Versace - Well Recognized For Quality Fashions!

Sher Matsen

Gianni Versace was born in 1946 in Reggio, Calabria, in Southern Italy. Versace received his love of fashion and first lessons on dress-making from his mother. Initially Versace trained as an architect, but soon he followed his mother into the fashion business. Versace worked for a number of top Italian fashion houses, but in 1978 with the help of his brother Santo he launched his own label.
Versace was a great fashion pioneer who combined the worlds of high style and pop culture. He was a charismatic and accomplished designer of clothing and theater costumes. Versace appreciated a range of historic attire which he incorporated into his designs and he was greatly influenced by Andy Warhol and modern abstract art.

Wowzer! Best describes the fashions designed by Gianni Versace. He was notorious for designing garments that would shock and startle our senses. Versace saw his designing as an art form. He initiated clothing that was visually excessive and provocative- fashions that confronted accepted codes of taste, beauty and sexuality. Fashion became entertainment, to be watched and admired - not simply worn. For Versace nothing was too extravagant too crazy or too risque. Yet no matter how extravagant or provocative Versace's clothes were always strikingly well designed garments designed to flatter the body.

Versace was the designer of choice for many of the rich and famous: pop stars such as Elton John, and Madonna; film stars such as Will Smith, and Elizabeth Hurley and even royalty - Princess Diana. The wealthy were drawn to his clothes like magnets, and that enhanced his reputation. However, Vercasse did not design simply for the wealthy his clothes were very much available to the average person.
In 1985 he launched the Istante label in 1985; and after years as Gianni's muse, his sister Donatella became his co-designer and launched the Versace diffusion range, Versus, in 1989. These labels featured clothes within the budgets of many consumers; not only were they priced lower than the custom-made clothes, but they were also aimed at younger markets.
In 1988 Versace received the Cutty Sark Award as "the most innovative and creative designer in the world"; and in 1993 the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded him the American fashion Oscar.
On July 15, 1997 Versace was shot to death outside his South Beach home in Miami, Florida by a crazed gunman name Andrew Cunanan. Since his untimely death in 1997 the Versace fashion house continues to grow under the creative leadership of his sister Donatella and the business acumen of his brother Santo. Donatella's daughter Allegra inherited 50% of the company last summer when she turned 18. However, Donatella is still very much in charge.
The days of the wet-look, shocking pink PVC and as much flash and flesh as a catwalk can take are long gone. The new Versace is growing up. "I'm not blind," says Donatella. "I know that most women don't look like models. We had to start addressing other parts of a woman's life. The fashion business is a very different place from when Gianni started the label." Donatella's mind is very much on the continued success of Versace.
With Donatella at the helm, and Santo and Allegra at her side, they continue to grow and develop the Versace Product Lines with fabulous designs unveiled for the 2005 Spring Season. The proof is in the Versace spring fashion line - Have a look for yourself!
http://www.newyorkmetro.com/fashion/fashionshows/05/spring/runway/versace/
http://www.milanfashionshows.com/spring2005/versace/photos.htm
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2005RTW/review/VERSACE© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals.



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.


Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings, or Is Moissanite a Mans Best Friend?
Peter Crump

As mens wedding rings become more and more popular mens moissanite wedding rings become popular at an even faster rate. Wedding rings for men are here to stay and so are mens moissanite wedding rings.

What is moissanite I hear you ask? Moissanite is the newest jewelry stone which is taking the jewelry industry by storm. And whilst moissanite is popular amongst the women, mens moissanite wedding rings are taking off.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal, or jewel, which was only discovered in 1893. It was originally found in tiny quantities in a meteorite which had fallen in the Arizona desert. It was discovered by doctor Henry Moissan, after whom it was named.

It exhibits many of the qualities of diamonds and looks identical to diamonds to all but a few of the most experienced jewellers. So identical in fact that sohisticated equipment is needed to distinguish it from diamonds. Moissanite even outperforms diamonds in most of the natural qualities for which diamonds are so renowned. Most importantly, it is much cheaper.

Moissanite is second only to diamond in hardness, and is harder than any other jewel. It does not scratch, fade or change color. It has more brilliance than diamonds or any other popular gemstone.

It occurs naturally on earth but only in tiny quantities so it was not until the late 20th century that it became available in sufficient quantities for jewelry making. This followed extensive research on moissanite and the discovery of a reliable method of making it in a lab to very high quality.

Whilst a new jewel in its own right it was immediately compared to diamonds due to it's high quality and much lower price. Now moissanite engagement rings are a hit amongst women, and mens moissanite wedding rings are following fast.

As a man does not generally wear an engagement ring his wedding ring may be the only piece of jewelry that he wears so mens moissanite wedding rings are designed to catch the eye, unlike womens wedding rings which are designed to complement the engagement ring rather than detract from it.

Many mens moissanite wedding rings are often set in either gold or two tone white gold/yellow gold. As moissanite is much cheaper than diamonds he has a choice of more stones and bigger ones, so often buys a ring with 2, 3, 4 or more stones in it. Moissanite is not graded in carat (karat) weight exactly like diamonds but it's comparable diamond carat value is usually offered so that buyers can see exactly how much stone they are getting for their money compared to buying a diamond.

For example it is very possible to buy mens moissanite wedding rings with a number of moissanite stones of 3 to 5 mm diameter of somewhere around 1.5 carats (diamond equivalent weight) for around $500 - $800. Or a single moissanite stone of 7 to 8 mm diameter.

Compare that price to buying the same ring with equivalent diamonds and you will be very pleasantly surprised. And your ring will look just as good, or better, than the equivalent diamond ring. And usually the modern man understands that money spent at the start of the relationship is money that is not available later on when the important things, like kids and a house, arrive.

So men, if you really want a wedding ring that shows off exactly who you are with style and sparkle, but don't want to spend so much money on it that it makes you uncomfortable, then a mens moissanite wedding ring has to be considered.

But which one? That's up to you.

Find out more about Mens Moissanite Wedding Rings as well as Moissanite engagement rings, moissanite bridal rings and moissanite stones at Peter's website, The Magic of Moissanite.
© 2005 Peter Crump.

Buying Jewelry For Your Business Part 4 Buying Platinum Jewelry

Sam Serio

Whether you presently own a retail or web based business and are looking for an additional profit center or you are thinking of starting a business, jewelry is a "no-brainer" choice for a proven product category. The buying public, (particularly women) never tires of jewelry as the choices in color, materials, finishes and styles are endless and innovations are continual. Every generation reinvents jewelry for itself in much the same way that it reinvents music and fashion. Styles change but the basic facts remain the same. If you are a seasoned professional, please consider the following a refresher course. To the new comer, use this information as a foundation for your ongoing jewelry education.

The Facts About Platinum Jewelry
Platinum is a precious metal that costs more than gold. It usually is mixed with other similar metals, known as the platinum group metals: iridium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Different markings are used on platinum jewelry as compared with gold jewelry, based on the amount of pure platinum in the piece. The quality markings for platinum are based on parts per thousand. For example, the marking 900 Platinum means that 900 out of 1000 are pure platinum, or in other words, the item is 90% platinum and 10% other metals. The abbreviations for platinum - Plat. or Pt. - also can be used in marking jewelry.

Items that contain at least 950 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked simply platinum. Items that have at least 850 parts per thousand pure platinum can be marked with the amount of pure platinum and the word platinum or an abbreviation (for example, 950 platinum, 900 Plat. or 850 Pt.). Jewelry that contains less than 850 parts per thousand pure platinum, but has a total of 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals (of which at least 500 parts is pure platinum), may be marked with both the amount of pure platinum and the amount of the other platinum group metals in the piece. For example, the marking 600 Plat. 350 Irid. means that the item has 600 parts per thousand (60%0 platinum, and 350 parts per thousand (35%) iridium, totaling 950 parts per thousand of platinum group metals, and 50 parts per thousand (5%) other metals.



