Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Years Traditions & Resolutions

New Year's Day Holiday Traditions In The US
 
Although New Years Day is celebrated across the world, holiday traditions in the US are unique. This day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1752, designating January 1 as New Year's Day.  There are a variety of customs and holiday traditions followed across the US and people enjoy the federal holiday in full swing. The New Year is an indication of new things and fresh hope and good luck.
 
Holiday Traditions On The Eve Of The New Year
 
On December 31, people in the US start their New Year celebrations. In most places, as per this holiday tradition, there are masquerade balls and costume parties where people dress up in interesting costumes and wear masks. At the stroke of midnight, they take off their masks and reveal who they are!
 
Of course, there are those who watch TV to celebrate the holiday. There is a live telecast of the Times Square in New York City. Just before midnight a lighted ball slowly makes its way from the top of a pole to the bottom on a building, with people keeping count of the time and the moment the ball touches the bottom the New Year sign goes on in a blaze of light. It is the cue for people to wish each other a happy New Year.
 
On New Year's Day
 
Once the New Year's Day dawns, people visit their families, friends and neighbors to share the first day of the year. They enjoy sumptuous food and drink as they wish each other. Most families follow the New Year's Day holiday tradition of watching the Tournament of Roses parade on TV. After this parade, they watch the Rose Bowl football game being played in Pasadena in California.
 
Way back in 1887 when the first ever parade was held, they used to have a row of horse drawn carriages decorated festively. This used to be followed by sports events and later, towards the end of the day, there was a ball in which the winners were announced. As time went by, the holiday tradition on this day involved colleges participating and competing in football games.
 
Today, as per holiday tradition, the parade is as much as five miles long and there are thousands of people who take part in it, with the bands and on the floats. There are intricate flower arrangements done with pride and prominent City officers take part in the parade.
 
In other parts of the US, they have their own specific holiday tradition. In Florida, it is the Orange Bowl game and in Texas it is the Cotton Bowl. In Louisiana it is the Sugar Bowl. But wherever everyone is, they follow the universal holiday tradition of writing down New Year resolutions that they promise to keep! 
 
The bad news is that most people do not keep their New Year resolutions. The good news for you is that thanks to Mentors Club and Jim Driscoll.... you have access to all the written, audio & video support mentoring you need to accomplish your resolutions this year. All you need to do is log into your private Success Library and learn what and how you need to do. The solutions to your resolutions is waiting on you right now.
 
So stop reading this post and login to your members area right now. Start by clicking on Jim Driscoll's link and refresh your memory with Jim's proven goal setting / goal making formula. Then put what you learn into action. If you do.... 2009 can be your best year ever. Being Successful is a choice. And the choice is yours to make. So... make the right choice today   :   )
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Friday, December 26, 2008

Why wait until next week?

Hi Team,
 
Ok..... Now that Christmas is over.... and the world is getting back to normal store hours etc.. I have one question for you.
 
Why wait until Jan 1st to get started on your goals?
 
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. And in reality.... January 1st is no different than today as far as you and your goals are concerned. The blunt truth is..... New Years day is an excuse to slack off on your goals for another week. There is nothing magical about that day. If there were.... everyone of you reading this would have accomplished most of every new years resolution you ever set.
 
We know that is not the truth. Myself included    :  O
 
No.... I am not being negative. No... I am not being anti-traditional. I am just being truthful because I care about you and your success  :  ) 
 
I know that designing, creating & living the ultimate lifestyle of your choice is an everyday process. And I know the best time to work on your goals is today.
 
If you already have your goals written down and planned out... work on them now. And if you don't... log into your private Mentors Club Success Library and study everything that's in your Jim Driscoll section. Then put it into immediate action.
 
The most successful people in this world do what the rest of the world will not do. So... while the rest of the world is playing mind games with themselves waiting on Jan 1st to start their life.... start (or continue) working on your goals today. You will thank yourself for it later :  )
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Why you needed your resell shop up yesterday : )

In today's fast paced and highly competitive Internet market, the men and the boys are separated by who can properly diversify their business in order to maximize profits. You have to know your target market through and through, right down to the kind of chocolate they crave at two in the morning, and make sure you can be right in front of them when they look for it.
 
The best thing about marketing online is that you can capitalize on your niche markets very inexpensively, and target them with very specific web pages from your online resale shop. Even after you run out of ideas for specialty pages, if you keep statistics on your customers you could use the patterns that show up to develop new targeted pages and increase your sales.
 
One highly lucrative target market is people who are looking for products with resale rights – because there is no such thing as too many of them! Instead of having all your products totally separated from each other, you could sell multitudes of products to each customer in this market just by interlinking everything you offer in one online resale shop.
 
In addition, with just a little added scripting, you could exponentially expand your customer pool. If you set up each product page in your online resale shop to create an affiliate link for resalers to use in their marketing, they would send all their customers to you. Even though the owner of that link gets all the profit from the sale they sent you, that new client just might find something else that tickles their fancy and buy it too.
 
Even better, they could think to themselves "wow what a wonderful resource" and bookmark it, then send all their friends to you because they are just so amazed at how many neat things they found in one place. I did say online marketing was fast paced – and that means just about everyone wants to save time. Having an online resale shop which has everything they need in one place, adds value to your products and increases your income potential.
 
Last but most certainly not least, you could easily hire a programmer to integrate all of your software titles with resale rights into your web site, so that you can sell those products without ever touching another entry field. For more versatile software titles that offer a wide range of products, you could easily create an entire new online resale shop specifically for tackling the specific demands of your market.
 
The great thing about being a Mentors Club member is that we provide you will quality resell rights products. And we provide you with the training on how to make multiple streams of income with them. Ultimate Subscribers have one of the best resell rights collections available on the net today.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Resell Rights - An AWESOME Home Based Business

With all the shady schemes running amok on the Internet, you are probably starting to wonder if there is any such thing as a real work from home opportunity. I am sure you have already seen all the hype, so I will not give you any of that here. Just cold hard facts.
 
First of all, you need to know how to market yourself, and this might surprise you, but those supposed online marketing gurus only really know how to make money. There is a big difference between making money and marketing – and nobody knows marketing better than copywriters. The best way to get a real education is to immerse yourself in the copywriting world.
 
Read copywriting blogs and the like. Somewhere in your search you will find out the who's who in the industry – the big name marketing copywriters. These are the guys you want to read, and then see if they offer versions of their ebooks with resale rights, or a master resale rights license. They might not, but it is worth a shot. One other tip, you should probably keep away from affiliate programs if you are just starting out. Focus on more lucrative ideas first.
 
Find every bit of free information that you can before you buy any products with resale rights, including the consumer alerts and rip off reports. While it is easy to make money in this industry, it can be twice as easy to lose money! Especially if you are not exceptionally picky about your product selection, or make dangerous assumptions. Use common sense, and don't think doing business with products with resale rights is any different than other way of becoming a retailer.
 
The area that you have to be most careful in is software titles with resale rights. Even though they are definitely the most lucrative, be cautious of the packages that offer the ability to sell the software itself. However anything that just makes a neat product that you are interested in, like astrology charts and predictions, is generally a good buy.
 
