you teach cheers, chants, band chants and maybe basic stunts and tumbling.
Then have the little cheerleaders perform at halftime of one of your games. This will also dr
Author Bio:
Kimberly Reynolds writes for national publications about school fundraisers, cheer fundraiser ideas and charity fundraiser events. Find more school fundraiser tips on her website, FundraiserHelp.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dos-and-Donts-for-Cheerleading-Fundraisers&id=706642
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The Truth About Bean to Cup Coffee Machines
What if someone told you that they had a coffee machine that could grind whole beans for your coffee drinks on demand? While you might think they had lost their mind, the fact is that there are a series of machines known as bean to cup coffee machines that do just that. Before getting too excited, however, it's important to understand what these machines do and don't do. Like most coffee makers, this type isn't for everyone, though it does have its strengths. The following article will dispel the myths regarding these unique and cutting edge coffee machines.
If you're under the impression that one of these machines can transform the quality of your coffee into something much better than you've come to expect then you may be in for a disappointment. The truth is that great coffee is a result of using freshly roasted beans, good quality water and the proper grind. The fact that these machines grind the beans just prior to brewing is a great thing, though that's only part of the equation. The unfortunate fact about most of these small coffee pots is that they incorporate a blade-style grinder, which doesn't do the beans any justice. What a blade grinder does do is pulverize the coffee beans into an array of differently sized particles, much of them dust. Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of tasting a bitter cup of coffee? If you have then it was likely the result of over-extraction; a process that occurs as a result of either using boiling hot water for brewing or by using finely ground coffee. Apart from this fact, it's also important to note that these machines won't produce the results that they otherwise could if you were to use freshly roasted coffee beans.
Of course, there is a bright side to these machines. If you're looking for a machine that will make your life a bit easier than a bean to cup coffee machine certainly fits the profile. Not having to fill the machine each time with whole beans can be helpful, particularly if you're looking to brew multiple beverages over a short period of time. This could be especially advantageous for use in a small cafe or restaurant, where having to refill the machine would become laborious and unnecessary. Also, as previously mentioned, having a machine that grinds the beans just prior to use is a benefit, since beans lose much of their flavor and aroma once they've been ground.
Author Bio:
For more information on the benefits of a bean to cup coffee machine, please visit Best Small Coffee Maker.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Bean-to-Cup-Coffee-Machines&id=3957255
If you're under the impression that one of these machines can transform the quality of your coffee into something much better than you've come to expect then you may be in for a disappointment. The truth is that great coffee is a result of using freshly roasted beans, good quality water and the proper grind. The fact that these machines grind the beans just prior to brewing is a great thing, though that's only part of the equation. The unfortunate fact about most of these small coffee pots is that they incorporate a blade-style grinder, which doesn't do the beans any justice. What a blade grinder does do is pulverize the coffee beans into an array of differently sized particles, much of them dust. Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of tasting a bitter cup of coffee? If you have then it was likely the result of over-extraction; a process that occurs as a result of either using boiling hot water for brewing or by using finely ground coffee. Apart from this fact, it's also important to note that these machines won't produce the results that they otherwise could if you were to use freshly roasted coffee beans.
Of course, there is a bright side to these machines. If you're looking for a machine that will make your life a bit easier than a bean to cup coffee machine certainly fits the profile. Not having to fill the machine each time with whole beans can be helpful, particularly if you're looking to brew multiple beverages over a short period of time. This could be especially advantageous for use in a small cafe or restaurant, where having to refill the machine would become laborious and unnecessary. Also, as previously mentioned, having a machine that grinds the beans just prior to use is a benefit, since beans lose much of their flavor and aroma once they've been ground.
Author Bio:
For more information on the benefits of a bean to cup coffee machine, please visit Best Small Coffee Maker.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Truth-About-Bean-to-Cup-Coffee-Machines&id=3957255
How Do You Define A Successful Coffee Shop?
Based on customer surveys, you should be confident no matter how large or small your coffee shop is. This isn't really a factor for customers even though many have the impression that large coffee shops have more to offer. A customer may try a new large coffee shop but then go back to the smaller one they have gone to for a very long time.
Large coffee shops don't necessarily make more money than smaller ones. They have to pay more for supplies, electricity, the building, employees, and other overhead expenses. They also have to spend a great deal of money to advertise. After all they can't have that large facility being empty - it has to be full of customers.
Customers have other criteria that they are concerned with than the size of the location. People even go to drive up ones if they offer the right elements. They include fast service that is friendly, delicious coffee products, good prices, and a nice atmosphere. All of these things can be found at a small independent coffee shop or a large chain business.
In fact, you will find there are plenty of customers out there that prefer the atmosphere at a small coffee shop. They feel like they get more personal service there. It is often a sense of loyalty as well. They may have been going to that particular location for years. They aren't going to abandon ship just because a bigger coffee shop has opened up around the corner.
Many of the large coffee shops are able to succeed due to being a chain. They are already known in the eyes of consumers as a great place to get coffee. There is also a stigma that comes with visiting such a location for some people. They still have to work to meet the needs of the customers though or they will lose business rapidly.
One disadvantage that small coffee shops have is not offering enough room during peak times. People don't want to feel like they don't have enough room to relax and enjoy their coffee. You may need to look at some options to take care of this issue if it becomes a problem. Sometimes just rearranging can give you more room than you thought you had.
You need to be confident no matter how large or small your coffee shop is. The fact that consumers aren't placing their orders based on this information is good news. It means you have the chance to prove what you can do for customers on your own merit. You can focus on meeting their various needs instead of playing the size game.
There are small coffee shops that continue to grow in the number of customers. They may decide to expand in order to better serve them. This is an individual business decision that could prove to be a good move. However, if your business is already struggling, making the coffee shop bigger isn't going to solve your problems.
Author Bio:
Karyn Lewis writes about the ups and downs of the coffee shop business. Avoid the rookie mistakes many new operators make when they buy a coffee shop and read more coffee related articles at her site.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Define-A-Successful-Coffee-Shop?&id=940312
Large coffee shops don't necessarily make more money than smaller ones. They have to pay more for supplies, electricity, the building, employees, and other overhead expenses. They also have to spend a great deal of money to advertise. After all they can't have that large facility being empty - it has to be full of customers.
Customers have other criteria that they are concerned with than the size of the location. People even go to drive up ones if they offer the right elements. They include fast service that is friendly, delicious coffee products, good prices, and a nice atmosphere. All of these things can be found at a small independent coffee shop or a large chain business.
In fact, you will find there are plenty of customers out there that prefer the atmosphere at a small coffee shop. They feel like they get more personal service there. It is often a sense of loyalty as well. They may have been going to that particular location for years. They aren't going to abandon ship just because a bigger coffee shop has opened up around the corner.