For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Link Myths
Scott J. Patterson

As competition among websites increase, close attention is being paid to rankings in major search engines. Since a high ranking in a keyword can "make or break" a business, webmasters are looking to find any method to increase their ranking. By examining the algorithms of Google and other search engines, it is easy to see that a high value is being placed on the number of links (and quality) pointing to a website. As a result, most webmasters have realized the importance of finding partners to link to their Internet business.

Although link exchanges are vital to any marketing plan, there are some myths that are perpetuated by many so-called "experts". To run a smart link exchange campaign, it is important to understand these myths and make sure that you do not fall for them.

Myth 1 - Link to every site

When I first started my link exchange campaign, I would link to every site possible. As a result, my rankings suffered. As I learned more, I discovered that I could improve my listings by linking to sites that complemented my own. In order run a smart link exchange program, it is important to focus on linking to sites that are closely related to your product or service without being a direct competitor.

For instance, my original site sells Ethnic Jewelry. So, I look for link partners among other jewelry stores that do not sell the same type of jewelry that is listed in my store.

Myth 2 - All people will add my site if I add theirs first

To receive a link from an Internet business, most people will usually add the site's link first. Unfortunately, not every potential partner will add your link even if you have already added theirs. Sometimes a website is just not interested in linking with your site. The problem is many webmasters will not let you know that they are not going to link to your site. So, you might be linking to a website that is not returning the favor.

A great way to ensure that you are only linking to reciprocal sites is to put each link into a "temporary position" until you receive validation that the site is listing your business.

Myth 3 - The name of my website should be in the title of the link

Another mistake I made when I first started out, was to have the name of my website in the links that were pointing to my business. Eventually I learned that many search engines, especially Google, pay attention to the title of the link pointing towards your site. So, if you are looking for top placement for specific keywords, then they should be used in the title of the link instead of your website name.

Taking the Ethnic Jewelry example from above, your link title would look like this:

Ethnic Jewelry Store: Here we sell evil eye jewelry and Turkish jewelry.

Myth 4 - Only link to sites with a high Google Page Rank

In my opinion, the biggest "Catch-22" for webmasters is that many sites will not link to an Internet business unless it has a certain "Google Page Rank". But at some point, every site has started out with a low page ranking. So how did they get a high ranking if no one would link to them in the first place?

Instead of focusing on a page rank, many successful websites look instead at the quality of the Internet business. If it is evident that the webmaster has taken the time to create a quality site, then you can assured that a high ranking will eventually happen! By linking to a well designed website, you can be ensured that the value of your link will increase as the website gains a high ranking.

Myth 5: Put all the links on one page in no particular order

When the Internet first gained popularity, webmasters used links as a way to help their visitors. Initially, they placed links as way to complement the content of the website. As the important of links increased, the focus shifted from helping the visitor to helping the webmaster.

Instead of dumping your links onto a single page, you can help both your partners and visitors by creating a directory. Here, you place each link partner into a specific category. This will help visitors (and search engines) navigate your site with ease.

Myth 6: I should avoid all types of "automatic" link programs

Many Internet marketers recommend avoiding automatic link exchange software. They feel that using these programs will actually hurt your rankings rather then help. But, there are a lot of great link exchange websites that automate the process of finding links hurting your search engine rankings.

For instance, http://www.linkmarket.net and http://www.gotop.com are two excellent sites that allow you to shop for link partners. When you find sites that are complementary, you add them to your "basket" and the link exchange websites sends out an automatic email requesting the link. These two sites allow you to save time, while avoiding the "black hat" techniques that are prevalent among many automatic-linking services.

While exchanging links can be a time-consuming process, it is well worth the effort. By taking time to properly link to complementary websites, you will find that your rankings in important keywords will improve.


Scott Patterson brought his online store: http://www.mizambar.com to the top of the Google search engine by exchanging links. To find out how he did this and other techniques with NO computer experience, check out his site: http://www.buildingastore.com

Rafferty Rose Fine Jewelry

Rose Hayes

We bring the very best jewelry, watches, miscellaneous items, and antiques (or as I'd prefer to call them heirlooms and collectibles) to all price ranges and to all age groups. We have decided to fill a niche group by offering a variety of price ranges to fit everyone's needs and desires. Some of our items are our of the ordinary, ornate and estate items. Truly amazing!

We started in November, 2001, on a wing and a prayer in the hopes that our business would make it. With the help of my daughter, Shana, she helped me with road shows, and people came liked our items, we we decided to give it our very best shot on the web.

Sex, Chocolate and Jewelry
Sam Serio

Forget about the 1960's Flower Power credo: "Sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll." Toss out your DVD of the steamy 1989 erotic thriller "Sex, Lies, and Videotape." In the health-conscious, food-obsessed, "bling"-oriented 21st Century, we seem to have stopped hurtling forward and started to move backwards Everything old is new again and we're returning to a kinder, gentler era when gentlemen and ladies enjoyed sex, chocolate, and jewelry as the language of love.
Our Love Affair with Chocolate
3,000 years ago, Indians of Central America poured molten chocolate from one pot to another to create bitter drink with a froth on top, the part they liked best. Spanish conquistadores and missionaries took the beverage back to Europe, where it became fashionable with the aristocracy, who added sugar to it. Today, three centuries later, hot chocolate remains a favorite drink shared by friends, family-and lovers.
For a "pulse" on 21st Century chocolate, there's no better place to go than the annual Fancy Foods Show. This year, the chocolate beverage of choice was a hot chocolate reminiscent of the "nectar of the gods" preferred by the Mayans and Aztecs. The steamy treat is made with a high-cocoa-content dark chocolate and (in response to the low-carb craze, no doubt) less sugar.
How does this cocoa fit in with romance? Chocolate bars are replacing coffee bars and liquor bars as the meeting place of choice for singles with a taste for love-and sweets. In New York City, the popular midtown hotspot "The Chocolate Bar" serves hot chocolate drinks including Classic Hot Chocolate, Spicy Hot Chocolate, and White Chocolate Caramel and iced chocolate beverages including Chocolate Shakers (served over ice, with espresso and whipped cream)
Our Love Affair with Sex
When it comes to sex, every forty years seems to signal the arrival of a new wave of permissiveness and freedom. In the 20's, the world embraced "The Flapper Era"-and one another-with abandon. Tough times in the 30's and 40's put an end to the jazz babies, and gave birth to the tough, no-nonsense, almost asexual Rosie the Riveters who didn't have time for pleasures of the flesh. (And a good thing, too, since men were at war.)
As the 40's drew to a close, the "boys" came home to a booming post-war economy and produced a boom of their own -- the Baby Boom. And when those baby boomers hit their stride in the 1960's-the sexual revolution was born. Free love (and a fair number of sexually transmitted diseases!) were the order of the day.
Power and influence became "sexy" in the 80's and 90's. It was a button-down time reminiscent of the 50's, with preppie boys and girls emulating the dress, manner, and courtship rituals of their grandparents. That conservatism continues today, but the drumbeats of a new age can be heard in the lifestyle of Generation "Next."
Our Love Affair with Jewelry
Throughout time, both men and women have worn jewelry for power and for protection from ghosts, deities, snakes, and even bill collectors! Our ancestors wore jewelry for good reason. Personal adornment and the use of bright, shiny items to attract a mate is as old as time. Jewelry is our way of showing off, spreading our "peacock feathers" to make a hit with the opposite sex.
Put on jewelry and you're putting on protection. (Not that kind!) What we call jewelry is really the evolution of personal adornment that has its roots in power-bestowing charms and talismans. Today, fashion forward jewelry wearers covet "conventional jewelry," but with a unique touch. Many of the unique pieces people wear today are rooted in cultural and ethnic traditions, interpreted in a decidedly 21st Century way. The goal is for jewelry to express a link between the present and the past.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Look Fashionable At The Beach!