Whatever path you take, make sure that you already have a customer base for your products with resale rights before you buy them. Don't just assume thousands of people will flock to your web site the instant you put it up. In order to support yourself with work from home, you have to actually work at it! There is no way to make money overnight or without lifting a finger.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!

*

We

oooooo

Wish You A

oooooooooo

Merry Christmas!

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

God Bless you and yours.

From

Maria, Steve, Dr. Stan & Dr. Reg 




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Are you one of them today on Christmas Eve?

Hi Team,
 
Yesterday I shared a great lesson from Jim Rohn on procrastination.
So here is my question today...
 
Are you one of them?
 
You know... one of the many who will be running around today to
pick up the rest of your Christmas gifts. One of the many guilty
of procrastinating about getting your holiday shopping done early.
 
And now... you are stressed over time, fighting the crowds and
not sure you will be able to find the right gift at the right price.
 
If you are one of them.... I want you to go back and re-read Jim's
article at least 6 more times. 
 
Since today really can be considered the first day of the rest of your
life... the habits you break & start today... will determine the lifestyle
you will live in the future. And since procrastination is one of the big
things that keeps people from living the ultimate lifestyle of their choice,
today is the best day to stop procrastinating.
 
So today.... you are making up your mind to be free of the procrastination
habit. You will no longer procrastinate. You will do what you want/need to
do on time... or ahead of schedule. You will no longer put things off. You
will never again have to be stressed out on Christmas Eve because you
procrastinated.
 
Now.... even though you have to rush out and fight the crowd to grab those
last minute gifts... take comfort in knowing that next year you will have
all of your shopping done early. Take comfort in knowing that next year
you will have more money to buy gifts for the people you care about. Take
comfort in knowing that today you took a GIANT step in getting closer to
living the ultimate lifestyle of your choice, by eliminating procrastination
from your habits.
 
Best of success and safety with your shopping :   )
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Ending Procrastination by Jim Rohn

Hi Team,
 
Below is more great wisdom from Jim Rohn. As you are unwrapping your holiday gifts... and wrapping up the last week of 2008... see if you can put Jim's advice to quick use. If you do... you will be off to a great start of making 2009 your best year ever.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 
 

Perseverance is about as important to achievement as gasoline is to driving a car. Sure, there will be times when you feel like you're spinning your wheels, but you'll always get out of the rut with genuine perseverance. Without it, you won't even be able to start your engine.

The opposite of perseverance is procrastination. Perseverance means you never quit. Procrastination usually means you never get started, although the inability to finish something is also a form of procrastination.

Ask people why they procrastinate and you'll often hear something like this, I'm a perfectionist. Everything has to be just right before I can get down to work. No distractions, not too much noise, no telephone calls interrupting me, and of course I have to be feeling well physically, too. I can't work when I have a headache." The other end of procrastination - being unable to finish - also has a perfectionist explanation: "I'm just never satisfied. I'm my own harshest critic. If all the i's aren't dotted and all the t's aren't crossed, I just can't consider that I'm done.  That's just the way I am, and I'll probably never change."

Do you see what's going on here? A fault is being turned into a virtue. The perfectionist is saying that his standards are just too high for this world. This fault-into-virtue syndrome is a common defense when people are called upon to discuss their weaknesses, but in the end it's just a very pious kind of excuse making. It certainly doesn't have anything to do with what's really behind procrastination.

Remember, the basis of procrastination could be fear of failure. That's what perfectionism really is, once you take a hard look at it. What's the difference whether you're afraid of being less than perfect or afraid of anything else?  You're still paralyzed by fear. What's the difference whether you never start or never finish? You're still stuck. You're still going nowhere. You're still overwhelmed by whatever task is before you. You´re still allowing yourself to be dominated by a negative vision of the future in which you see yourself being criticized, laughed at, punished, or ridden out of town on a rail. Of course, this negative vision of the future is really a mechanism that allows you to do nothing. It's a very convenient mental tool.

I'm going to tell you how to overcome procrastination. I'm going to show you how to turn procrastination into perseverance, and if you do what I suggest, the process will be virtually painless. It involves using two very powerful principles that foster productivity and perseverance instead of passivity and procrastination.

The first principle is: break it down.

No matter what you're trying to accomplish, whether it's writing a book, climbing a mountain, or painting a house the key to achievement is your ability to break down the task into manageable pieces and knock them off one at one time.  Focus on accomplishing what's right in front of you at this moment. Ignore what's off in the distance someplace.  Substitute real-time positive thinking for negative future visualization. That's the first all- important technique for bringing an end to procrastination.

Suppose I were to ask you if you could write a four hundred-page novel. If you're like most people, that would sound like an impossible task. But suppose I ask you a different question. Suppose I ask if you can write a page and a quarter a day for one year. Do you think you could do it? Now the task is starting to seem more manageable. We're breaking down the four-hundred-page book into bite-size pieces. Even so, I suspect many people would still find the prospect intimidating. Do you know why? Writing a page and a quarter may not seem so bad, but you're being asked to look ahead one whole year. When people start to do look that far ahead, many of them automatically go into a negative mode. So let me formulate the idea of writing a book in yet another way. Let me break it down even more.

Suppose I was to ask you: can you fill up a page and a quarter with words-not for a year, not for a month, not even for a week, but just today? Don't look any further ahead than that. I believe most people would confidently declare that they could accomplish that. Of course, these would be the same people who feel totally incapable of writing a whole book.

If I said the same thing to those people tomorrow - if I told them, I don't want you to look back, and I don't want you to look ahead, I just want you to fill up a page and a quarter this very day - do you think they could do it?

One day at a time. We've all heard that phrase. That's what we're doing here. We're breaking down the time required for a major task into one-day segments, and we're breaking down the work involved in writing a four hundred-page book into page-and-a-quarter increments.

Keep this up for one year, and you'll write the book. Discipline yourself to look neither forward nor backward, and you can accomplish things you never thought you could possibly do. And it all begins with those three words: break it down.

My second technique for defeating procrastination is also only three words long. The three words are: write it down. We know how important writing is to goal setting. The writing you'll do for beating procrastination is very similar.  Instead of focusing on the future, however, you're now going to be writing about the present just as you experience it every day. Instead of describing the things you want to do or the places you want to go, you're going to describe what you actually do with your time, and you're going to keep a written record of the places you actually go.

In other words, you're going to keep a diary of your activities.  And you're going to be surprised by the distractions, detours, and downright wastes of time you engage in during the course of a day. All of these get in the way of achieving your goals. For many people, it's almost like they planned it that way, and maybe at some unconscious level they did. The great thing about keeping a time diary is that it brings all this out in the open. It forces you to see what you're actually doing... and what you're not doing.

The time diary doesn't have to be anything elaborate. Just buy a little spiral notebook that you can easily carry in your pocket. When you go to lunch, when you drive across town, when you go to the dry cleaners, when you spend some time shooting the breeze at the copying machine, make a quick note of the time you began the activity and the time it ends. Try to make this notation as soon as possible; if it's inconvenient to do it immediately, you can do it later. But you should make an entry in your time diary at least once every thirty minutes, and you should keep this up for at least a week.

Break it down. Write it down. These two techniques are very straightforward. But don't let that fool you: these are powerful and effective productivity techniques that allow you put an end to procrastination and help you get started to achieving your goals.