Many of the large coffee shops are able to succeed due to being a chain. They are already known in the eyes of consumers as a great place to get coffee. There is also a stigma that comes with visiting such a location for some people. They still have to work to meet the needs of the customers though or they will lose business rapidly.
One disadvantage that small coffee shops have is not offering enough room during peak times. People don't want to feel like they don't have enough room to relax and enjoy their coffee. You may need to look at some options to take care of this issue if it becomes a problem. Sometimes just rearranging can give you more room than you thought you had.
You need to be confident no matter how large or small your coffee shop is. The fact that consumers aren't placing their orders based on this information is good news. It means you have the chance to prove what you can do for customers on your own merit. You can focus on meeting their various needs instead of playing the size game.
There are small coffee shops that continue to grow in the number of customers. They may decide to expand in order to better serve them. This is an individual business decision that could prove to be a good move. However, if your business is already struggling, making the coffee shop bigger isn't going to solve your problems.
Author Bio:
Karyn Lewis writes about the ups and downs of the coffee shop business. Avoid the rookie mistakes many new operators make when they buy a coffee shop and read more coffee related articles at her site.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Do-You-Define-A-Successful-Coffee-Shop?&id=940312
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Cookbook Fundraisers - Turn Recipes Into Money For Your Organization Or Charity Turn your recipes into a fundraising success. Yes, family style person
Turn your recipes into a fundraising success. Yes, family style personalized cookbooks can be a tremendous fundraiser for your organization or charity. Whether it is for a school PTA, a church group, or for a charity, these popular cookbooks will help you reach your goals.
What Is So Special About Creating A Family Style Cookbook For A Fundraiser?
Cookbooks have been helping people raise money for decades. One company of which I am aware has been doing it since 1947, and is still going strong. That fact alone proves that cookbooks are a sure-fire fundraiser. People are generally anxious to purchase a professional looking cookbook that is filled with the best recipes from the best cooks in your club or community. They tend to be more than just another cookbook, though. Since the names of the contributors are with each recipe, it becomes a bit of history as well. Family heirlooms, if you will. Years from now our grandchildren will pick up the cookbook and thumb through it to look for something good for dinner. As they do, they'll see the recipe that "Grandma Tina" gave to the project and reminisce about their long gone relative.
Doesn't Everyone Have Enough Cookbooks Already?
To make it short...no. Like many other things, "too many cookbooks still aren't enough." As noted in the previous paragraph they are more than just a cookbook, but there are other factors that make them valuable. When an organization creates a cookbook, they have made a completely unique item. There isn't another one like it on the planet. It will provide recipes that no one else has. My wife, for example, seems to collect cookbooks. She literally has dozens of them, and most of them are cookbooks that were created and designed as fundraisers. Over the years she has made a collection of her favorite recipes from her numerous cookbooks. The best-of-the-best recipes, so to speak.
OK, You Have Convinced Me. What's Next?
The process is not difficult. The basic steps are as follows:
• Form Your Cookbook Committee
• Gather And Organize Your Recipes
• Design Your Cookbook
• Sell Advertising
• Place Your Order
• Market Your Cookbook
Each category has more details, of course. The list just provides the basics.
Which Company Should I Use To Publish And Print Our Cookbook?
Finding a cookbook publisher is not difficult either. There are many on-line businesses that specialize in fundraising cookbooks. The key is to find one that is reputable and reliable. The following list is a good way to narrow down your selection.
1. Find a company that has been in business a long time.
2. The publisher should have on-line tools and examples.
3. You should be able to design it yourself, or use a template they provide.
4. Options should be format, types of graphics, paper stock, organization, etc.
5. Last, you should choose a publisher that has a guarantee.
Guarantee?
Yes, a few companies offer a guarantee. If the outfit you are considering does not, then I recommend that you keep looking. You don't want to go to all the trouble of designing and selling a personalized cookbook, only to lose money, do you?
Get started today. Find that good publisher and begin the process.
Author Bio:
Andy Barber is a retired police/fire/EMS dispatcher. Currently he is working for Cookbook Publishers, a company that has been helping people and organizations raise money since 1947. When Andy isn't writing, he spends time on his eastern Kansas farm with his wife and the 2 younger of their 3 sons. He regularly criss-crosses the USA on his Harley Davidson motorcycle to meet with friends and see this beautiful country. Cookbook Publishers has been helping people with fundraisers for years, so check them out and see what they can do for you.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Cookbook-Fundraisers---Turn-Recipes-Into-Money-For-Your-Organization-Or-Charity&id=3168630
What Is So Special About Creating A Family Style Cookbook For A Fundraiser?
Cookbooks have been helping people raise money for decades. One company of which I am aware has been doing it since 1947, and is still going strong. That fact alone proves that cookbooks are a sure-fire fundraiser. People are generally anxious to purchase a professional looking cookbook that is filled with the best recipes from the best cooks in your club or community. They tend to be more than just another cookbook, though. Since the names of the contributors are with each recipe, it becomes a bit of history as well. Family heirlooms, if you will. Years from now our grandchildren will pick up the cookbook and thumb through it to look for something good for dinner. As they do, they'll see the recipe that "Grandma Tina" gave to the project and reminisce about their long gone relative.
Doesn't Everyone Have Enough Cookbooks Already?
To make it short...no. Like many other things, "too many cookbooks still aren't enough." As noted in the previous paragraph they are more than just a cookbook, but there are other factors that make them valuable. When an organization creates a cookbook, they have made a completely unique item. There isn't another one like it on the planet. It will provide recipes that no one else has. My wife, for example, seems to collect cookbooks. She literally has dozens of them, and most of them are cookbooks that were created and designed as fundraisers. Over the years she has made a collection of her favorite recipes from her numerous cookbooks. The best-of-the-best recipes, so to speak.
OK, You Have Convinced Me. What's Next?
The process is not difficult. The basic steps are as follows:
• Form Your Cookbook Committee
• Gather And Organize Your Recipes
• Design Your Cookbook
• Sell Advertising
• Place Your Order
• Market Your Cookbook
Each category has more details, of course. The list just provides the basics.
Which Company Should I Use To Publish And Print Our Cookbook?
Finding a cookbook publisher is not difficult either. There are many on-line businesses that specialize in fundraising cookbooks. The key is to find one that is reputable and reliable. The following list is a good way to narrow down your selection.
1. Find a company that has been in business a long time.
2. The publisher should have on-line tools and examples.
3. You should be able to design it yourself, or use a template they provide.
4. Options should be format, types of graphics, paper stock, organization, etc.
5. Last, you should choose a publisher that has a guarantee.
Guarantee?
Yes, a few companies offer a guarantee. If the outfit you are considering does not, then I recommend that you keep looking. You don't want to go to all the trouble of designing and selling a personalized cookbook, only to lose money, do you?