Sher Matsen

It's that time of year when we pack up our bags and head to the beach for the day to enjoy those warm sunrays and the refreshing sound of the lapping water.

So what constitutes a good beach wardrobe. Well there are certain essentials that none of us forget. On goes the swimsuit and bathing suit cover, flip flops on our feet. Beach bag has been packed with the essentials - sunglasses, floppy hat, towel and a good book. Great - got the basics covered but what about the rest.

So if we are so prepared for a day at the beach, why is it by the time we get home we look pretty worn. Here are some helpful tips to make your day at the beach fun and keep you looking fashion fresh all day and all the way home.

First before you leave home, if you've got long hair pull it into a high pony tail or fun knot. Use some funky hair accessories that will stay in place when you're swimming. Try a fun colored bobble or some firm fastening clips in bright summer colors. If you pull your hair up your neck will stay cool and you'll look fresh all day with your neat hairdo.

Second slather yourself in sunscreen before leaving the house, then toss the sunscreen in your bag so you can reapply after a swim or every few hours. A sunburn is not only unhealthy and painful, it's unattractive, so don't let yourself turn into the lobster of the day. Your sunscreen should be a SPF of 15. It doesn't hurt to use a strong SPF on your face or your entire body if you burn easily.

Your beach bag should be large enough to hold your supplies for the day. Why not get something fun and fashionable to keep you looking fashion fresh. Make sure you've got all the daily essentials in your bag - sunglasses, sunscreen, a good book, a floppy hat, some lip gloss, and any other makeup touch ups you'll want. If you plan to wear eye makeup make sure it's waterproof. Stay away from heavy foundations. If you must apply something use a bronzer moisturizer. It's also a good idea to bring lip balm with an SPF15 to protect your lips. It never hurts to put some moisturizer in the bag. Include a snack and plenty of fluids. It's important not to get dehydrated.

Okay great we've got the basics covered now what about the wardrobe basics? If you're planning to wear a swimsuit it's usually easiest to put it on at home, that way you're not chasing down change rooms. So great - first on goes the swimsuit. Now what to wear for a cover? Well you've got plenty of choices. A tank top and shorts, tank and skort, or a nice light cotton dress all work well over top. Choose something that's easy to put on and take off, and choose fabrics that breathe to keep you cool. I also suggest including a long sleeved cotton blouse just incase you start to burn you can protect your shoulders and arms.

If you're planning on heading out later in the day without returning home you might want to toss a pair of jeans or long skirt into your bag. If your outing is going to extend into the evening you'll want to include a sweater for the cooler evening air. If you're worried about your evening wear getting sandy or wet at the beach, then place them in a separate bag and leave them in the trunk of your car. That way you are guaranteed they'll remain fresh.

My favorite beach look is this. And what's perfect is it keeps me looking fashion fresh throughout the day and takes me right into the evening. First I like a swimsuit that's got lots of support and is bright and cheerful. I throw a fitted tank on top and throw on a loose flouncy long skirt. The long skirt serves me through the evening and also works great to cover up if I'm starting to burn. I choose a lightweight material in a darker color with a pattern that accents the colors in my swimsuit. Flip flops are my footwear. Depending on where I'm heading after the beach I choose either a basic pair or one of my funky pair with rhinestones or crystals. Easy to walk in, feet breath, and terrific for an evening out. I keep a fitted light weight sweater in my car, and take a long sleeved cotton blouse down to the beach. I usually choose a long sleeved and long length blouse because it's versatile. I can knot it to create a short blouse, wear it long as a beach cover, and put it on if I start to burn on my upper body. I usually choose white or a soft pastel depending on my other colors. I like white because it's cool to wear and refreshing to look at. Every year I buy a fun new beach tote that's big enough for the beach but not too big as to take it with me for an evening out. I like a fun bag that's full of character.

Since I always feel naked without my jewelry I wear fashion jewelry to the beach. That way should I loose something I won't be out a lot of money and I won't feel so bad. I like to keep the earrings simple and elegant. I may or may not wear a necklace. Often I'll toss a funky wood necklace in the bag to add to the evening outfit. I like to wear a couple of fashion rings just to add the finishing touches. Now if you're fussy about tan lines you'll probably want to forgo the rings. I toss my watch in the bottom of my bag so I can put it on later.

That's it - simple is the key. Keep your beach wardrobe choices simple but fashionable. Think ahead so you can go from beach to an evening out without hassle. Remember to always make your fashion statement!


© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.


Carnave Latin America Pageant at the Venetian in Las Vegas
Rob LaGrone

Carnave Latin America Pageant at the Venetian in Las Vegas

Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
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Las Vegas always has a party going on, but not many are so big that they require multiple locations. CarnaV� 2003 is the new kid on the block, but the event will fit perfectly here: it's a wild, festive celebration that rolls from one hot spot to another in our city that never sleeps. Don't you just hate this town? (Me neither.)

CarnaV�, the brainchild of event marketer Gene Dibble, is an international celebration of Latin music and culture. The "V�" stands for Las Vegas, the chosen venue, and "Carna" recalls the well-known Carnaval of Rio de Janeiro. Dibble professes the ambitious goal of making this event as popular as Carnaval. Oh, and one more thing: "Each year we will come back and create one of the biggest parties Las Vegas has ever seen." It's a tall order, but given what I know of Latin American culture, it's just possible.

What's a Las Vegas party without beautiful, poised women dressed to thrill?

Other events at CarnaV� 2003 included: Noches de CarnaV�, CarnaV� Revent�n, Moda de CarnaV�, Oasis de CarnaV� and the Miss Mesoamerica International Beauty Pageant where over twenty of the most beautiful women from Latin America competed for the coveted crown.

The Miss Mesoamerica pageant was founded by Francisco Cortez in 1992 as a celebration of Mayan (Central American) culture and beauty, but it quickly grew into a broader international pageant. Now presented in Las Vegas as part of CarnaV�, it includes contestants from all over Latin America. Judging by this year's competitors, I'd say there's a plenty of beauty to go around.

The party began Wednesday, September 10 with "Cine de CarnaV�" and a screening of the award-winning bilingual film "Blue Diner" from Puerto Rico. The film event took place at the Palms Hotel Casino and was followed by a reception (which, in Las Vegas, means "party") and Q&A with executives from the film and the industry. "Noches de CarnaV�" continued the festivities Thursday and Friday with two dance parties at the upscale nightclubs Curve (inside the Aladdin Resort Casino) and Venus (in the Venetian). Also on Friday was a special publicity event in the Venetian: Actor Mario Lopez and musician Tito Puente, Jr. presented a check for $25,000 to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund on behalf of CarnaV�, and the pageant contestants dazzled the crowd with their bright smiles and red evening gowns. The event wasn't given a name, but I would suggest "Ogle de CarnaV�."

You can't have a summer event in Las Vegas without a weekend pool party. After Saturday's "Moda de CarnaV�," in which the pageant contestants modeled fashions and jewelry from Venezuelan designers at - where else - Fashion Show Mall, everyone repaired to the Hilton's newly updated pool area for "Oasis de CarnaV�," featuring The Girls From Ipanema and other live music performers. The highlight of the evening was the oh-so-unpopular swimsuit and "best body" portions of the pageant. I had made plans out of town that day and am now seeing a good psychiatrist. Miss Venezuela's victory that evening propelled her to ultimate triumph in Sunday's main pageant extravaganza in the Venetian's C2K Showroom, where she was crowned Miss Mesoamerica 2003. (She won best swimsuit and Best Personality awards also.) Another party followed (as if you had to ask), at the Prana Restaurant to close the festival for this year.