To your Success, Jim Rohn

This article was submitted by Jim Rohn, America's Foremost Business Philosopher. To subscribe to the Free Jim Rohn Weekly E-zine go to www.jimrohn.com Copyright (c) Jim Rohn International. All rights reserved worldwide.

See.... I told you it was great :  ) and it is even greater if you put it to action.

Go Mentors Club! Go Team Bare Feet!  Thanks for taking your time to read the above. Blessings, Dr. Reg

 

 



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So many great Christmas traditions

 
A holiday can be really exciting, especially when you have established holiday traditions to follow! This is all the more so when Christmas is round the corner. Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations of the year and long before December 25, when Christmas is celebrated, families' start preparing for this great holiday enthusiastically.
 
General Holiday Traditions
 
Interestingly, since there are people from so many countries settled in the US, Christmas holiday tradition can be seen in a wide variety. But wherever you look, you will definitely see twinkling lights and a riot of color in decorations. As you walk down the street, you will see some amazing window displays at shops, attracting customers with vigor during this time of year. Homes are also decorated in a festive manner with lovely trees. Churches and in fact, many houses, follow the holiday tradition of building a little crèche to recreate the Nativity scene of the birth of Jesus Christ.
 
Preparations begin weeks in advance with people shopping for holiday cards and gifts. This is a major project in most families as choosing the right gifts can take time.  Many people take part in singing with their church choirs and participate in Christmas plays.
 
When the big day arrives, the main holiday tradition is for families to get together and enjoy the holiday spirit in each other's company. Many families buy a real or an artificial Christmas tree and decorate it lovingly with bright Christmas decorations. While some people prefer to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, some prefer to leave them near the Christmas tree to open them on Christmas morning. Children, of course, love it when Santa Claus drops by and fills their stockings with all the goodies they had wanted through that year. Let us not forget the Christmas holiday tradition of special food that includes turkey, chicken, ham, duck, etc.
 
Special Holiday Traditions Across The US
 
The great thing about living in the US and celebrating Christmas is that one gets to see a number of holiday traditions related to this festival with Christmas carols from the UK and Australia, the Christmas tree holiday tradition from Germany, Father Christmas or Santa Claus from Scandinavia and parades that have their origin from Latin countries.
 
Here's a brief roundup of Christmas holiday traditions in the US:
 
• A special dance on Christmas Eve is held in San Felipe Pueblo south of Santa Fe.
• The famous song Twelve days of Christmas comes to us from the Appalachian Mountains and has become the traditional theme in decorations.
• In Pennsylvania, they have a Love Fest where the choirs sing songs holding candles made of beeswax, eating sweet buns and drinking coffee.
 
Across different states in the US, there are special holiday traditions with relation to food during Christmas - proof of the diversity of the land we live in and also that everyone loves Christmas!
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Saturday, December 20, 2008

I Know A Secret : )

Hi Team,
 
I know a BIG Secret that is going to ROCK 2009
for those of you who take advantage of it.
 
I'm not going to tell you what it is.... But I will
tell you to keep a close eye for an email that
will be coming very soon :  )
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 
 



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Friday, December 19, 2008

Candy Cane - Preserving Holiday Traditions

There are lots of holiday traditions associated with Christmas, such as Christmas tree, Christmas gifts, and even the sweet candy cane. Candy cane is a traditional Christmas symbol. The traditional color for candy cane is usually white mixed with red stripes. These candy canes are mixed with lots of holiday cheer.
 
The True Meaning Of Candy Canes 
 
Like many other holiday traditions, the candy cane also carries a great message. Whether it is the red and white color or its shape, everything has a significant meaning. The reason why it is white is that it symbolizes the purity of Christ and the peace that He brought for the world. The inclusion of the red stripes on the white color symbolizes the sacrifice Christ made for the welfare of the world. What is more, we all know that the traditional flavor of the candy cane is peppermint and there are reasons behind that as well. Very few people know that the flavor of peppermint is very much similar to hyssop. As per the Old Testament, hyssop was the material used for purification and sacrifice.
 
Shape Of The Candy Cane
 
As per holiday traditions, the shape of the candy cane also has lots of legend associated with the same. The shape of a modern day candy cane is the capital letter "J", which obviously symbolizes Jesus. Not many people know that when this shape is turned upside down, it also symbolizes a shepherd's staff. 
 
Candy Cane And Children
 
In order to preserve the true meaning of Christmas, most parents follow the holiday traditions and engrave a candy cane ornament with their child's name. This special candy cane is given to children at a young age, and the child passes through adolescence to adult age, preserving the candy cane as a precious symbol of tradition. As per holiday traditions, such practices keep the healthy traditions alive and once in a while children on growing up also pass on these special candy canes to their own children.
 
This way, we can see that the candy cane was designed as witness to Christ. Candy cane brings a rich history to the holiday traditions of Christmas. The most popular use of these candy canes in the modern day celebrations is that they are used as gifts to give to the loved ones. Even those who play Santa Claus on this special day and visit children, distribute candy canes as Christmas gifts. Candy cane is much more than a pretty window seal, a sweet tasting candy, or just a yard decoration. It is good to see that people are still celebrating and spreading happiness by distributing candy canes for Christmas celebration. 
 
 
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christian symbolism in Mentors Club

Hi Team,
 
Since this is the Christmas season... a time when Christians
celebrate the birth of our Savior... Jesus.. I thought it would
be a good time to mention the Christian symbolism hidden
in Mentors Club.
 
First... Like the Holy Trinity which consist of 3 different persons,
God the Father, The Son & The Holy Spirit..... Mentors Club
consist of 3 main areas. Mission, Membership and Money Plans.
 
The 3 areas of Mentors Club are designed to help each other
in all areas of life both business and personal. And although
each of the 3 parts are powerful enough to stand on their own
merits and benefits... when all 3 are used together... they create
a greater synergy. When a member takes advantage of all 3
areas of Mentors Club... they achieve greater successes.
 
The Money Plan has additional symbolism designed into it.
The 2x12 matrix is to remind us of the 12 Apostles and how
Jesus sent his Team out in two's.
 
That's why with our compensation plan... you only have to find
two personal partners to be able to earn income on all 12 levels.
I call this a "We Biz... Not A Me Biz" It is you working with just
2.. who work with just 2.. on and on.
 
Mentors Club is about people coming together to help people while
being able to help themselves in the process. It is about learning
and applying the Success Principals openly taught in the bible to
help people dream about, create and live the ultimate lifestyle of
their choice. It is about using the synergy of 1+1=3 so that each
person is only required to do a little... in order to accomplish a lot.
 
As Mentors Club members... you are part of a world wide fundraiser
that offers products that are life changing (in a positive way) in order
to raise money to provide food, clothing, shelter & education for
people in need. And...you have the opportunity to earn a full time
income in the process.
 
The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver. And as we cheerfully
give... we will cheerfully receive more than we gave. So when you are
cheerfully giving your time to help people by sharing Mentors Club with
others, you will be blessed. When you cheerfully pay your monthly
Membership fee that goes to help people in need... you will be blessed.
When you use the knowledge you receive from our Success Library to
help others... you will be blessed.
 
As you can tell.... there was a lot of thought going into the design
of Mentors Club on a spiritual level. And even though some people
will see Mentors Club as just an mlm company... it will always be
much more to me. It is a Mission that offers a Membership with a
Money making program attached to fund our Mission & Membership.
 