Get started today. Find that good publisher and begin the process.
Author Bio:
Andy Barber is a retired police/fire/EMS dispatcher. Currently he is working for Cookbook Publishers, a company that has been helping people and organizations raise money since 1947. When Andy isn't writing, he spends time on his eastern Kansas farm with his wife and the 2 younger of their 3 sons. He regularly criss-crosses the USA on his Harley Davidson motorcycle to meet with friends and see this beautiful country. Cookbook Publishers has been helping people with fundraisers for years, so check them out and see what they can do for you.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Cookbook-Fundraisers---Turn-Recipes-Into-Money-For-Your-Organization-Or-Charity&id=3168630
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Do it Yourself Coffee Spa Treatment
It's always wonderful to have an excuse to pamper yourself, and even better if it smells like a delicious cup of Joe! Coffee has truly popular flavors and aromas, which is precisely why you will enjoy making this luxurious spa body scrub using the natural beauty benefits of coffee itself.
Did you know that coffee is chock full of antioxidants? This is precisely why it is a wonderful ingredient to use in any beauty treatment because the antioxidants can be topically absorbed into the skin so that they have the ability to neutralize free radicals. Just to update you, free radicals do have the potential to damage many of your cells below the surface, contributing to premature age and disease. To stop these problems before they start, use the natural antioxidant benefits of coffee in your spa treatments to keep your skin looking as fresh and as young as possible. Your skin will thank you!
Here are the ingredients you will need:
o 1 tbsp. Olive oil
o 2 tbsp. Vanilla extract
o 3/4 cup Coffee beans
o 1/3 cup Brown sugar
o 1 tsp. Ground cloves
To execute this easy beauty recipe, all you have to do is put the whole coffee beans, ground cloves, and brown sugar into your coffee grinder. Grind at the coarse setting to thoroughly mix the ingredients together, and then place them into an empty container. Mix the ingredients together again well to make sure that they are completely blended. Add the vanilla and olive oil to the mixture, and again, mix well. You can add more olive oil to your liking, but make sure to do it in small increments so that you do not ruin the consistency of your scrub.
For a more coarse scrub, you ultimately want to use less olive oil, and for a softer scrub, you can use more. Now, you can slather it all over your body and use it to exfoliate any dead skin. This is a perfect natural treatment to use, and it will leave your skin feeling soft and delicious - almost good enough to eat! On top of that, you can count on the natural coffee aromas to wake you right up if you are using this spa scrub in the morning when you shower.
Consider one more interesting beauty fact. Coffee does contain caffeine, which is a natural vasodilator. This will work to constrict blood vessels in your skin, making it immediately tighter and firmer. What you have within your spa pampering scrub is a natural anti aging treatment! When you use this scrub, you can count on your skin tightening and feeling younger right away. This is also something that is gentle enough to use on your face, so it will immediately firm your complexion and have you feeling fresh. You can also count on this scrub to slough off dead skin cells all over your body so that you will be glowing from head to toe. And you have your cup of Joe to thank!
Author Bio:
For the best Commercial Coffee Makers with a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-it-Yourself-Coffee-Spa-Treatment&id=2819201
Did you know that coffee is chock full of antioxidants? This is precisely why it is a wonderful ingredient to use in any beauty treatment because the antioxidants can be topically absorbed into the skin so that they have the ability to neutralize free radicals. Just to update you, free radicals do have the potential to damage many of your cells below the surface, contributing to premature age and disease. To stop these problems before they start, use the natural antioxidant benefits of coffee in your spa treatments to keep your skin looking as fresh and as young as possible. Your skin will thank you!
Here are the ingredients you will need:
o 1 tbsp. Olive oil
o 2 tbsp. Vanilla extract
o 3/4 cup Coffee beans
o 1/3 cup Brown sugar
o 1 tsp. Ground cloves
To execute this easy beauty recipe, all you have to do is put the whole coffee beans, ground cloves, and brown sugar into your coffee grinder. Grind at the coarse setting to thoroughly mix the ingredients together, and then place them into an empty container. Mix the ingredients together again well to make sure that they are completely blended. Add the vanilla and olive oil to the mixture, and again, mix well. You can add more olive oil to your liking, but make sure to do it in small increments so that you do not ruin the consistency of your scrub.
For a more coarse scrub, you ultimately want to use less olive oil, and for a softer scrub, you can use more. Now, you can slather it all over your body and use it to exfoliate any dead skin. This is a perfect natural treatment to use, and it will leave your skin feeling soft and delicious - almost good enough to eat! On top of that, you can count on the natural coffee aromas to wake you right up if you are using this spa scrub in the morning when you shower.
Consider one more interesting beauty fact. Coffee does contain caffeine, which is a natural vasodilator. This will work to constrict blood vessels in your skin, making it immediately tighter and firmer. What you have within your spa pampering scrub is a natural anti aging treatment! When you use this scrub, you can count on your skin tightening and feeling younger right away. This is also something that is gentle enough to use on your face, so it will immediately firm your complexion and have you feeling fresh. You can also count on this scrub to slough off dead skin cells all over your body so that you will be glowing from head to toe. And you have your cup of Joe to thank!
Author Bio:
For the best Commercial Coffee Makers with a great selection, check out Mark Ramos' website, The Coffee Bump.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-it-Yourself-Coffee-Spa-Treatment&id=2819201
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Charity Auction Themes Range From Money to Venetian
Every auction committee has a challenge. Whether they are working to set a fundraising record or seat more guests than last year, there is room to get creative. An auction's theme can set the mood for fun while still being functional. At the same time, a theme can whew guests and tow the line with the budget.
My team works between 40 and 50 fundraising auctions a year, so I see my share of great themes. There is a staple in the theme department: Venetian. Recently I worked an event that pulled together money and banking. Both themes may inspire you as you put the polishing details on theme for your charity auction.
Using masks as centerpieces and as décor at benefit auctions: Venetian theme is a staple for charity galas
A Venice theme is popular for fundraising auctions. The imagery of the city is perhaps most closely associated with its famous canals, followed by its infamous Carnival.
As canals are harder to build into a benefit auction theme, I most often see Carnival masks. Masks are festive elements to use, easily portable, and come in a range of price points.
A gala can set the tone for a Venetian theme on invitations using masks in the design or by using the colors of Carnival, green, gold and purple. Masks can then become the entire décor at the venue appearing in all these locations.
- Direction finders in a larger venue with multiple ballrooms
- Stairways and banisters
- Registration table
- The bar
- Buffet tables
- Dessert tables
- Dining tables as centerpieces
- Silent auction tables
- On stage as decorations
- Party favors that traditionally come with a stick to hold the masks to guests' eyes
At a non-profit fundraising auction, Venice took center stage again. This time, the venue was the Ritz-Carlton and the masks matched the more upscale location. This non-profit opted to use the masks in a variety of ways. For instance, in addition to serving as decor elements throughout the venue, they were incorporated into the centerpieces during the dinner auction.