CarnaV� coincided with the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month here in the States (September 15 through October 15). In Latin America, of course, every month is Hispanic Heritage Month, and the festive mood of this brief celebration can be found in everyday life there. Tempted to move south? Don't worry - with Las Vegas its new permanent home, CarnaV� will bring the fun back to us again next year.

And the winner is . . . everyone, of course. Salud!

"THE BLUE DINER" AT CARNAV� 2003 LAS VEGAS

Latino Public Broadcasting Executive Director Luca Bentivoglio screened THE BLUE DINER during the inaugural edition of CarnaV� during Cine de CarnaV�, at the Brenden Theatres 14 at the Palms Casino Resort followed by a Q&A and a reception that included Producing/directing/writing team Natatcha Estebanez and Jan Egleson and co-star Jos� Yenque. The reception was held at the Ghost Bar at the Palms Casino Resort.

The feature film was presented on PBS by WGBH Boston scheduled for broadcast nation wide on PBS stations mid-September. Funding was provided by Latino Public Broadcasting, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and public television viewers. Proceeds of the screening will benefit KLVX-PBS, Las Vegas.

One of the few fully bilingual American independent films, THE BLUE DINER, tells the story of how a Puerto Rican mother and daughter confront a lost father, lost language, and lost love. Misunderstood and equally stubborn, these women clash powerfully and comically until they realize how much they need each other. The film stars Miriam Col�n (All the Pretty Horses, Lonestar) and Lisa Vidal (NBC's Third Watch, I Like It Like That, Lifetime's The Division) with Jos� Yenque (Traffic, The Price of Glory) and William Marquez (Zorro, Forces of Nature).

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/fests/carnave/carnae.html

Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com



Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com Leave Your email next to the logo for FREE e travel newsletter.

Winter Looks on a Budget

Kathryn Finney

Here are some quick and easy winter looks on a budget.

There are several new looks you can pull off for a fraction of the usual cost. Knee-high shearling boots are very hot right now, but you can get a pair of shearling-like boots from stores like Aldo , Bakers, and even Nordstrom for well under $70. These boots look great with a pair of jeans tucked inside.

Ponchos are definitely not "in" anymore, but what is "in" is to take a wide/long pashmina-like scarf in a great color like green or pink (you can get these at pretty much any store), and draping it around your shoulders, much as you would wear a poncho. Fasten the two ends together at the shoulder with brooches. Brooches continue to rock, and stores like Express and Claire's Boutique have a wonderful assortment. Remember: The gaudier the brooch, the better! Wear three or so at the same time.

Another hot look, straight from the runways, is to wear black or camel from head to toe, with turquoise jewelry accents. So throw on a pair of black fitted pants, a nice long-sleeve black top, and turquoise jewelry. It is a good time to buy some turquoise, or turquoise-like, jewelry - because it will be VERY HOT this spring and summer.

Use these three simple winter looks to add excitement and color to your winter wardrobe.


Kathryn Finney is the Chief Shopping Officer and Founder of Kate Magazine and The Budget Fashionista

The Truth About Gold Jewelry
Sam Serio

Without a doubt, Gold is one of the world's most precious metals. It is also a certainty that gold enjoys an unsurpassed popularity as a medium for jewelry expression. Both jewelry artisans and consumers alike are "in love" with gold. There seems to be no end to the range of colors, finishes and styles available and gold remains a perennial favorite setting for gemstones.
Gold can last forever, will not corrode or rust and can be found anywhere. Gold exists in plants, rivers, oceans, mountains, it's nearly everywhere but it is extremely difficult and costly to extract this amazing metal. Did you know that a single ounce of gold can be pulled into a thin wire that stretches nearly five miles long? An artisans hammer can work that same ounce into a very thin sheet that can cover a 10ft x 10ft(100sq. ft.) area. Also, it takes nearly 3 tons of gold or to extract a single ounce of pure gold. Well if you didn't now you know!
Gold Basics
The word Gold, used by itself, means all gold or 24 karat (24K) gold. Because 24K gold is soft, it's usually mixed with other metals to increase its hardness and durability. If a piece of jewelry is not 24 karat gold, the karat quality should accompany any claim that the item is gold.
The karat quality marking tells you what proportion of gold is mixed with the other metals. Fourteen karat (14K) jewelry contains 14 parts of gold, mixed in throughout with 10 parts of base metal. The higher the karat rating, the higher the proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry.
Most jewelry is marked with its karat quality, although marking is not required by law. Near the karat quality mark, you should see the name of the U.S. registered trademark of the company that will stand behind the mark. The trademark may be in the form of a name, symbol or initials. If you don't see a trademark accompanying a quality mark on a piece of jewelry, look for another piece.
Solid gold refers to an item made of any karat gold, if the inside of the item is not hollow. The proportion of gold in the piece of jewelry still is determined by the karat mark.
Jewelry can be plated with gold in a variety of ways. Gold plate refers to items that are either mechanically plated, electroplated, or plated by any other means with gold to a base metal. Eventually, gold plating wears away, but how soon will depend on how often the item is worn and how thick the plating is.
Gold-filled, gold overlay and rolled gold plate are terms used to describe jewelry that has a layer of at least 10 karat gold mechanically bonded to a base metal. If the jewelry is marked with one of these terms, the term or abbreviation should follow the karat quality of the gold used (for example, 14K Gold Overlay or 12K RGP). If the layer of karat gold is less than 1/20th of the total weight of the item, any marking must state the actual percentage of karat gold, such as 1/40 14K Gold Overlay.
Gold electroplate describes jewelry that has a layer (at least .175 microns thick) of a minimum of 10 karat gold deposited on a base metal by an electrolytic process. The terms gold flashed or gold washed describe products that have an extremely thin electroplating of gold (less than .175 microns thick). This will wear away more quickly than gold plate, gold-filled or gold electroplate.
Vermeil (ver-may), a special type of gold plated product, consists of a base of sterling silver that is coated or plated with gold.


For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of "How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off." This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Reciprocal Links - Are They Still Effective?

John Calder

© 2004, John Calder
http://www.TheEzine.net

Recently there has been talk that Google has discounted reciprocal linking as a factor in their ranking algorithm. For webmasters who don't know, reciprocal links are just traded links - web site A links to site B, and site B in exchange links to site A. Often the term "linking partner" is used instead of reciprocal link. In the past, it seems that reciprocal links have played an important role in how a site is ranked in search results. It was an indicator from the webmaster that the other site was of value to their visitors.

Once marketers caught on to this, various software was developed that would help automate the process. As webmasters started freely swapping links with every other webmaster, this diluted the value of having reciprocal links in place. Google caught on to this, and apparently has now downgraded or completely removed this type of linking as a ranking factor.

Should marketers continue to pursue reciprocal links? Are they worthwhile? It probably depends on

1) why you want the links, and
2) which sites you want to trade links with.

Although reciprocal links may not be as useful for search engine optimization anymore, they can still bring you traffic. After all, your link is on other sites that also receive traffic, and it's only reasonable that you'll get some percentage of that. There's no cost, other than possibly some software to automate the linking process, so it probably doesn't hurt anything as long as you don't overdo it.

Also, rather than trading links with anyone and everyone who will do so, consider limiting your reciprocal linking only to sites that are on-topic, or related, to yours. For example, if you run a bicycle site, it's reasonable enough to trade links with other bicycle sites, travel sites featuring cycling vacations, skateboarding and inline-skating sites, and so on. It probably wouldn't make sense to link to a jewelry site though.