It will always be in that order to me. If someone joins Mentors Club
because it is all about the money for them... Amen. The more money
they make... the more money that is being raised for charity. We
still win. But again... as for me personally, Mission, Membership, Money. 
 
From now on... every time you share Mentors Club's 3 M's with others,
remember why it was structured the way it is. And if your sharing MC
with other Christians... don't hesitate to share this symbolism with them.
Let them know that MC leaders are Christians too. Leaders who believe
in the power of prayer. So please make sure you keep Mentors Club and
all those involved in it included in your prayers.
 
God Bless,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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The Magic of Christmas - Holiday Tradition of Christmas Trees

 
 
There are lots of holiday traditions associated with the Christmas tree. The history of the modern day Christmas tree dates back to the early nineteenth century when Prince Albert and Queen Victoria introduced this tradition in the Great Britain. This was the period when almost every celebration was focused around decorated trees. People used to decorate these trees with toys, bonbons, cakes, and various other sweet treats. These sweet decorations were accompanied by other decorations made of lace, feathers, silk and paper. Made by young women in the household, these decorations were mainly used to hold the treats (sweets and toys). 
 
Interesting Fact About Christmas Trees
 
There are lots of interesting facts regarding Christmas trees. For example, the fairy decorated at the top of the Christmas tree is one of the famous holiday traditions, but very few people know that in the earlier days of this tradition, the figurine of the baby Jesus was used instead of the fairy.
 
A Symbol Of Unity  
 
Christian trees are considered as a symbol of unity. As per the holiday traditions, families gather around the Christmas tree to celebrate the festive occasion. This way, the tree plays an important role in bringing families and friends together. These special trees have been a part of Christmas for generations.
 
Real Vs Fake Christmas Trees
 
The commercialization of the holiday traditions has not been very good for the health of celebrations. The true meaning of Christmas is getting lost in the fake Christmas trees with plastic branches. Those who manage to have a real Christmas tree for the occasion feel themselves fortunate, as everybody knows how much it means to have a real Christmas tree. Celebrating joyful holiday traditions around a real Christmas tree has always been a great feeling. Celebrating Christmas is all about bringing families together with the chain of traditions, and there just cannot be a better way to do this than using a real traditional Christmas tree.
 
The Tradition Of Decorating Trees
 
As per a legend, Martin Luther was the first man who started the tradition of decorating trees to celebrate Christmas. However, these holiday traditions entered the United States during the American Revolution most probably with German immigrants to Pennsylvania and Ohio or with Hessian troops. In fact, the celebration around the Christmas trees has gone through a long chain of development, and there are many legends associated with the same.
 
Overall, no matter how the holiday traditions for Christmas trees began, it has now become a symbol of real Christmas spirit. It brings a pleasant aroma of happiness and unity in our lives. Celebrating Christmas without the Christmas tree is just like celebrating Independence Day without hoisting the flag. 
 
 
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Winter Sports – Some Common Problems And Solutions

Winter conditions arrived and many of you might be planning for winter sports.  Of course, it is a good idea.  You will be able to have lots of fun and it is a wonderful exercise as well.  However, before engaging in these  sports you need to take necessary precautions to avoid the problems that occur due to carelessness.  Usually you will find the following problems occurring in the course of winter sports.
 
· Blisters:  Most often, we find this problem and it is almost common during winter sports.  Blisters occur due to improper fitting of  shoes.  Hence, it is important to make the right choice of shoes that  are comfortable and flexible.  If you are going to use a  new pair on the day of event then you may find it stiff and uncomfortable.  Wear your new shoes several times in advance just to loosen it up.  Always wear the right socks that will prevent rubbing as well as keep your feet warm.
 
· Neuroma:  This condition occurs due to extremely tight shoes.  You may feel the symptoms of burning and pinching pain in the nerves.  It also causes an itchy sensation in the feet.  Hence, a perfect pair of shoes that is neither too tight nor too loose should be worn for winter sports.
 
· Sprains:  Sprains are common in any type of sports activity and can be more dangerous if ignored.  Winter sports like skiing require a lot of flexibility of your body.  The feet and ankles are the most used parts and hence you need to exercise a lot to strengthen them up before going for skiing.  Stretching and warm up will increase your flexibility.  However, remember if you feel a sprain just stop immediately or you may end up with serious injuries like broken legs and arms.
 
· Beware Of Frostbites:  Excessive exposure to cold during winter sports causes frostbite and most of the times lead to hypothermia.  It is advisable to stay near to the shelter in order to get timely help in case of emergencies.  If you are planning to trek for a long  distance, you can inform others about it or take someone along with you for assistance.
 
· Take Care Of Your Children:  Winter sports are more fun for the children than the elders.  At times, they are so  obsessed with the games that they try to resist the cold without complaining.  They are the ones mostly prone to frostbites.  Therefore, you have to keep a control over them and prevent them from standing outdoors for a long time.
 
It has to be always remembered that winter sports are not that easy, as they seem to be.  There is even a danger of losing life in some cases if one is engaged in them recklessly.  Watching people participating in them is a delight but often the effects are devastating.  Hence, proper knowledge of precautionary measures and the right equipment for winter sports is necessary to enjoy the real fun.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Tuesday, December 16, 2008

DR. STAN HARRIS'S SECRETS REVEALED!!!

Hi Team,

When I listened to this audio, I was blown away.
I personally believe this information is worth $10.000
a month to anyone who wants to build a huge
organization that duplicates and sets them up for
financial freedom. 

Why do I say that?  Because if you listen to this
training, and internalize it, and live it, it will make a
difference in your life.  And if you use the
information to grow an organization, you could be
looking at an extra $10,000 a month or more in
personal income. 

I guess everyone has training they love or don't love,
but I have to say I LOVE this audio!!!  It's one of the
best I have heard in my 20 years of Networking
experience.  So, log in now and look for your NEW
Dr. Stan "BreakThrough" Harris page and listen to
your new audio. 

We've also included an amazing Video from Dr. Stan
that you've got to see.  Now you will see why Dr. Stan
"Breakthrough" Harris is the International Marketing
Director for Mentors Club!  And you can bet there will
be more life changing information from Dr. Stan! 

PS:  He used this exact information to earn $250,000
in just over 5 months.  Dr. Stan has just revealed the
SECRET to his massive success and how he built an
organization of over 20,000 people in a few months!

=================================================

To get your DR. BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO DOWNLOAD & VIDEO,

1.  Log in to your Mentors Club Website. 
    
2.  Scroll Down and look for NEW - Dr. Stan "BreakThrough" Harris

3.  Get your Audio and Video!  Listen and Watch EVERY DAY until you reach your Goal!

==================================================

FREE BONUS -

We've also included Dr. Stan's Amazing Daily Motivator Audio. 
Download and listen to it daily for massive results in your life.
People have reported that this 3 minute audio has changes their lives!

As always, all of this powerful information is for Mentors Club
Members Only, so tell everyone about Mentors Club so they
can access this life-changing information, and so much more!

Use these audios and videos to create your most successful
Holiday Season, New Year, and beyond!