A school hosting a Venetian-themed benefit auction had both hand-crafted and purchased masks which looked lovely. Not only were they used on the silent auction tables in the transformed gymnasium, but they were also functional when used as non-floral centerpieces, made by the kids!
Charity auction theme idea: Money and Banking
Each year, one of our clients conducts an auction fundraiser roast of a well-known local figure. The theme represents the personality and profession of the one to be roasted.
In this case, the honoree (i.e. the one to be roasted) was a banker, so the theme and charity auction decor followed a button-up conservative tone, as seen in these visuals.
The invitation was sent loose-leaf, but held together by a gift (an engraved money clip) to all those invited.
Fitting of a banker, pinstriped dark blue, gray and white were the predominate colors.
The bid paddle, table placemat and an oversized bill used for decor purposes. The auction bid paddle was sponsored by the honoree's bank. It was heavy-weight plastic in the shape of a house (because banks give home loans...). The bank's name was on the reverse side.
Placemats used the pinstripe theme and had the honoree's photo.
Table signs were a $100 bill on one side, and on the other listed the sponsoring company's name.
Many $100 bills in both regular size and oversized shapes were scattered on tables.
Whether you are heading into new water with your benefit auction theme or settled on a tried and true theme, use these two examples as motivation to cover every detail and really wow your attendees this year.
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar regularly writes about ways to improve the bottom line at benefit auctions. If you found this article useful, you'll love her *FREE* Item Guide. The Guide lists the top-selling items to sell at benefit auctions. Grab your FREE copy at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Charity-Auction-Themes-Range-From-Money-to-Venetian&id=3931063
My team works between 40 and 50 fundraising auctions a year, so I see my share of great themes. There is a staple in the theme department: Venetian. Recently I worked an event that pulled together money and banking. Both themes may inspire you as you put the polishing details on theme for your charity auction.
Using masks as centerpieces and as décor at benefit auctions: Venetian theme is a staple for charity galas
A Venice theme is popular for fundraising auctions. The imagery of the city is perhaps most closely associated with its famous canals, followed by its infamous Carnival.
As canals are harder to build into a benefit auction theme, I most often see Carnival masks. Masks are festive elements to use, easily portable, and come in a range of price points.
A gala can set the tone for a Venetian theme on invitations using masks in the design or by using the colors of Carnival, green, gold and purple. Masks can then become the entire décor at the venue appearing in all these locations.
- Direction finders in a larger venue with multiple ballrooms
- Stairways and banisters
- Registration table
- The bar
- Buffet tables
- Dessert tables
- Dining tables as centerpieces
- Silent auction tables
- On stage as decorations
- Party favors that traditionally come with a stick to hold the masks to guests' eyes
At a non-profit fundraising auction, Venice took center stage again. This time, the venue was the Ritz-Carlton and the masks matched the more upscale location. This non-profit opted to use the masks in a variety of ways. For instance, in addition to serving as decor elements throughout the venue, they were incorporated into the centerpieces during the dinner auction.
A school hosting a Venetian-themed benefit auction had both hand-crafted and purchased masks which looked lovely. Not only were they used on the silent auction tables in the transformed gymnasium, but they were also functional when used as non-floral centerpieces, made by the kids!
Charity auction theme idea: Money and Banking
Each year, one of our clients conducts an auction fundraiser roast of a well-known local figure. The theme represents the personality and profession of the one to be roasted.
In this case, the honoree (i.e. the one to be roasted) was a banker, so the theme and charity auction decor followed a button-up conservative tone, as seen in these visuals.
The invitation was sent loose-leaf, but held together by a gift (an engraved money clip) to all those invited.
Fitting of a banker, pinstriped dark blue, gray and white were the predominate colors.
The bid paddle, table placemat and an oversized bill used for decor purposes. The auction bid paddle was sponsored by the honoree's bank. It was heavy-weight plastic in the shape of a house (because banks give home loans...). The bank's name was on the reverse side.
Placemats used the pinstripe theme and had the honoree's photo.
Table signs were a $100 bill on one side, and on the other listed the sponsoring company's name.
Many $100 bills in both regular size and oversized shapes were scattered on tables.
Whether you are heading into new water with your benefit auction theme or settled on a tried and true theme, use these two examples as motivation to cover every detail and really wow your attendees this year.
Author Bio:
Award-winning fundraising auctioneer Sherry Truhlar regularly writes about ways to improve the bottom line at benefit auctions. If you found this article useful, you'll love her *FREE* Item Guide. The Guide lists the top-selling items to sell at benefit auctions. Grab your FREE copy at Red Apple Auctions.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Charity-Auction-Themes-Range-From-Money-to-Venetian&id=3931063
Monday, November 8, 2010
Brazil's Impressive Inroads in the Specialty Coffee Markets
As a major coffee producing country, Brazil accounts for an estimated 25% of the world's coffee supply. Of this percentage, about 80% is Arabica beans. Due to the high emphasis on quantity over quality for a long time, Brazilian coffee has been generally considered suitable primarily for blending purposes. However, this is changing.
Brazil is making impressive inroads in the Specialty Coffee markets. Brazil is increasing its production of Specialty Coffees through coffee varietals such as Bourbon, Typica, Caturra and Mundo Novo. These varietals grow primarily in the state of Parana, Espirito Santos, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Bahia.
• Many varietals have developed from the Typica base varietal. Typica Coffee has an excellent cup quality but a very low production.
• Bourbon Coffee varietal produces about 20% to 30% more coffee than Typica Coffee. The Bourbon cup is excellent and this varietal grows very well at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 6,500 feet.
• Caturra is a mutation of Coffee Bourbon that was identified in Brazil. Although its quality is high, this varietal is more expensive to cultivate and fertilize than other varietals.
• Mundo Novo is a hybrid between Typica and Bourbon Coffees. Mundo Novo is disease resistant and yields a high production.
An example of Specialty Coffee beans is "Brazilian Santos Bourbon." Historically, these Arabica coffee plants were brought to the island of Bourbon (known as the Island of Reunion today). Brazilian Santos Bourbon coffee plants grow in the eastern hills of São Paulo state, near the port of Santos.
• Brazilian Santos Bourbon is a light bodied coffee, with low acidity, a pleasing aroma and a mild, smooth flavor.
• Growing elevations in Brazil range from 2000 to 4000 feet.
• In contrast to bigger and brighter coffees grown at elevations above 5000 feet typical of Central America, Brazilian Santos Bourbon is a coffee low in acidity, exhibiting soft and more subtle characteristics.