The best advice is to keep your reciprocal links on-topic, exercise some restraint, and make sure they provide value to most of your visitors.

John Calder is the owner/editor of The Ezine Dot Net. Subscribe Today and get real information YOU can use to help build your online business today! http://www.TheEzine.Net

The Ezine DOT Net RSS feeds are available.

(You may reprint this article in full in your newsletter and/or web site)

Spiritual Meanings of Gemstones and Native American folklore
Tarl Michael

Through out human history every thing imaginable on earth and in the skys has been associated with a spiritual meaning and that includes gemstones.

At Bearlanders Trading Co. we ship our merchandise with a spiritual meaning card. Including our dream catchers and kachina dolls. Here is a list of those spiritual meanings, passed on to us by Native American Indians who craft our jewelry and gifts.

Amber (golden transparent color):This beautiful golden-color stone was once thought to be pieces of the Sun which had fallen to Earth. Amber is actually fossilized resin from extinct pine trees, many pieces of Amber have insects or plants encased. It is thought to relieve sore throats and minor infections.

Amethyst (purple color): Conducts peaceful energy, aids intuition, encourages freedom from addictions.

Aventurine (green in color): Releases anxiety and fear, boosts tranquility, promotes decisiveness and leadership skills.

Charoite (purple in color): Comes from a river in Siberia, Russia. It is thought to promote courage and healing. And release us from our fears!

Coral (red color): Is said to aid in the circulation of the body and to enrich the blood.

Hematite (metallic dark grey color): Energizes and revitalizes you. It attunes the mind and positively effects the bloodstream.

Howlite (White with Gray Marbling): Howlite is thought to aid in breathing.

Jasper (brownish-red color): Nurturing, protects against negativity; promotes healing to kidneys, liver, spleen and bladder.

Lapis (dark blue to purple color): Lapis is thought to bring the gift of strength, self-assurance and increase sensitivity to your higher power. Denim Lapis is light blue color with darker blue speckling.

Malachite (dark green color): Clarifies emotions, facilitates insights. It removes obstruction, represents fidelity and loyalty.

Opal (milky white with spectral colors): Known as "The Gem of the Gods," Opal has always had a mystical significance. Opal is thought to aid in psychic vision and to have the power to open the spiritual centers. Opal is also believed to heighten weak emotions and to strengthen the memory.

Onyx (black color): It is said to drive away unwanted thoughts and bad temper. In folklore, Onyx is considered a stabilizing stone, especially during times of extreme stress because it prevented loss of energy from the body.

Snowflake Obsidian (black with white marbling): Obsidian is Volcanic glass (but is not sharp) and is thought to bring out the truth. It helps calm fear and maintain balance in time of change.

Sodalite (bark blue with white marbling): Is thought to stimulate courage, alleviating fears and calming anguish. It is thought to promote understanding and balance for spiritual growth.

Sugilite (Sugilite is deep purple in color): Is associated with spirituality and mysticism. Sugilite is thought to increase psychic abilities and increase insight.

Tigereye (golden color): Tigereye is thought to balance negative and positive energy, bringing clarity and enhance psychic ability.

Turquoise (blue color): Turquoise jewelry is very popular today, it is an endless fashion through out the world. The early Egyptians mined Turquoise as far back as 5000 BC. Turquoise is one of the main stones that the Dine' (Navajo) use in their jewelry work and in religious ceremonies. It is thought to promote healing and good luck. Turquoise can be found in various colors from green to blue. Turquoise is mined in many parts of the world including Iran, Afghanistan, Australia and here in the United States it is mined Arizona and New Mexico. The Native American Indians have used turquoise for jewelry as far back as the 1600's, but the introduction of silver came from the Spanish. And the combination of silver and turquoise is said to have been taught by a mexican silversmith in the 1800,s.

Wild Horse (white with black ): Wild Horse is mined in Nevada and is sometimes called White Turquoise or White Buffalo, but it is 75% Magnasite and 25% Hematite. One of the most popular stones in the Southwestern today is the Beautiful Black and White Wild Horse. This stone is thought to energize and revitalize you, it also represents beauty, strength and determination.

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Totem :

The animal spirits whose qualities we most associate with or those animal spirits which most associate with us. These are qualities that we feel most connected to or qualities that are connected with us. It is a simple belief, that we are all connected, humans, animals and mother earth.

Our animal spirits (totems) can guide us through all or certain parts of our lives. An easy way to learn your totem is to find a quiet place and concentrate or meditate. Don't try too hard or your totems will elude you. It is possible to have several totems and these totems can change as we change throughout life.

Every animal on earth is sacred, revered or has spiritual meaning in one culture or another. Just as the Eagle symbolizes unity, strength and freedom for the United States. Below we list the symbolic meaning of animals in many Native American Indian traditions.

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Badger :Cures the sick, prays for the growth of healing herbs to be given to him.

Buffalo :Is thought to be a great spiritual protector, bringing nurishment to the body and soul. When a white or albino Buffalo is born, it is thought to bring peace among nations.

Bear :Symbolizes strength and power. The Bear is considered to be one of the most powerful and sacred of all animals. Because the Bear hibernates, it is considered to bring the gift of renewal. The Bear Kachina is thought to have great power to cure the sick.

Crow (kachina doll) :Is beneficial to agriculture because of his destruction of rodents.

Eagle :The Eagle represents strength and power, is the ruler of the sky & the messenger to the heavens.

Lizard (kachina doll):Is thought to bring sweethearts together.

Owl (kachina doll):Symbolizes intelligence and Wisdom, it is very benificial to agriculture because of his destruction of rodents.

Wolf :Represents the Hunter, he uses his knowledge to find and capture game animals.

Chasing Star (kachina doll) :Chasing Star symbolizes the planets and the stars.

Morning Singer (kachina doll) :Appears on roof tops and sings songs to wake the village.

Sunface (kachina doll) :Represents warmth, shelter for the old, a bright future, and playfulness for the young.

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The Arrowhead :Arrowhead is thought to represent the hunter and also symbolizes the adventurer in each of us.

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The above is for entertainment purposes only! These meanings are considered folklore or myth. Bearlanders Trading Co. does not make any such claims to the above statements. Thank You !

www.BearlandersTradingCo.com is the leader in affordable Native American jewelry. Bearlanders is currently offering every item at reduced prices and through the month of July take advantage of additional 30% saving by using the coupon code jly5x.

Tarl Michael owner of Bearlanders Trading co., On-line store http://www.BearlandersTradingCo.com, has been purchasing American Indian jewelry for retail sales over the past 6 years.
Any business venture can prove to be difficult but not impossible. Just like: "Landing a Bear!" Bearlanders is inspired by the traditions of the American Indian including their crafting skills passed down from generation to generation.

Attract Media Coverage Without Spending Advertising $$

June Campbell

Advertising is expensive. PR is often low cost or free.
Try these ten tips for attracting free PR to your business. But here is a word of caution. When sending press releases to the media, remember that less is more. The journalist who encounters a press release from your company every week learn to ignore anything with your name on it.

1. Capitalize on an Anniversary
Is your business having a significant anniversary? Tenth year in business? Ten thousandth customer served? Five thousand books sold? Arrange some sort of celebration, draft a press release and contact your local media. You can never tell. You must might coverage from the local newspaper, radio or television station.

2. Donate Something
Does your networking group have draws for door prizes? Offer to donate the prize, then give something that's heavily branded with your businesses name and contact information. Similarly, find out if local charities are engaged in fund raising opportunities. Offer one of your products or services as a prize or to be auctioned.

3. Host a Special Event
Have a Singles Night, a Kid's Night, or a Senior Citizen's Night. Send a press release to your local media. A supermarket did a smashing business following a well publicized Singles Night complete with dancing in the aisles, games and contests.