Of course, we can lead you  to water, but we can't make
you drink.  If you truly desire success, you will log in and
listen to Dr. Stan's Audio and watch his video.  And of course
you will because that is why you joined Mentors Club... to
get more out of life... and live up to your full potential!

I also have a quick favor to ask you... We are creating some
great new marketing tools now and would love to have your help.

After listening to Dr. Stan's Audio and watching his videos,
please send us a testimonial.  Email me directly at
admin@mentorsclub.com.  And go the extra mile by calling
in and letting us know how you feel about what you just heard.

Your toll-free testimonial recording line is: 1-800-609-9006 x6430.
International callers may use 678-255-2174.

Please do me that favor, and guess what, You might just be
featured in the 2009 Website upgrade of Mentors Club!  And if
you have a nice picture of yourself or your family, please send
it in as well.

OK, the time for action is now.  Get ready for this powerful,
heart-pumping training from Dr. Stan Harris!

PS:  Dr. Stan is a man who is a 10th Degree Black Belt.  He's
a man with a powerful testimonial, he bends Steel over his
head, he eats fire, he breaks bricks and wood like they are
splinters, he empowers people all over the world to do and
become more... to BREAKTHROUGH their limitations... and
now he's here to help you.  This is an exciting day for You
and Mentors Club!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Log in to your Members Area Now and Click on "Dr. Stan Harris"!
And please email us with how you feel as soon as you listen:
admin@mentorsclub.com

Blessing to you and your family!

Happy Holidays. 
Steve Gresham
CEO Mentors Club



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Skiing Tips For Beginners

If you intend to learn winter sports such as skiing, make it a point to sign up for lessons from a pro. Most ski resorts have trainers on location to provide training and guidance to the vacationers who wish to learn how to ski. Some of these resorts offer free training lessons to the guests. It is always better to be under the supervision of an expert rather than trying to get the hang of it yourself. Here are a few tips for the novice skier.
 
Purchase/Rent The Necessary Gear
 
The first concern is the clothing. It has to be suitable and you may have to buy accessories that are essential to help you stay warm. If you are in doubt, you could look up information online or ask a friend for guidance. Winter sports can be the most uncomfortable ones if you feel cold or if your clothing is inappropriate such as shoes that got wet. Buy thermal underwear and use heat pads to line your gloves or your shoes helping them stay warmer for longer. The clothing has to be wind and water proof. Use gloves, mittens, ear muffs, scarf and hats too. Goggles and cosmetics such as lip balms, moisturizers and sun screen are a must as well.
 
You then need to purchase or rent the appropriate gear after making sure that they fit you comfortably. Take up a training class that is suitable for the time that you have at hand to enjoy the winter sports. Some resorts offer classes that last for a couple of hours while some offer classes that can last for a few days. There are various classes offered to students at different levels and you may go on to join a more advanced level as your skills improve.
 
It is necessary to be physically fit and have the endurance and strength that is needed while skiing on the slopes. Be an attentive learner and make improvements based on the input from the trainer. It can be fun if your friend takes up the winter sports lessons with you. Learn to steer well and try to stop when you have to. You may keep falling often but once you learn the tricks, it can be fun. 
 
While enjoying winter sports, it is necessary to pay attention to the weather and if it begins to worsen be prudent enough to call it a day. If you find you are skiing down a slope that you are uncomfortable with, try to stop, remove your skis and side step your way down the slope.
 
You may have watched others excel at winter sports and get to urge emulate them. Remember though that you are a novice and lack their experience or skill. Take things easy and do not try stunts that you are ill prepared for, injuries can be avoided if you take necessary precautions.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Taking a Snowboard or Ski Vacation?

Protecting Yourself For The Challenge Of Winter Sports
 
If you have chosen a snowboard or ski vacation this winter then you must have the right equipment that will enhance the excitement of winter sports.  Ski vacation gives an amazing experience of skiing in a pleasant environment along with great exercise to your body.  Safety is the essential element that has to be up most on the mind to enjoy uninterrupted fun of winter sports.  Safety equipment can be had from ski resorts on rental or you can have your own equipment that can give a perfect fit for you.
 
Choosing The Accessories
 
1. Right clothing:  The first important requirement for winter sports is to get perfectly clothed.  You will have to wear snug clothes and dress in layers to retain the body heat.  The idea behind the multiple layers of clothing is that it helps in trapping the heat and keeps you warm.

o The first layer:  Good and long underwear forms the base of the layer.  Here you should ensure that you feel warm rather than look sexy.

o The second layer:  The next layer is the waistcoat to provide warmth to the middle of the body.  Make sure that the clothes are of easily removable kind in case you feel too warm.  You can wear a woolen sweater or a snow jacket with an inner lining.  Fleece tops would be a good choice in this case; as they are specially designed by the clothing companies and are popular among people regularly engaging in winter sports.
o The third layer:  Protecting the open body parts forms the last layer of clothing.  A jacket with inner lining should be chosen that is able to provide proper ventilation with waterproof qualities.  Choose a pant with a gaiter fitting over the top of the boot that will prevent the snow from entering inside and making you cold.
 
2. A perfect pair of boots:  Perfect fitting is the most important element for winter sports.  While choosing boots for skiing, remember that they should be snugger than your normal fitting.  They should prevent the risk of twisting of ankles due to the pressure exerted on them while swerving and turning.  The socks that you wear should be made of woolen fabric, and fit well in your shoes.
 
3. Gloves:  A good grip over the skates can help you ski easier and faster.  Hence, the gloves that you wear should be made up of material that increases the grip.  Gloves with thermal lining are advisable for winter sports.
 
4. Other things :  The other materials like a helmet, earmuffs and scarves and a pair of sunglasses are needed to protect the other exposable parts of body like the head, neck and eyes.  These are the vital parts and not to be ignored or it may lead to several severe injuries.
 
5. Accessories:  Of course, the right choice of accessories like skis and poles are important for a good skiing experience and they are available in a number of varieties.  The type of poles that are to be used depends upon the kind of ski sport you choose.
 
Most of the equipments for winter sports are expensive hence if you are a beginner try with the rental equipments before investing in some of your own.  However, clothes are an exception to that.  Safety comes first while participating in any kind of sports and more so with winter sports.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Monday, December 15, 2008

Is your name on your holiday gift giving list?

Hi Team,
 
As you are out taking care of last minute holiday gift shopping, make sure your name is on your list.
 
That's right... I want you to make sure that your name is on your gift giving list and that you give yourself the most valuable gift on the list.
 
What is that you asked? Well... thanks for asking :  ) 
 
I want you to give yourself permission to accomplish anything you want in life. I want you to give yourself
permission to succeed at everything you dream & then plan to accomplish. I want you to give yourself the time and commitment that it will take the next few days, months, years, to design, create and live the ultimate lifestyle of your choice. I want you to give yourself permission to do whatever it takes (as long as it is NOT illegal, unethical or immoral) to be the successful person you deserve to be.
 
As a Mentors Club member... you already have access to a Success Library that can help you accomplish the above. All you have to do is log in, learn and apply.
 
The great thing about this gift is that if done correctly will not only be a blessing to you... but also to all those who are special to you. Because the most successful people in the world know that one of the most powerful success laws we have available to us is.... Cheerful Giving.
 
We know that the more we Cheerfully Give... the more we will Cheerfully Receive. We will reap what we sow. Whatever we give... and to the measure we give it... we will receive it back in abundance.
 