The Port of Santos is a very important one in Brazil. The exportation of coffee from Port of Santos gave rise to the city's development and establishment as a major point of commerce.
• Santos has a tropical rainforest climate with no real dry season. It is partially located on the island of São Vicente, which harbors both the city of Santos and the city of São Vicente, and partially on the mainland.
• In addition to coffee exports, the Port of Santos handles other major Brazilian exports such as steel, oil, cars, bananas, cotton, and citrus fruits to name just a few.
• A historical and tourist attraction worth visiting is the Coffee Museum where coffee prices were negotiated.
Ready for a nice cup of Brazilian Santos Bourbon?
Author Bio: Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Brazils-Impressive-Inroads-in-the-Specialty-Coffee-Markets&id=4301035
Brazil is making impressive inroads in the Specialty Coffee markets. Brazil is increasing its production of Specialty Coffees through coffee varietals such as Bourbon, Typica, Caturra and Mundo Novo. These varietals grow primarily in the state of Parana, Espirito Santos, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Bahia.
• Many varietals have developed from the Typica base varietal. Typica Coffee has an excellent cup quality but a very low production.
• Bourbon Coffee varietal produces about 20% to 30% more coffee than Typica Coffee. The Bourbon cup is excellent and this varietal grows very well at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 6,500 feet.
• Caturra is a mutation of Coffee Bourbon that was identified in Brazil. Although its quality is high, this varietal is more expensive to cultivate and fertilize than other varietals.
• Mundo Novo is a hybrid between Typica and Bourbon Coffees. Mundo Novo is disease resistant and yields a high production.
An example of Specialty Coffee beans is "Brazilian Santos Bourbon." Historically, these Arabica coffee plants were brought to the island of Bourbon (known as the Island of Reunion today). Brazilian Santos Bourbon coffee plants grow in the eastern hills of São Paulo state, near the port of Santos.
• Brazilian Santos Bourbon is a light bodied coffee, with low acidity, a pleasing aroma and a mild, smooth flavor.
• Growing elevations in Brazil range from 2000 to 4000 feet.
• In contrast to bigger and brighter coffees grown at elevations above 5000 feet typical of Central America, Brazilian Santos Bourbon is a coffee low in acidity, exhibiting soft and more subtle characteristics.
The Port of Santos is a very important one in Brazil. The exportation of coffee from Port of Santos gave rise to the city's development and establishment as a major point of commerce.
• Santos has a tropical rainforest climate with no real dry season. It is partially located on the island of São Vicente, which harbors both the city of Santos and the city of São Vicente, and partially on the mainland.
• In addition to coffee exports, the Port of Santos handles other major Brazilian exports such as steel, oil, cars, bananas, cotton, and citrus fruits to name just a few.
• A historical and tourist attraction worth visiting is the Coffee Museum where coffee prices were negotiated.
Ready for a nice cup of Brazilian Santos Bourbon?
Author Bio: Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Brazils-Impressive-Inroads-in-the-Specialty-Coffee-Markets&id=4301035
Sunday, November 7, 2010
What Some School Fundraising Companies Don't Want You to Know
Why can one school can doing a fundraiser have great results and another school doing the same thing can have pitiful results? Here's a story that will give you a clue to be able to see that the answer doesn't lie in the product they picked. It's something else altogether.
Once upon a time there were two schools with the same number of students; they both had to fundraise to pay for their expenses for the year! Both groups were in the very similar neighborhoods in the same type of small town USA, so everyone thought they would get similar fundraising profits.
The first group had just over 100 students. Everyone was excited about the upcoming fundraiser and chose to try a pretty popular fundraising product! Everyone was excited to get their fundraising program underway. The other school also had the same number of students. They chose to do the same fundraising program that the other group did! Even though they both were in similar areas they weren't anywhere near each other. So they did not compete for same the customers. Both groups decided to start the sale on the same day.
There really was only one difference in each school.
The first school decided to do their sale like they had been doing it for many years. The second school made one little change in "how" they ran their fundraiser. The first group finished the sales and made $1,450 in profit. They were very happy because this was about the same as they had been making for years! That is, they were happy until they heard about the second school's results. The first group finished the sales and raised $1,400! The little change that they made in the way they ran their fundraising campaign was so minor that few people from the other school could tell what it was.
It's not that it was a great secret scheme. There was nothing that went on that was underhanded. It was all out in the open for everyone to see. In fact, that is exactly why the second school did so well. It is because everyone knew about the secret change is why they did so much more in profit. But the question is still unanswered, why was there such a HUGE difference in Profits? Hint: The answer is not in the profit percentage. In fact, the first group was offered a 3% discount for signing up early. So that is not the reason they made so much more money.
The answer will surprise you. You will probably think that it makes lots of sense when you understand what they did different. Because it's something you see every day, but for some reason most fundraising companies don't help their schools connect the dots and apply it to their fundraisers. I simply can't understand why, but that is the way it is.
Well, actually I, do understand why but there is nothing I can do about all the other fundraisier companies out there. The only thing I can do is make sure that my schools know what it is and how to do it at their school.
Copyright (c) 2008 AIM Fundraising
Author Bio:
If you want to know how to drastically increase your next school fundraising event, go to AIM Fundraising's website. They don't hold anything back on you. Like I said, this is not a closely guarded secret type of thing. Your school already does this every time you run a school fundraising program. The difference is AIM Fundraising will show you how to use it with your group to make your fundraising program more successful.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Some-School-Fundraising-Companies-Dont-Want-You-to-Know&id=1794390
Once upon a time there were two schools with the same number of students; they both had to fundraise to pay for their expenses for the year! Both groups were in the very similar neighborhoods in the same type of small town USA, so everyone thought they would get similar fundraising profits.
The first group had just over 100 students. Everyone was excited about the upcoming fundraiser and chose to try a pretty popular fundraising product! Everyone was excited to get their fundraising program underway. The other school also had the same number of students. They chose to do the same fundraising program that the other group did! Even though they both were in similar areas they weren't anywhere near each other. So they did not compete for same the customers. Both groups decided to start the sale on the same day.
There really was only one difference in each school.
The first school decided to do their sale like they had been doing it for many years. The second school made one little change in "how" they ran their fundraiser. The first group finished the sales and made $1,450 in profit. They were very happy because this was about the same as they had been making for years! That is, they were happy until they heard about the second school's results. The first group finished the sales and raised $1,400! The little change that they made in the way they ran their fundraising campaign was so minor that few people from the other school could tell what it was.
It's not that it was a great secret scheme. There was nothing that went on that was underhanded. It was all out in the open for everyone to see. In fact, that is exactly why the second school did so well. It is because everyone knew about the secret change is why they did so much more in profit. But the question is still unanswered, why was there such a HUGE difference in Profits? Hint: The answer is not in the profit percentage. In fact, the first group was offered a 3% discount for signing up early. So that is not the reason they made so much more money.