4. Sponsor Something
Provide sponsorship at a trade show, a convention, a sporting event, or an arts festival. Sponsor a local kid to attend an event in another city. Sponsor a kid's sports team. Offer a scholarship to help a young person attend university. Remember to send the press release.

5. Decorate Creatively
Put up a stunning decoration or window display for the Holidays, or for spring, or fall, or in recognition of some particular event in your city. Then invite the media to take a look. The key is to have something unique or original that'll warrant pictures and video taping.

6. Write Articles
If you're in business, you're an expert on some topic. Write articles on your area of expertise. Submit them to local or national media, magazines, web sites, trade journals or other pertinent publications. Your article should not be a promotion of your business, but should inform readers about a topic of interest. Accountants might write articles on tax tips, for example, or florists could write about plant care.

7. Let Them Know You're an Expert
When newsworthy stories become available, media often look for a local expert for quotes and comments. Contact your local or national media, and let them know you are available to comment on topics within your area of expertise. Suppose your expertise is ecommerce, for example. Next time your local paper has an ecommerce-related story, they just might contact you for a comment. You (and your business) will get some excellent and cost-free publicity.

8. Get T-shirts and Go Public
Decorate t-shirts with your company's logo. Sign up your staff to participate in charity walks and other community events. Ensure that everyone wears the t-shirts.

9. Donate Something to a Local Charity
Donate books, used computers, products or services to a school or charity. In one community, local businesses attracted enormous publicity by organizing an event in which they outfitted adolescent youth from low-income families for the spring prom. Participating clothing shops, beauticians, florists, even taxi companies got in on the act and attracted enormous publicity while doing good works.

10. Publicize a New Product, Service or Research Finding
Have something new to offer? If it's at all unique in your area, write your press release and send it to media and trade journals. Even if you get mentioned in the gossip column of a trade journal, it's still good publicity!

11. Offer Something Unique
Local shops in one community worked together to hold a Men's Night and shortly before the Holidays. Males received assistance in purchasing lingerie, perfumes, jewelry and accessories for the woman in their lives. It was a new concept in the area and a big success. The media loved it.

================================================
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No-cost ebook "Beginners Guide to Ecommerce".
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June Campbell is a self-employed writer. Her work has appeared internationally in print and electronic publications.

Clean Slates And Fresh Starts
Brian Channell

If it is hard to find certain articles of clothing in your bedroom closet each morning, you probably need to work on your closet organization. There are a lot of tools and items that will make this task easier, whether it is a major overhaul or just a simple closet organization project.

For clothes that you don't wear very often, consider purchasing a wicker 5-drawer storage tower from Target. The tower is designed to easily fit into your closet and is an easy place to store off-season clothes, socks, and undergarments. This type of closet organization is helpful because it clears up some of your rod space, allowing you easier access to the clothing that you wear on a regular basis. Target also offers a shorter chest version of the same model and is available in a 3-drawer, 4-drawer, 5-drawer, or 6-drawer design. This form of closet organization is useful because of its less exaggerated height, allowing you to store even more items on top of the unit.

There are closet organization solutions available for bulky or special garments as well. The Space Bag is a revolutionary vacuum-sealed storage system that reduces volume and increases protection. At ContainerStore.com you can purchase hanging space bags? that improve your storage space by up to 75%. These bags are vacuum-sealed and are ideal for wedding dresses, occasional-use cocktail dresses, blankets, out-of-season suits, and sweaters. If you are running out of space on your closet rod, these bags are the perfect solution to your closet organization problem. Vacuum-sealed bags are easy to use and are guaranteed to keep your items dry and out of harm's way.

Another way to improve your closet rod space is to purchase multi-tier hangers. These types of hangers allow you to store multiple items of clothing on the same hanger and are available at ContainerStore.com. The Container Store offers multi-tier hangers for skirts, slacks, and shirts. Having enough space for all of your clothing items is a key element in closet organization, and these multi-tier hangers are perfect for smaller closets or for people that have a lot of clothing items.

Another idea is to double your hanging space with a closet rod doubler, also available at The Container Store. If your closet organization project isn't going as smoothly as you had hoped, this handy item is bound to give new life to your closet. The closet rod doubler adds an additional rod below your existing closet rod, giving your closet instant space with minimal effort.

tie rackWe can't talk about closet organization without mentioning how to organize things like ties, stockings, hats, and jewelry. A lot of people find that they have no idea how to store these items in an orderly fashion. The Container Store offers clear vinyl bags specifically for storing these types of accessories, and they are available in a few different sizes. These bags hang on your closet rod and clear up your existing clutter. An important factor in closet organization is being able to see where your items are located, which is why clear storage bags are the perfect solution.

Brian Channell is an entrepreneur and manages several businesses. Please visit http://www.closetorganizertips.com/ for more home organization tips and ideas.

Manicure at Home

Kenia Morales

Required items to perform manicure:

*Bowl with warm soapy water

*scrub lotion

*petroleum jelly or any other moisturizing lotion

*cuticle pusher

*Favorite nail polish and clear polish

*Nail polish remover (if your nails have color)

*clean white towel

Steps to a manicure:

Before starting make sure you remove your nail polish and have all the required items mentioned above. Also remove any jewelry on fingers.

First trim or shape nails.
soak both hands in warm soapy water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Push cuticles back gently with towel or cuticle pusher " stick".

Rub hands with a homemade scrub or any other scrub lotion to exfoliate skin.

Apply petroleum jelly or any other moisturizing lotion on hands. Cover with gloves and leave on for about 5 minutes.

Paint nails. Make sure to apply at least to coats of nail polish and a top coat of clear nail polish to give it more shine. Give it enough time to dry.

Try giving yourself a manicure at least once a week to for great looking hands.

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics".

The Only 5 Things You Can Sell
Palyn Peterson

This article is free to publish with resource box
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'The Only 5 Things You Can Sell'
by Palyn Peterson

So, you want to start an internet store do you? What is it
are you going to sell? This really is the first thing to
tackle, because without any products your store will fail,
guaranteed. All jokes aside, let me share some insight on
broad this topic.

First, do you have anything to offer that you can make?
Crafts, exotic bird houses, jewelry, doll houses? Most people
will answer "No" to this one, but that is ok! Lots of
options are still available. In fact, most online stores do
not create their own products.

Affiliate programs are another great choice. An affiliate
program is when a company gives you commission to sell their
products. You direct customers to their website, and that is
it. You don't manage inventory, the sale or shipping. Some
companies may provide web space and site creation support,
but be careful about going that route -- they may want to
charge you setup fees and maybe a membership fee. If the
affiliate program is worth it, it will most likely be free.
Here are other points to pay attention to:

1. How much commission you will receive with each sale. 5%-
10% is on the low side. Try to stick with companies that
will pay you 20%-35%. I've even come across some affiliate
programs that pay as much as 50%.
2. Read the affiliate agreement. Some companies state you
can only sell their products on your website, and no one
else's. If this works for you, great. If not, be sure to
read the agreement and make sure this is not the case.
3. What the pay out amounts are. Know how much you need to
make before a check is cut and mailed to you.
4. Do you receive support? Many companies offer their
affiliates marketing material to help sell products. This
could include website content, pictures, banners, cut-and-
paste emails, and classified ads.

Some people pull in many thousands of dollars a month with
affiliate programs, they can work, but remember to be
careful! There are many wolves in sheep clothing just
waiting to take your setup fee and monthly payments just to
leave you without support and no sales. If affiliate
programs interest you, there are a number of good affiliate
program directories. Here are a few:

1. www.affiliatesdirectory.com
2. www.associateprograms.com
3. www.affiliatematch.com

Next, a very popular and incredibly practical choice is drop
shipping. Drop shipping is when a wholesale distributor
maintains the product inventory, you create a store selling
those products and take customer's orders at retail prices.
You then turn around and send the customer's order to the
wholesale distributor who ships the products to your
customer, often with your company name on the package.