So... if your name is not on your holiday gift giving list... go put it on there right now. Yes.. I am serious, write your name on your list. And then write down the gift you are giving yourself :  ) Then make sure you receive the gift on that list.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Need help managing your dept?

Is Credit Consolidation Best Way To Manage Debt?
 
If you are sick of all those collection calls from your creditors, credit consolidation might be just what you need. Keeping track of half a dozen payments every month on - loans, credit cards, pending bills, and any other form of credit – can be very strenuous on the mind. Not to mention that it also increases the chances of missing out on a payment just because you forgot the date on which it was due!
 
Single Means Simple
 
Now isn't that the most unfortunate way to accrue further debt burden in the form of late payment penalties? On top of it, your credit score also goes down because of  late payment! But with credit consolidation, you can combine all your miscellaneous debts into a single loan. This means that you no longer have to remember different interest rates and their corresponding payment dates and amounts every month. Instead, you can use that time and energy to focus on augmenting  your income.
 
What Are The Various Debts That Can Be Consolidated?
 
The various common unsecured debts that are eligible for  a credit consolidation program are:

· Home Loans – Unpaid balances on loans taken from banks or any other financial institutions, for purchasing a house..
· Car/Auto Loans – Amounts due on loans taken for purchasing a vehicle.
· Student Loans – Any pending balances on loans taken for higher education.
· Personal Loans – Any personal loans taken from banks or other lending institutions.
· Credit Card Debts – The outstanding balances due on the credit cards you own and use. In fact, there are separate credit consolidation programs too that are solely meant for reducing your credit card debt burden!
· Utility Bills – Any pending bills on common household utilities, like phone, gas, heating, cable, Internet, and other such services.
· Medical / Legal Bills – Any unpaid dues incurred on medical services or legal proceedings.
· Department Store Debts – If you are using one of those individual department store credit cards, and have some outstanding balances on them, they can be included in the credit consolidation program too.
· Tax Dues – Any outstanding arrears on income tax.
· Accounts In Collection – All those unpaid debts that have been handed over to collection agencies.
 
If you look at the long list above, it becomes obvious that it is not an easy feat for any person to remember the payment details of so many different loans and dues! Hence, credit consolidation becomes such an important necessity in such cases. Not only does it simplify debt management for you, it can even manage to procure lower rates of interest, smaller monthly payments, and as much as 40%-60% decrease in your principal debt burden!
 
Credit consolidation can help provide you total debt relief in a shorter amount of time than you ever thought possible, and also help you save big bucks along the way!



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Sunday, December 14, 2008

What is Kwanzaa?

Understanding the Holiday of Kwanzaa
 
Kwanzaa is an African heritage holiday which was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966.  Kwanzaa is celebrated through singing, speaking, dancing, and reciting just as is done in traditional African heritage celebrations on the continent of Africa. 
 
Kwanzaa is build on seven principles which are collectively known as "Nguzo Saba."  These seven principles are:
 
1. umoja - unity
2. kujichagulia - self-determination
3. ujima - collective work and responsibility
4. ujamaa - cooperative economics
5. nia - purpose
6. kuumba - creativity
7. mani - faith

Dr. Karenga developed Kwanzaa from elements of various African heritages.  The African version of the Kwanzaa ceremony was used to show appreciation for the "first fruits of harvest."  The African Kwanzaa was made up of four basic elements which were; unity, awareness of ancestry and heritage, recommitment to traditional values, and reverence for creator and the creation.
 
The modern celebration of Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, beginning on December 26th and ending on January 1st of each year.  Each of the seven days of the celebration is dedicated to the seven principles listed above.  Each day has a colored candle which represents it.  They are all held in a candelabrum known as the kinara. 
 
The seven days and their associated candles and principles are:
 
Day 1 - middle candle - Black - Umoja - Unity
Day 2 - innermost red candle - Kujichagulia - Self-determination
Day 3 - innermost green candle - Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility
Day 4 - middle red candle - Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics
Day 5 - middle green candle - Nia - Purpose
Day 6 - outermost red candle - Kuumba - Creativity
Day 7 - outermost green candle - Imani – Faith

The candelabra is placed on a straw mat known as the mkeka.  Next to it are placed ears of corn, called vibunzi with one ear of corn to represent each child in the household.  Also placed on the straw mat is a fruit basket called mazao, and a unity cup called the kikonbe cha umoja. 

On the evening of the last day of the Kwanzaa celebration, a feast called Karamu is held.  The evening generally starts with a welcome message, followed by a rememberance of ancestry, a recommitment to values, a rejoicing, a farewell statement and a call for greater unity among all people.

Finally, the last day of Kwanzaa, Imani, the focus is shifted to honoring traditions and reaffirmation of self throug gift giving to others.  Kwanzaa gifts tend to be hand-made rather than store bought, and should reflect creativity because it is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. 

It is very important to understand that the purpose of Kwanzaa is not about giving gifts or a religious celebration.  Kwanzaa is simply a commemoration of African heritage and a celebration of togetherness.  Kwanzaa is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate.  In addition, the guiding principles of Kwanzaa are meant to bring our society back together as a group.  Kwanzaa aims to bring people together and reunify families and friends in a way that no other African tradition can here in the United States and elsewhere in the world.
 
Success principals work for anyone who uses them properly regardless or race, color, creed, religion or nationality. The holiday season is full of tradition and symbolism that embraces many principals and ideas that are meant to be a blessing to all. These customs are meant to be a blessing to those who practice them.
 
So regardless of what holiday you are practicing the next few weeks. Use it as a time where to reflect on how blessed you are and how you can be a greater blessing to the world we share this coming year. Then spend some time in your Mentors Club Success Library to help you in this quest. The better you take care of your personal development, prosperity, health & spiritual growth... the better blessing you can be to others.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"
 



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Friday, December 12, 2008

The Top 10 Christmas Holiday Gifts for Families

Often purchasing individual gifts for members of your family, or extended family, becomes harder and harder over time.  When we are children, we are very easy to buy presents for.  However, as we get older, and our tastes get more set in, it becomes harder for others to buy us things which we will like and enjoy.  A good solution to this issue is to purchase "family gifts" which everyone in the family can enjoy together. 
 
Here are today's top ten Christmas family gift suggestions to get you started on selecting a perfect gift for the family on your list – yours or someone else's. 
 
Family Gift Idea #1 – If you have a budget on the higher-end, a good suggestion is a Nintendo Wii gaming system.  The Nintendo Wii is much more interactive and family friendly than you typical gaming system. 
 
Family Gift Idea #2 – For more traditional families, or if you are on a much smaller budget, consider a gift of a game night basket.  In this basket you can put a new board game or two, a deck of cards, and some snacks for their game nights. 
 
Family Gift Idea #3 – If the family you are gifting enjoys movies, a movie night basket is a perfect gift.  Include in the basket their favorite movie candies, some popcorn, and either a DVD or a gift card to their local video rental store. 
 
Family Gift Idea #4 – For a family who is constantly on the move, the gift of something they can do together in the car can be just the ticket.  Consider a gift of a trivia game or book which gives them car game ideas to try out.
 