The answer will surprise you. You will probably think that it makes lots of sense when you understand what they did different. Because it's something you see every day, but for some reason most fundraising companies don't help their schools connect the dots and apply it to their fundraisers. I simply can't understand why, but that is the way it is.
Well, actually I, do understand why but there is nothing I can do about all the other fundraisier companies out there. The only thing I can do is make sure that my schools know what it is and how to do it at their school.
Copyright (c) 2008 AIM Fundraising
Author Bio:
If you want to know how to drastically increase your next school fundraising event, go to AIM Fundraising's website. They don't hold anything back on you. Like I said, this is not a closely guarded secret type of thing. Your school already does this every time you run a school fundraising program. The difference is AIM Fundraising will show you how to use it with your group to make your fundraising program more successful.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Some-School-Fundraising-Companies-Dont-Want-You-to-Know&id=1794390
Friday, November 5, 2010
Review of Newman's Own Organic Coffee
Newman's Own coffee is produced by Green Mountain Coffee thanks to a special partnership between the world-famous company founded by Paul Newman and the popular java company. Their organic coffee is made only of Arabica beans, which are one of the two types of coffee beans. Not only is Newman's Own certified organic, it is also certified fair trade.
Newman's Own coffee beans for sale are available in a variety of roasts. The Special Blend is made by combining medium and dark roasts and can be purchased in regular packages or in K-Cups. There is also a decaffeinated version of the special Blend that can also be purchased in large bags or as K-Cups. Colombian Especial and Nell's Breakfast Blend are two lighter roasts that are made with light and medium roast coffee beans. The French Roast is the darkest roast, and it contains hints of caramel and chocolate in its flavor.
Most organic coffee is not available in flavored roasts, but Newman's Own boasts two flavored coffees in its line. The Vanilla Caramel roast is naturally sweetened and void of artificial sweeteners and added sugars. Café Almond Biscotti is accented by a slight almond flavor.
One drawback of Newman's Own is that while the Special Blend is sold in K-Cup packaging, none of the other roasts are, so those who use K-Cup machines can only experience this brand of java by drinking the Special Blend. Fortunately, this roast is available in both regular and decaf so no matter your caffeine preference, you can enjoy Newman's Own in K-cup format.
Newman's Own coffee continues the tradition of producing food with a conscious with its line of organic coffee. The fact that it is fair trade shows their commitment to helping smaller scale coffee growers worldwide.
Author Bio:
Steve writes about illy coffee beans.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Review-of-Newmans-Own-Organic-Coffee&id=2228013
Newman's Own coffee beans for sale are available in a variety of roasts. The Special Blend is made by combining medium and dark roasts and can be purchased in regular packages or in K-Cups. There is also a decaffeinated version of the special Blend that can also be purchased in large bags or as K-Cups. Colombian Especial and Nell's Breakfast Blend are two lighter roasts that are made with light and medium roast coffee beans. The French Roast is the darkest roast, and it contains hints of caramel and chocolate in its flavor.
Most organic coffee is not available in flavored roasts, but Newman's Own boasts two flavored coffees in its line. The Vanilla Caramel roast is naturally sweetened and void of artificial sweeteners and added sugars. Café Almond Biscotti is accented by a slight almond flavor.
One drawback of Newman's Own is that while the Special Blend is sold in K-Cup packaging, none of the other roasts are, so those who use K-Cup machines can only experience this brand of java by drinking the Special Blend. Fortunately, this roast is available in both regular and decaf so no matter your caffeine preference, you can enjoy Newman's Own in K-cup format.
Newman's Own coffee continues the tradition of producing food with a conscious with its line of organic coffee. The fact that it is fair trade shows their commitment to helping smaller scale coffee growers worldwide.
Author Bio:
Steve writes about illy coffee beans.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Review-of-Newmans-Own-Organic-Coffee&id=2228013
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Successful School Fundraising With Custom-Made Plush Toys
When it comes to fundraising, your school has done it all: popcorn, candy, cookbooks, wrapping paper, cookie dough...the list is endless. Now you're looking for something unique to add to your sales arsenal. Custom-made plush toys are versatile, creative products you'll be proud to sell!
Why Should You Choose Plush?
When you choose a fundraising product, you're choosing an item that represents your school. You want it to be high-quality and attractive. A stuffed toy replica of your school's mascot appeals to your customers' emotional connection to your school, through nostalgia or school spirit. And you're not limited to a mascot. Your plush toy can take the form of sports equipment, musical instruments, a school bus, lunch box-let your imagination run wild! A plush doll is very appealing to children, which broadens your potential customer base beyond the adults fundraisers typically target. It also attracts attention. You may have had the experience of beginning your sales campaign right after another school or organization finishes selling the same product or, worse, finding yourself competing with the same product during the same sales period. When you sell an original stuffed toy, you'll stand out amongst the competition. You'll also find that your toy lends itself to all kinds of sales opportunities beyond the traditional two-week campaign. Unlike other sales products, it will never go stale or out of style.
Fundraising With Your Custom-Made Plush Toy
You'll want to include your custom plush toy in your traditional fundraiser. But don't stop there. Many organizations have several sales campaigns per year. No matter what you choose to sell-candy, magazines, pies-include your toy as an additional item. Sell it at sports events, when school spirit is high. Offer it for sale at carnivals, festivals, and programs when parents, grandparents, and younger children attend. Keep a supply on hand at your school's supply store, and if your group sells flowers or other items for special days, include your toy as another option. You may wish to connect the proceeds from your toy sales to a special scholarship fund or school improvement project to encourage sales. Another potential use for your toy is as a sales incentive during your fundraiser, or as a prize for student achievement. Be sure to price your toy so that it's enticingly affordable, while still providing a profit.
Choosing Your Plush Toy
First, think about what you want your toy to be. Pick a design that's simple and that truly represents your school or organization. When searching for a company to manufacture your product, look for a company that will work closely with you during the design process, and which provides a gallery of examples similar to what you want your finished toy to look like. Ensure your toy will be made with safe, durable materials and quality craftsmanship. Always check company references. Select a business with a great reputation for reliability and customer service, as you'll hopefully have a successful working relationship with them for years to come.
Raise school spirit and fundraising profits with a unique, attractive custom-made plush toy!
Author Bio:
Rob E Bishop invites you to bring your stuffed toy invention idea to his website at CustomPlushToys.com where you can learn how to design, create and sell your own stuffed toy idea. Download his free report "Don't Get Ripped Off" to discover the secrets of how to navigate the dangers in making your toy idea successful.