The customer receives their products not knowing that you
are running the business with no inventory and from the
comfort of your home. And no inventory means you only spend
money when you are making money. In other words, you only
spend money buying products at wholesale when you are just
going to turn around and charge retail price to a customer.
How great is that? This is one of the most popular methods
of running a retail business on the internet, and for good
reason!

The great majority of wholesale distributors will ask you
for your TAX ID number when creating an account. Your TAX ID
number can be found on your sales tax license if you have
one, or usually your social security number will suffice if
you do not have a license. For free information on getting a
sales tax license, visit this page:
www.futureinternetmarketing.com/inetlaw/inetlaw.htm.

When searching for wholesale distributors, be careful
because there are a lot of companies out there that will
drop ship products and claim to be wholesale distributors
when they really aren't! They will take your order just to
turn around and order from the real wholesaler. This should
spell L-O-S-S to you. What's happening is that you are
buying the product at a price marked up from the actual
wholesale price, and then you'll need to mark it up even
further when selling it to your customer. There is a big
slice of the profit pie that you aren't getting!

Most distributors that offer thousands of different products
in a number of different categories are usually that type of
operation. Also, if the distributor wants to charge you a
subscription fee, that should set an alarm off in your head.
Occasionally the wholesale distributor will charge a per-
drop-ship fee, and maybe have a minimum order requirement
(either in quantity or dollar amount). A FEW (and I say
few) legit wholesale distributors will charge a setup fee
(one wholesale distributor I worked required that the first
order be $200 or more), but I have NEVER come across a legit
wholesale distributor that charges a subscription fee.

If you are having trouble deciding what products to sell,
try this: go shopping! Don't actually buy anything (if you
don't want to, at least), just look around and see what
products interest you.

Do you see a site that you think you could do better? Are
you a sports fan? Sell sports equipment or memorabilia! Do
you enjoy pool? Sell billiard supplies! Enjoy gardening, or
interior decorating? Sell products for those!

A word of advice though, the computer component market is
crammed. You will have more competition there than with most
other products.

Information products are a fabulous option as well. Not only
can they easily be created by you, they are even easier to
distribute because they can simply be emailed to your
customers.

Can you fix cars? Write a maintenance tips manual. Write an
eBook on saving money around the household. Write a manual
on how to negotiate with car dealers. Maybe you know how to
make the cue ball jump across a pool table over what would
have been an obstacle. I sure don't, and I wouldn't mind
finding out!

Basically, the question is "What do you know?" Don't
underestimate yourself either! A great way to get started
is to use the mind-map technique. This technique allows you
to jot down ideas that relate to a core idea and build a
skeleton of subjects that are all associated with each
other. After only a short time doing this, you should have
more than enough subjects to piece together a good eBook.
For more information on mind- maps, visit these resources:

1. www.peterussell.com/mindmaps/mindmap.html
2. www.shared-visions.com/explore/literature/mindmap.htm
3. www.tsd.jcu.edu.au/netshare/learn/mindmap/howto.html

If you look long enough, or are just plain lucky, you will
eventually come across someone selling the complete rights
to a product. You can buy it from them and resell it for as
much as you want, as often as you want, and retain 100% of
the profits. These deals are few and far between, and can
usually cost quite a bit. But do keep your eyes open for
them, it may be just what you are looking for.

Hopefully a number of product ideas have sparked as you were
reading this article. As you can see, there are a lot of
very good options available to you. Review all of them and
choose the best one, or ones, for your business situation.

Copyright © 2003 by Palyn Peterson
palyn@futureinternetmarketing.com

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course and discover the 16 necessary basics and 5 advanced
internet marketing techniques. You'll also receive a free
$gift$. http://FutureInternetMarketing.com/guide.htm
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course and discover the 16 necessary basics and 5 advanced
internet marketing techniques. You'll also receive a free
$gift$. http://FutureInternetMarketing.com/guide.htm

Earrings The Ultimate Fashion Statement

Sher Matsen

Earrings are an important part of every woman's wardrobe, whether we are headed for a day at the beach, to the office, or to a wedding. Your earrings give a subtle hint about your personality.
You can change the entire look and feel of your wardrobe by adding the right earrings. You can bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication, or elegance. For both men and women, today earrings are a definite fashion statement.

Earrings have been a part of human culture since 3000 BC. In past times, earrings actually established your position in society, because only royalty and very wealthy were able to afford expensive jewelry. Fine jewelry was worn by only the wealthy. The rest of the population also wore earrings to decorate their body, but they were replicas of high society jewelry.
There are many styles of earrings. There are quite literally thousands of choices. There is an earring style for every personality. Fine jewelry remains popular with precious stones such as sapphire and emeralds. Semi precious stones are also very popular. But even more popular are the costume jewelry earrings. These are affordable, look great, and are great for staying trendy and in style.

From dangles, to chandeliers, to droplets, to hoops, to studs. The choices and styles are never ending. If you don't have pierced ears, no worries! These days there is a terrific selection or clip on earrings available. You can be dazzling, subtle, glamorous, sexy. You can be highly refined, professional, high classed, or fun and funky, and trendy!
You can never have enough earrings. Your earrings can add the finishing touches your outfit. Change your earrings and you can change the entire appearance of your look. Think about that little black dress you own. Add a pair of sapphire studs and you'll be highly refined. Add a pair of large chandelier rhinestones and you'll be Hollywood glamour. Add a pair of wood dangles, and a pair of flip flops and you'll look fun and funky. Add a pair of red button earrings with a red bead necklace and you'll be "so sexy."

It's amazing what a pair of earrings can do to your look! So keep a good selection of earrings on hand to meet all your fashion needs. Earrings are the most important wardrobe accessory you can own. You'll get great value from your earrings. Choose earrings that meet your life style, your personality, and your tastes. There is no point in buying a pair of trendy earrings that you'll never wear because they don't feel like "you."

Earrings also make a great gift as they can be very personalized. Choose a style to meet their personality. From gemstones to beads, you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. The gift recipient will be thrilled that you were so thoughtful as to buy such a personal gift.
Use your earrings to make a lasting impression, from the board room to the beach. Be sure people remember who you are. It's important to always Make Your Fashion Statement!


© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.