Family Gift Idea #5 – If your family home schools their children, or simply spends a lot of time visiting local attractions, a year membership to your local zoo or other large attraction will be a very welcomed gift.
 
Family Gift Idea #6 – Another great gift idea is to gather recipes from all of your family members and put it together into a nice recipe book for all of the families on your gifting list. 
 
Family Gift Idea #7 – One tradition which works very nicely for family gifts for Christmas is the gift of a special Christmas tree ornament or ornament set each year.  You can use them to commemorate any special happenings in their family each year. 
 
Family Gift Idea #8 – Another big hit is a gift basket which includes chocolate in all forms, such as hot chocolate, gourmet chocolate candies, chocolate spoons to be used in drinks, etc…  As long as no one is allergic, there isn't a family out there who won't enjoy this basket.
 
Family Gift Idea #9 – If the family you wish to gift has been struggling to make ends meet, you may wish to help them out without doing so in an overt manner.  One simple way to do this is through a gift basket loaded with food items which they can use.  Another simple way to do this is to fill a small gift basket with gift cards to local stores and gas stations in their area.  By choosing a variety of stores you can allow them to purchase things they need to help get them through the next year. 
 
Family Gift Idea #10 – Finally, the gift of an advent basket, or an "all week gift basket" can be a nice fun change from your typical gift basket.  In this basket you will include wrapped gifts which will be opened one each day until Christmas.  This is really enjoyable for children, even with small gifts to be opened.
 
As you can see, gifting for a family can really be the way to go this Christmas season.  Many people find it easier to purchase a gift, or make a basket, rather than try to find just the perfect gift for each member of the family.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Understanding the Holiday of Chanukah (Hanukkah) for the Rest of Us

If you are not Jewish, you may have wondered about the holiday of Chanukah but have never had anyone to ask your questions of.  Thanks to the Internet you can not get the answers to all of your questions even if you do not have any Jewish friends.
 
The first question many people ask is about the word "Chanukah" versus the spelling "Hanukkah."  The reason for the two spelling is because the letters in the Hebrew alphabet are different than those of the English alphabet.  Essentially, both can be used interchangeably and either spelling is fine.
 
Chanukah is the Hebrew term for rededication and the celebration of Chanukah is known as the festival of lights.  Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the month using the Jewish calendar.  This means that it falls somewhere during November or December each year.  The celebration lasts for eight days during which time Jewish people celebrate, light candles, and exchange small gifts. 
 
Chanukah started over 2300 years ago in what is now known as Israel.  The Hebrew people, also known as Jewish people, were ordered to give up their God and worship only the Greek Gods as other people of the time did.  The Jewish temples were destroyed and any Jewish people who chose to worship in their own way were severely punished for it. 
 
Some of the Jews chose to obey the mandate, while others refused.  One of the men who refused to worship the Greek Gods was a man by the name of Judah Maccabee.  Judah and his four brothers began an army of dissidents and asked as many other Jewish people to join them as they could.  This army fought it's enemy the Syrians for about three years until one day they were victorious and reclaimed their Temple in the city of Jerusalem. 
 
The first priority of the Jewish people was to clean and rededicate the temple to the service of the Jewish God.  They washed the temple, removed any Greek symbols and idols from it, and were ready to rededicate it to their own beliefs.  Blessed oil was required to rededicate the Temple yet none could be found by Judah.  They searched high and low and finally found a very little amount of oil in a Temple chamber. 
 
They knew that there was only enough oil for one evening, but when they lit it a miracle occurred, the small amount of oil burned for eight nights!  This is why the Jewish people light a Menorah each of the eight nights of Chanukah, to represent the eight evenings the oil burned for. 
 
A Menorah is a special candle holder which holds a total of nine candles.  Eight of the candles are for use each night of Chanukah, and the other candle is known as the "servant" and used to light the other candles.  The candles are lit each evening and on the final night each of the eight candles all burn together.  This is to signify the eight nights the oil burned in the Temple.  While oil used to be burned in a Menorah, today colorful candles have replaced the oil.
 
In additon to the nightly lighting of the Menorah, Jewish children play a game called Dreidel.  A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top which has Hebrew letters on each side standing for "A Great Miracle Happened There."  Children play the dreidel game by spinning the top and wagering candy coins. 
 
The foods of Chanukah tend to be very oily.  The reason for this is the fact that their holy oil burned for the eight days in the Temple.  One favorite Chanukah food is latkes.  Latkes are potato pancakes which are made from graded potatoes which have been mixed with eggs, onions, and flour and then fried in oil. 
 
Hopefully, this will help you to better understand the Jewish celebration of Chanuakah a little bit better.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Christmas Gift Ideas for Young Parents-to-Be

If you have young parents-to-be on your shopping list for this Christmas, there are some wonderful gift options open for you to choose from.  You have the option of buying each of them a more traditional individual gift, gifting to them as a couple who are expecting, or gifting them something special to be used with their new baby. 
 
When you are trying to decide what gift to give to a couple who will be having a baby, it is important to know how far along they are and when the baby is due.  Personally, I generally don't like to gift presents to be used for their baby until after the mom-to-be is in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy.  Before then there is just too much that can go wrong and I don't want my gift to turn into a sad reminder if something were to happen.  So, before this time I tend to gift either to the couple together or individually.  What I give depends on how well I know the people and what their interests are.
 
When you will be gifting a couple who are expecting you have a unique option of giving them something that they can use before the baby comes or after.  A good gift for before the baby comes is something like a day at a spa, movie theater tickets, and other outings which will be hard to attend once the baby is born.  I like to take this opportunity to give the parents something which will help them relax and just simply have some fun. 
 
When you are going to give a gift to be used with the new baby, try and stick to neutral colors if the baby's sex is not known to you or the parents.  You can choose from an endless supply of generic baby items at this point.  You can do anything from a simple gift of cute clothing items or designer shoes, up to the gift of a crib or other furniture item. 
 
As a parent, here are some gifts we received, or wished that we had, for holidays leading up to the birth of our children:
 
1.  Diapers, diapers and yet more diapers.  Seriously, babies use tons of diapers and even if the parents are planning on using cloth, disposables will still have to be used in some situations.  Ask what their choice is, paper or cloth, and then go from there.  Also, remember that babies are only very small for a very, very short period of time.  Buy diapers which can be used when the baby is older than a newborn.  A huge supply of diaper wipes are also needed and appreciated as gifts. 
 
2.  Generally a baby shower gives the parents more than enough cute clothing to last the baby through most of their first year.  So, for holiday giving a good idea can be a basket of all of the essential items a baby needs in their first year of life.  Examples include: diaper rash cream, teething gel, teethers and pacifiers, nail clippers, baby shampoo and body wash, and any other small items you can find in the baby aisle at any local store which you think the parents would enjoy having. 
 
3.  Furniture for the nursery can be expensive.  However, if you and all of your family members go in on it together and split the cost, you can surprise the parents-to-be with a very nice sized gift certificate to your local furniture store.  If you know what furniture they are looking for you also have the option of buying it and setting it up for them as well.
 
4.  A good quality car seat which can last for years is a must have for all parents.  However, going out and spending a couple hundred dollars on a car seat can be hard for young parents to do.  This makes a car seat a great option. 
 