Click Here.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Successful-School-Fundraising-With-Custom-Made-Plush-Toys&id=3576371
Why Should You Choose Plush?
When you choose a fundraising product, you're choosing an item that represents your school. You want it to be high-quality and attractive. A stuffed toy replica of your school's mascot appeals to your customers' emotional connection to your school, through nostalgia or school spirit. And you're not limited to a mascot. Your plush toy can take the form of sports equipment, musical instruments, a school bus, lunch box-let your imagination run wild! A plush doll is very appealing to children, which broadens your potential customer base beyond the adults fundraisers typically target. It also attracts attention. You may have had the experience of beginning your sales campaign right after another school or organization finishes selling the same product or, worse, finding yourself competing with the same product during the same sales period. When you sell an original stuffed toy, you'll stand out amongst the competition. You'll also find that your toy lends itself to all kinds of sales opportunities beyond the traditional two-week campaign. Unlike other sales products, it will never go stale or out of style.
Fundraising With Your Custom-Made Plush Toy
You'll want to include your custom plush toy in your traditional fundraiser. But don't stop there. Many organizations have several sales campaigns per year. No matter what you choose to sell-candy, magazines, pies-include your toy as an additional item. Sell it at sports events, when school spirit is high. Offer it for sale at carnivals, festivals, and programs when parents, grandparents, and younger children attend. Keep a supply on hand at your school's supply store, and if your group sells flowers or other items for special days, include your toy as another option. You may wish to connect the proceeds from your toy sales to a special scholarship fund or school improvement project to encourage sales. Another potential use for your toy is as a sales incentive during your fundraiser, or as a prize for student achievement. Be sure to price your toy so that it's enticingly affordable, while still providing a profit.
Choosing Your Plush Toy
First, think about what you want your toy to be. Pick a design that's simple and that truly represents your school or organization. When searching for a company to manufacture your product, look for a company that will work closely with you during the design process, and which provides a gallery of examples similar to what you want your finished toy to look like. Ensure your toy will be made with safe, durable materials and quality craftsmanship. Always check company references. Select a business with a great reputation for reliability and customer service, as you'll hopefully have a successful working relationship with them for years to come.
Raise school spirit and fundraising profits with a unique, attractive custom-made plush toy!
Author Bio:
Rob E Bishop invites you to bring your stuffed toy invention idea to his website at CustomPlushToys.com where you can learn how to design, create and sell your own stuffed toy idea. Download his free report "Don't Get Ripped Off" to discover the secrets of how to navigate the dangers in making your toy idea successful.
Click Here.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Successful-School-Fundraising-With-Custom-Made-Plush-Toys&id=3576371
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Coffee Drinking and Asthma Relief Benefits
Asthma is a condition in which the muscles of the bronchi (air tubes of the lung) contract in spasms, obstructing the flow of air making breathing in and out difficult. Coffee is a potent bronchodilator. In an emergency, when caught without your medication, a few cups of coffee can make a huge difference.
Most physicians recommend as one potentially workable home remedy for asthma to drink a cup of strong coffee without milk. You can add natural honey to sweeten the cup and also to get a soothing effect. Dairy products can aggravate asthma which is why milk is not recommended with coffee as part of regular asthma prevention. The coffee, to be effective in asthma prevention, should be caffeinated since it is the caffeine that dilates the bronchial system.
Coffee is the most concentrated form of caffeine there is.
• Regular coffee consumption is helpful to prevent asthma attacks.
• Coffee contains natural anti-asthmatic compounds, namely theobromine and theophyline.
• These chemicals help stop bronchospasms and open constricted passages.
• Obviously, the strength of the brew, type and quality of coffee can impact how much anti-asthmatic "power" your cup has. One more reason to drink good specialty coffee freshly roasted to order.
Prevention is the key to managing asthma.
• Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that cause the asthma attacks.
• It is also important to remove the triggers in the immediate environment that can produce asthma attacks.
• For example, triggers such as house pets, dust, pollen, pollution, strong smells, infection, physical exertion, chronic stress, severe anxiety, mold, outdoor air pollution, indoor dust, and others.
• Usually, the first asthmatic symptoms include difficulty in breathing, an increase in pulse rate, wheezing-especially when breathing out, a dry cough, and a sensation of tightness around the chest.
Coffee is a normal and natural antioxidant source. Caffeine and antioxidants have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. In other words, antioxidants help keep the blood clean. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of cells through normal daily activities. Control these radicals through a moderate but regular daily consumption of coffee, along with other lifestyle habits.
Coffee is highly effective at opening the airways which is why it is a good anti-asthmatic.
• Coffee contains about 60-120 mgs of caffeine per cup.
• Drinking about 24 ounces of coffee per day on the average is beneficial.
• Medicines for asthma tend to have an elevated dose of caffeine or its extracts (theophylline) or synthetic derivatives. Caffeine helps relieve symptoms of asthma.
• Did you know, for example, that a single dose of pain reliever such as Anacin or Excedrin contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine? This is the equivalent of a hefty cup of coffee.
• Drinking coffee is the "natural" way to do help prevent asthma attacks so why not do it and enjoy drinking the cup of coffee of your choice!
Obviously, always follow your physician's advice regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you. Coffee, home remedies or natural medications may help in relieving the asthmatic condition but you should always listen to your health practitioner and be a good patient.
Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you just may derive some health benefits and enjoy a cup of Organic Colombian Supremo.
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Drinking-and-Asthma-Relief-Benefits&id=4276101
Most physicians recommend as one potentially workable home remedy for asthma to drink a cup of strong coffee without milk. You can add natural honey to sweeten the cup and also to get a soothing effect. Dairy products can aggravate asthma which is why milk is not recommended with coffee as part of regular asthma prevention. The coffee, to be effective in asthma prevention, should be caffeinated since it is the caffeine that dilates the bronchial system.
Coffee is the most concentrated form of caffeine there is.
• Regular coffee consumption is helpful to prevent asthma attacks.
• Coffee contains natural anti-asthmatic compounds, namely theobromine and theophyline.
• These chemicals help stop bronchospasms and open constricted passages.
• Obviously, the strength of the brew, type and quality of coffee can impact how much anti-asthmatic "power" your cup has. One more reason to drink good specialty coffee freshly roasted to order.
Prevention is the key to managing asthma.
• Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that cause the asthma attacks.
• It is also important to remove the triggers in the immediate environment that can produce asthma attacks.
• For example, triggers such as house pets, dust, pollen, pollution, strong smells, infection, physical exertion, chronic stress, severe anxiety, mold, outdoor air pollution, indoor dust, and others.
• Usually, the first asthmatic symptoms include difficulty in breathing, an increase in pulse rate, wheezing-especially when breathing out, a dry cough, and a sensation of tightness around the chest.