History of Earrings
Sher Matsen

Earrings - I think of them as the finishing touch to your look. They complete your fashion statement. There are earrings for all occasions - the board room, work, casual outings, your wedding, a night on the town, or a day at the beach. They can bring out your softer feminine side, the sexy goddess, or present simple charm, sophistication and elegance
From Elizabeth Taylor to Meg Ryan to Dave Navarro to Usher - today earrings are a fashion statement for both men and women. The first pair of earrings has been dated back to 2500 BC. Only the wealth and those of royal lines could afford expensive jewelry back then.
There are all types of earrings - chandelier earrings, dangle earrings, hoop earrings, stud earrings, button earrings, and droplet earrings to name just a few. Earrings come in all types of materials and metals. Gold, silver, gemstones, plastics, bakelite, copper, diamonds, paste, pearls, faux stones, or glass. The list goes on and on. What ever your desires there is a pair of earrings out there waiting for you.
The oldest earrings ever unearthed by archaeologists were discovered in Iraq in the royal graves and date to about 2,500 BC. Back to 3000 BC there were two types of earrings: the hoop, and the more elaborate pendant. From 1559 B.C. to 1085 B in Egypt earplugs became very fashionable. These type of piercings and earrings are seen even on King Tutankhamen.
In the Dark Ages poverty prevailed and metal jewelry sharply declined although designs were preserved for later use. During the Roman Empire wealthy women used earrings to show off their rich status. By the 2nd century AD gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, and aquamarines were used regularly.
During the Byzantine period which ran from330-1200 AD earrings took a back burner to more elaborate body ornamentation. In the Middle Ages earrings become almost non-existent because of the elaborate hair styles, and headdresses which were ever so popular.
During the 16th century in Italy high collars disappeared and hair was being worn up and away from the face, so earrings began to make a comeback. In other parts of the world such as England and France it would be another 100 years or so before the high collars disappeared. As time progressed the design of earrings became much more complex. Around 1660 the girandole earring made its appearance remaining very popular for the next couple of centuries. The girandole earrings were extremely large and heavy because of the metal content [gold or silver] and the amount of gems. Made of 3 pear shaped drops on a hook. The weight was known to cause elongated ear lobes.
In the latter part of the 18th century the pendeloque earrings became popular. They were longer than the girandole earrings but much lighter. They were the balance for the high hairdos and big wigs that were being worn.
During the early 1800, jewelers began to mount gemstones, on an open back claw setting. This allowed the light to pass through the gems enhancing their color and brilliance. By the 1850s, earrings had once again disappeared from the fashion scene. This was once again a result of changing hairstyles. The new styles that involved wearing the hair gathered in a knot at the back resulted in the ears being totally hidden. As well bonnets had arrived on the scene which also made wearing earrings rather difficult.
During the early 20th century screw backs were invented which meant women no longer had to pierce their ears. These became very popular. Some circles even began to believe piercing ones ears was rather barbaric.
After WWI shorter hairdos became very popular. Earrings were perfect for filling the space from short hair to shoulder and once again became a popular fashion statement.
During the 1920s art deco styles took hold, recognized by their straight or angled designs. Very long chandelier earrings were also quite popular during this time.
During the 1930s the clip on was invented. Because clip ons held the earring more snuggly than screw backs they became the number one choice for many years to come. Pierced ears faded into the background.
During the 1950s earrings were light and aerodynamic. By the 1960s earrings had become fun and innovative. Texture and color was very important. Prior to the 1960s earrings were dedicated to either evening wear or day wear with the evening wear earrings being more elegant. During the 1960s this all changed when the distinction between what was acceptable for evening or day faded away.
By the 1970s we had entered an "everything goes" style to earrings and pierced ears had made a comeback. Women were buying earrings in large quantities for every occasion. .
Today it's difficult to find someone who doesn't have pierced ears. Today men are as interested in earrings as women. Men often prefer studs or small hoops, they may wear one earring, two or more depending on the individual's tastes. Children now get their ears pierced often at a very young age, even sometimes as babies. Women may have anywhere from one set of holes to piercings right up the ear. The fashion of earrings has come a long way over the years and its here to stay! Whatever your style, there is certain to be a pair of earrings out there for you. Be sure to make your fashion statement!



© Copyright Sher Matsen, All Rights Reserved.

About the author:
Sher has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at Estate Jewelry International.

Reciprocal Links - Are They Still Effective?

John Calder

© 2004, John Calder
http://www.TheEzine.net

Recently there has been talk that Google has discounted reciprocal linking as a factor in their ranking algorithm. For webmasters who don't know, reciprocal links are just traded links - web site A links to site B, and site B in exchange links to site A. Often the term "linking partner" is used instead of reciprocal link. In the past, it seems that reciprocal links have played an important role in how a site is ranked in search results. It was an indicator from the webmaster that the other site was of value to their visitors.

Once marketers caught on to this, various software was developed that would help automate the process. As webmasters started freely swapping links with every other webmaster, this diluted the value of having reciprocal links in place. Google caught on to this, and apparently has now downgraded or completely removed this type of linking as a ranking factor.

Should marketers continue to pursue reciprocal links? Are they worthwhile? It probably depends on

1) why you want the links, and
2) which sites you want to trade links with.

Although reciprocal links may not be as useful for search engine optimization anymore, they can still bring you traffic. After all, your link is on other sites that also receive traffic, and it's only reasonable that you'll get some percentage of that. There's no cost, other than possibly some software to automate the linking process, so it probably doesn't hurt anything as long as you don't overdo it.

Also, rather than trading links with anyone and everyone who will do so, consider limiting your reciprocal linking only to sites that are on-topic, or related, to yours. For example, if you run a bicycle site, it's reasonable enough to trade links with other bicycle sites, travel sites featuring cycling vacations, skateboarding and inline-skating sites, and so on. It probably wouldn't make sense to link to a jewelry site though.

The best advice is to keep your reciprocal links on-topic, exercise some restraint, and make sure they provide value to most of your visitors.

John Calder is the owner/editor of The Ezine Dot Net. Subscribe Today and get real information YOU can use to help build your online business today! http://www.TheEzine.Net

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Just about every woman's weight fluctuates at least a little bit. As we age our bodies can also change shape. These changes are a result of many things - child birth, stress, menopause, additional pounds, or loss of weight. The reality is, that the world can't have a all size 5 women.

If we are a size 3, it seems we want to be a size 9 so we have a fuller looking figure. If we are a size 9 we want to be a size 5. There's just no making women happy. Add the media blitz on the perfect body, it seems we are always feeling inadequate.

Not to worry, it's quite easy to make yourself look a few pounds lighter, or to accent your finer points and hide your not so perfect body parts. There are also things you can do to make a small frame look a little larger.

Just because you've gained a couple of extra pounds, you don't have to go looking for a moo moo to wear. Accentuating your finer points is easier than you think. When you accent your good points, the not so good ones fade into the background.

Use illusion to make yourself look two or three sizes smaller. Choosing clothing to suit your shape, skin color, and lifestyle can cut your wardrobe spending in half. Think about all the things you can do with that extra money - buy more jewelry, or how about some new pairs of shoes. After all us women can never have enough of jewelry or shoes.

The average woman wears 25% of her wardrobe 85% of the time. So what happens to the rest of those wardrobe items. Well they hang in the closet gathering dust until they come back in fashion 10 or 15 years from now.

Because fashion changes so quickly, there is no point in stocking up on most wardrobe items. Yes, there are the basics that never go out of style such as classic black or white pants, dresses, and skirts. Traditional blazers and tops. But the rest of those wardrobe items will most likely be out of style in less than a year.

So if you're not going to wear it "right now" this "season, leave it at the store. Even when an items on sale, it's only a deal if your actually going to wear it.

Here's some tips to help you dress to look thinner:

Dark colors - black, navy, burgundy, dark blue, and gray are thinning
Use one color in various shades from head to toe
Avoid large patterns and horizontal stripes. Vertical stripes are okay as long as they aren't too big.
Don't use loose fitting clothing. Contrary to popular belief they don't make you look thinner. As well avoid bulky sweaters.
Use belts, accessories, and jewelry to draw attention away from your troubled spots.
Use flat cut pants and skirts, as well as low rise pants
Wear skirts that fall just below the knees for longer looking legs
Avoid shiny fabrics, velvets, and velours
If you are large busted wear a full figure, well fitting bra
Heel will add height and shape your legs
Dark panty hose will thin your legs
Wear shirts that's fall below the waist. Avoid shirts that tuck in.
Asymmetrical or tiered skirts will make your legs appear thinner and longer
Wear a fitted blazer
Use your hair and makeup to draw attention to your face

So don't worry if your weight fluctuates or you put on a few extra pounds, don't fret. Use these tips to make yourself look a little slimmer. Remember fashion is all about you! And being comfortable with who you are! Big or small your wardrobe, makeup, hair, and jewelry can make a fashion statement that won't go unnoticed.