Hopefully this has given you some ideas when you go Christmas shopping this year for the parents-to-be on your list.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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15 Ways to Disourage Criminals

Wonderful! You're going away on vacation. You've worked hard, and you deserve a break. Make sure you don't get a "Break and Enter, "as well.
 
Here are fifteen tips to help ensure that when you return from vacation, your home and possessions will be as you left them. If you follow some of these suggestions, you'll enjoy your holiday more, because you'll know you've taken ample precautions. The only thing that you'll worry about will be whether you left the iron or the stove on, by mistake. There is no cure for that worry!
 
1.  Put your mail on hold.  There's nothing that says "Nobody's home," like an overflowing mailbox or a pile of mail on the floor under your door's letterbox. Do this early enough to allow the post office to get the information to your letter carrier. Just to be sure, do it three or four days before you leave.
 
2. By the same token, put your newspaper delivery on hold. A pile of unread newspapers is as clear as a neon sign saying, "Vacant," to the thief.
 
3. Get a timer for your lights. They're not expensive, and they give the illusion that someone's at home.
 
4. Leave some music playing, or put the TV on a twenty four hour talk channel. Anyone approaching your premises will hear it and assume someone is there.
 
5. Never put a message on your answering machine which states, "We're not home right now…," because if an well organized thief is calling to see if anyone's home he'll know that the coast is clear. You might as well put on a message saying, "Come right in."
 
6. A debate about whether to leave your drapes open or closed when you're on vacation has raged on for years. You have to decide what's best for you, taking into account what's visible from outside your windows .Some fence-sitters in this debate leave some drapes closed and some open.
 
7. Another debate surrounds whether or not you should leave your car in the driveway. Many people feel that an observant thief will notice a car that never moves. Others think that a car on the property will convince a thief that there's someone home.
 
8. Padlock all gates which lead to your back yard. A thief won't relish the idea of trying to get back over the gate while carrying your video player and gun collection.
 
9. Get someone trustworthy to go to your home regularly to move the curtains, water your plants and do whatever yard work needs to be done. It's unlikely that your trustworthy friend will have a home-wrecking party as always happens in the movies.
 
10. Give a contact number to a neighbor or friend. This is for emergencies only.
 
11. It may seem obvious, but double check that all the doors and windows are locked.
 
12. If you have an alarm system, call the security company and let them know that you're leaving and if someone's taking care of your property, inform that too. Suggest that they send a representative to drive by your place every couple of days. (Not at a regular time, and not too slowly or obviously.)
 
13. Let the cops of the locality know your travel plans. As with the security company, they could drive by occasionally, as long as it's not too obvious.
 
14.  Get a floor safe and store your valuables there. If installed properly, it should be undetectable.
 
15.  Consider hiring a house-sitter. Having a dependable person living in your home may be your best insurance against being a robbery victim.
 
It may sound more complicated than a military exercise, but remember that you can start on your preparations well in advance of going away. Remember, it will all be worth it when you see your property retreat in your rear view mirror, secure in the knowledge that you've done everything in your power to protect your home and belongings from criminal attack.
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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Thursday, December 11, 2008

Want to Quit Smoking?

Now is the Time to Quit Smoking
 
We can only hope that the baby boomer generation will be the last one who grew up in a culture where smoking was cool and acceptable.  The health passion of baby boomers that comes out of their dislike of anything that accelerates the aging process is one of the reasons the anti smoking movement has gained strength in the last decade.  The reasons for quitting smoke are well known to anyone who has paid attention to the issue at all.
 
. Smoking reduces the life span.  For the baby boomer generation, living a long and healthy life is a way of staying young.  Smoking not only shortens the life span but it is a plague to your health in every era of life.
 
. Smoking destroys quality of life.  Simple pleasures like breathing and enjoying a fine meal are damaged because smoking dominates the lungs and taste buds.  The pleasures that make life worthwhile are rendered neutral by smoking.
 
. Smoking hurts the innocent.  Secondary smoke hurts the ones you love and it plants in children the desire to smoke in their adult lives.
 
. Smoking brings on dire diseases such as cancer and lung disease.  These diseases are deadly and they can make life in your retirement years miserable.
 
. Smoking makes you ugly.  This may be the worst crime there is to a baby boomer.  Smoking causes wrinkles and dries the skin making you look decades older than you really are.
 
The good news is that even for baby boomers who may have been smoking for decades, it's always possible to quit.  Sometimes it's easy to decide you can never beat this addiction.  But it is possible to do it.  There are some steps to getting it done which will take a while but they are proven to work.
 
. Get plenty of support.  Get your family on your side and educate them on your program.  If you commit to them you are going to do it, they can love that habit out of your system.
 
. Catalog your smoking.  Make a precise journal of exactly how many cigarettes you have every day, when you have them and even who you are with when you have them.
 
. Stabilize your usage.  Now select the 10 or 20 times each day you will have a cigarette and only let yourself have one at those allotted times.  Do this for about 2 weeks.  If you want a cigarette at another time, just promise yourself you will wait for it.
 
. Starting with week one of the quit smoking campaign, eliminate one cigarette from your routine.  Pick the easiest time not to have one.  Pick the time that is least social so you feel less pressure to go ahead and light up.  So where you may have smoked 20 cigarettes a day before, now you smoke 19 a day.  Do that for 2 weeks.  If you want a cigarette during that eliminated time, just promise yourself you can have one at the next allowed smoke break.
 
. Eliminate one cigarette from your schedule every do weeks.  18 cigarettes a day for 2 weeks, then 17, then 16 and on and on.  Keep notes.  Go from easiest time to quit to hardest.
 
. With each successful phase, have a little celebration with your friends and family.
 
. Finally you will down to one a day.  You will have scaled your dependency down to this one tiny smoke break.  You will come to that moment when you say, "Oh what's the point of having the one?"  Then you can crumple up your last pack and throw it way. 
 
The great thing about this approach is its free and you just slowly reduce your dependence by promising yourself that cigarette at the next allowed smoke time.  Stay with the same brand so your level of nicotine remains constant.  And by staying at each level for a couple of weeks, you give your body a chance to slowly get used to each reduced level until you have weaned yourself off of the dreaded weed entirely.  And when you throw that final pack away, its time for a big party. Congratulate yourself because you have quit smoking and just added years of fun and happiness and joy with your family to your life.
 
If you are still having trouble... you may want to do your own research on the various patches on the market for even additional help and support. In addition... you can log into your Mentors Club Success Library and take advantage of the great Stop Smoking self hypnosis audio for additional help & mental support. I would suggest that you listen to the audio twice a day for the first week if possible. Then at least once a day for 3 more weeks. If you can't do it twice a day... at least listen to it one time a day, every day... for a month.
 
Breaking a habit like smoking starts with a mental decision that you are going to stop no matter what your body throws at you symptom wise. You need to mentally take control of your body by realizing that any physical and mental discomfort you go through... is temporary. And by using the tools available to you in your Mentors Club Success Library will help you fight through the discomfort you feel to accomplish your quit smoking goal. You can do it if you want to bad enough. So like the commercial said... "Just Do It"
Do it today.... don't wait until New Years Day. Start NOW!  Your body will thank you for it later and so will your wallet :  )
 
Blessings,
Dr. Reggie Cochran Ph.D. DCH CPMA DD
"I became a World Champion in my field. I
can help you become a Champion in yours"



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