Coffee is a normal and natural antioxidant source. Caffeine and antioxidants have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants help your body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. In other words, antioxidants help keep the blood clean. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of cells through normal daily activities. Control these radicals through a moderate but regular daily consumption of coffee, along with other lifestyle habits.
Coffee is highly effective at opening the airways which is why it is a good anti-asthmatic.
• Coffee contains about 60-120 mgs of caffeine per cup.
• Drinking about 24 ounces of coffee per day on the average is beneficial.
• Medicines for asthma tend to have an elevated dose of caffeine or its extracts (theophylline) or synthetic derivatives. Caffeine helps relieve symptoms of asthma.
• Did you know, for example, that a single dose of pain reliever such as Anacin or Excedrin contains up to 120 milligrams of caffeine? This is the equivalent of a hefty cup of coffee.
• Drinking coffee is the "natural" way to do help prevent asthma attacks so why not do it and enjoy drinking the cup of coffee of your choice!
Obviously, always follow your physician's advice regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, pregnancy or special dietary plans for you. Coffee, home remedies or natural medications may help in relieving the asthmatic condition but you should always listen to your health practitioner and be a good patient.
Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you just may derive some health benefits and enjoy a cup of Organic Colombian Supremo.
Author Bio:
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: http://www.ourgourmetcoffee.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Coffee-Drinking-and-Asthma-Relief-Benefits&id=4276101
Monday, November 1, 2010
Planning For Success - Three Key Plans All Nonprofits Need to Achieve Their Fundraising Goals
Let me share with you a common conversation I have had with prospective clients. After the initial pleasantries, the conversation goes something like this:
Client: We are really having trouble raising operating funds this year. Can you help?
Jane: How much money does your resource development plan call for you to raise?
Client: We don't have that kind of plan.
Jane: Well, then, tell me about the goals in your strategic plan.
Client: Oh, we're too busy to do that kind of plan.
Jane: How many individuals, corporations and foundations contribute annually?
Client: Hmm...I'm not sure but I know we need a lot more money.
If this conversation sounds familiar to you, it is time to start collecting data and creating three key plans that will guide you to achieving your fundraising goals. What are they?
Strategic Plan
Don't be intimidated by all the jargon surrounding strategic planning. There are many ways to create such a plan, depending on your financial and time resources. At a minimum, your board needs to be involved in the process, a planning committee does the detailed work, and someone has to write up the final plan for board approval. The basic items included in the plan are the organization's mission and vision, values statements, program and administrative goals, strategies and tactics for achieving the goals, resources needed to support the strategies, budget projections for the length of the plan, and an evaluation process. In addition, there is a work plan attached which defines the specific activities, parties responsible, and time frames for completion.
Marketing Plan
Once you have your strategic plan in place, it is time to create your marketing plan. Again, there can be much jargon attached to marketing, but you can create a simple plan to help you achieve your goals. First, identify the target markets for each goal and then create the messages for each market. Outline specific strategies to achieve the goals and match them with appropriate people and money to implement them. Make sure you define your time frame and create success indicators. Finally determine how you will monitor and evaluate your progress. The simpler the design of this plan, the easier it will be to monitor. One idea is to have a single page for each goal with appropriate markets, messages, strategies and resources and time line.
Development Plan
With your strategic and marketing plans in place, creating the Development Plan doesn't have to be difficult. You have already set your strategic direction and created a way to market your services. Now it's time to create a development plan based clearly on your nonprofit's mission. At a minimum, your plan should include the following elements: a statement of your fundraising purpose, strategic and financial goals, related policies, cultivation strategies, specific strategies for different market segments, people responsible for achieving goals and time frames for their achievement. And, of course, you will want to have a way to evaluate - at least quarterly- your progress on achieving these fundraising goals.
If your nonprofit is in an immediate financial crunch, it is unlikely that you will take the time to create these plans. However, you should at least have a discussion about the importance of planning. In my work, I have sometimes taken on clients to help them fundraise for short term crisis, but only if they agree to do the needed planning so that such a crisis is a rare occurrence, not an annual event.
© Jane B. Ford 2009
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planning-For-Success---Three-Key-Plans-All-Nonprofits-Need-to-Achieve-Their-Fundraising-Goals&id=3650947
Client: We are really having trouble raising operating funds this year. Can you help?
Jane: How much money does your resource development plan call for you to raise?
Client: We don't have that kind of plan.
Jane: Well, then, tell me about the goals in your strategic plan.
Client: Oh, we're too busy to do that kind of plan.
Jane: How many individuals, corporations and foundations contribute annually?
Client: Hmm...I'm not sure but I know we need a lot more money.
If this conversation sounds familiar to you, it is time to start collecting data and creating three key plans that will guide you to achieving your fundraising goals. What are they?
Strategic Plan
Don't be intimidated by all the jargon surrounding strategic planning. There are many ways to create such a plan, depending on your financial and time resources. At a minimum, your board needs to be involved in the process, a planning committee does the detailed work, and someone has to write up the final plan for board approval. The basic items included in the plan are the organization's mission and vision, values statements, program and administrative goals, strategies and tactics for achieving the goals, resources needed to support the strategies, budget projections for the length of the plan, and an evaluation process. In addition, there is a work plan attached which defines the specific activities, parties responsible, and time frames for completion.
Marketing Plan
Once you have your strategic plan in place, it is time to create your marketing plan. Again, there can be much jargon attached to marketing, but you can create a simple plan to help you achieve your goals. First, identify the target markets for each goal and then create the messages for each market. Outline specific strategies to achieve the goals and match them with appropriate people and money to implement them. Make sure you define your time frame and create success indicators. Finally determine how you will monitor and evaluate your progress. The simpler the design of this plan, the easier it will be to monitor. One idea is to have a single page for each goal with appropriate markets, messages, strategies and resources and time line.
Development Plan
With your strategic and marketing plans in place, creating the Development Plan doesn't have to be difficult. You have already set your strategic direction and created a way to market your services. Now it's time to create a development plan based clearly on your nonprofit's mission. At a minimum, your plan should include the following elements: a statement of your fundraising purpose, strategic and financial goals, related policies, cultivation strategies, specific strategies for different market segments, people responsible for achieving goals and time frames for their achievement. And, of course, you will want to have a way to evaluate - at least quarterly- your progress on achieving these fundraising goals.
If your nonprofit is in an immediate financial crunch, it is unlikely that you will take the time to create these plans. However, you should at least have a discussion about the importance of planning. In my work, I have sometimes taken on clients to help them fundraise for short term crisis, but only if they agree to do the needed planning so that such a crisis is a rare occurrence, not an annual event.
© Jane B. Ford 2009
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planning-For-Success---Three-Key-Plans-All-Nonprofits-Need-to-Achieve-Their-Fundraising-Goals&id=3650947
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