Broadly speaking, affiliate program seems including everything, no
matter as hot as pay per click advertising or as old as pay per
impression or pay per sale or lead marketing. So, it is true that all
businesses, no matter big or small, are making money online with
affiliate programs. The doubt is only how to select suitable affiliate
programs to make money.
What is a partner? What is an affiliate? A
partner is an associate who works with others toward a common goal. An
affiliate is a subsidiary or subordinate organization that is affiliated
with another organization. It seems the difference is there but the
basic meaning is the same – for sharing benefit.
For home base
business, affiliate programs have huge advantages: 1. no hustle and be
your own boss; 2. with low or even no cost to set up; 3. no hard task to
deal with, such as customer service, shipping or inventory management;
4. high income potential and keep running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
no holiday no stop and sales everywhere.
Based on individual
company's policy, there are some rules that do not allow you to sign up
all affiliate programs, such as PPC search engines or gambling affiliate
programs may be not compatible. Meanwhile, you may know that every
company has its minimum payout and commission rate is different.
In
my personal experience, I strongly recommend you sign up third party
for your affiliate programs. This will bring you two major advantages:
one is save your time; the other is collecting your money together.
There
is thousands of individual affiliate programs offered on the internet,
many being through third party affiliate program networks such as
Clickbank, Commission Junction Linkshare and so on. These companies
connect a large number of advertisers and publishers together via their
own network.
As a publisher, one registration gives you access to tens, even
hundreds of advertisers simultaneously. Tracking partner performance is
easy: there is only one technical support contact and easier to manage,
like only using one user id and one password. The payment is received as
your monthly revenue. Another is third party check affiliate programs'
credit and reputation.
Payment thresholds can often be fairly
high – a $50 US minimum is common for international publishers. Finally,
a payment delay of two months or more from the date of a sale/lead
generation can occur often. Not mention some affiliate programs have
been known for not fairly treat affiliate to track sales and leads
properly as honestly as they could be. Not mention some affiliate
programs announce they are not responsible for missing check. Can we ask
whether they really send check?
For those big affiliate programs, like Google AdSense, Amazon, you may participate directly with their affiliate programs.
How
should you choose an individual affiliate program? My suggestion is not
to choose a affiliate program only according to the payment scheme, but
rather according to the kind of people who are likely to visit your
website, it means relevance. For example, if you are targeting home
based business on your site, links to affiliate programs with school
recruiting program, text-books sale and the like may generate less
revenue than banners that link to paid survey companies. The most
important rule of choosing an affiliate program is to know your target
audience.
Another suggestion is not necessary to join every
single affiliate program that comes your way. Some gurus suggest that
sites that make the most money from affiliate programs are only sign up a
small amount of affiliate programs.
All Article are You need on Our Blog
Friday, December 16, 2011
Article Writing - Increase Traffic and Drive Up Your Sales
Article writing is a great way to increase the amount of traffic to your
website, more importantly increasing your exposure to the world.
Writing articles is all about getting links to your website, usually
done from within what a "resource box." Your resource box should contain
links back to your website, after someone reads your article if they
are looking for additional information on the subject they are
re-directed to your website.
Resources boxes play an important role in developing back links to your website, which are very important to search engines for ranking your site against your competition. Back links are one of the key factors that search engine use to rate your website based on relevance of a specific keyword, or topic. Creating an effective resource box will drive traffic to your website each time a reader would like additional information about the topic.
Article writing by far is the fastest way to build your back links, drive traffic to your website. Traffic is ultimately, what you want right. You did not build your website just to sit there and wait for people to stumble upon it occasionally. In addition, article writing is a fast and effective way to get your website indexed with the major search engines. When articles are published to directories that already have a lot of traffic your site is "picked" up by the search engines crawlers the next time they visit their web site, this means faster indexing and inclusion in search engines
Once you write an article you have to get it published, this is very easy to do, find article directories that are high traffic and user friendly. High traffic sites are your best option, your article spread around the internet much faster, and therefore getting you traffic faster.
The more articles that you write the more traffic you drive to your website. A good number to start with is five articles, write and publish a minimum of 5 per day, or at least 150 per month. In the right directories and distribution, you can build thousands of back links a month.
Resources boxes play an important role in developing back links to your website, which are very important to search engines for ranking your site against your competition. Back links are one of the key factors that search engine use to rate your website based on relevance of a specific keyword, or topic. Creating an effective resource box will drive traffic to your website each time a reader would like additional information about the topic.
Article writing by far is the fastest way to build your back links, drive traffic to your website. Traffic is ultimately, what you want right. You did not build your website just to sit there and wait for people to stumble upon it occasionally. In addition, article writing is a fast and effective way to get your website indexed with the major search engines. When articles are published to directories that already have a lot of traffic your site is "picked" up by the search engines crawlers the next time they visit their web site, this means faster indexing and inclusion in search engines
Once you write an article you have to get it published, this is very easy to do, find article directories that are high traffic and user friendly. High traffic sites are your best option, your article spread around the internet much faster, and therefore getting you traffic faster.
The more articles that you write the more traffic you drive to your website. A good number to start with is five articles, write and publish a minimum of 5 per day, or at least 150 per month. In the right directories and distribution, you can build thousands of back links a month.
MySpace Layouts -quick solution for fun
When a company launches their website, they look forward to feedback
from their customers and others who pass by. The main aim of having a
portal is to reach out to people across the globe and make use of modern
technology, which is why MySpace layouts has been created. Some pages
have limited information while others have pages of information,
updates, and images about the company or their products and services.
Similarly, when surfing on the net, there are many web pages we come
across; some of them are colorful while others are plain and somber
looking. The ones that are filed with colours are the ones that attract
us the most. This is because our eyes react to colours and brighten up,
an effect you can achieve by using MySpace layouts. Whereas when we see
plain white pages, which don't have anything interesting, like what's
available on MySpace layouts, we feel depressed or get serious. There
are various companies that offer some interesting background images and
icons that can be used, one of hem being MySpace layouts which is a
treasure chest for any website creator. MySpace is the parent company,
which is a social networking website that has branched out into having
their own layouts, glitter text and various other accessories to light
up a page.
MySpace layouts is the name of the site, and as the name goes, it
has a million options for your web page. There are some designs here on
MySpace layouts that are very trendy and cool looking, with vibrant
colours and interesting patterns. In case a person wishes to have a site
that reflects their creativity, but are not familiar with html tags or
how to create their own, they can use one of the MySpace layouts from
the site. Having a fun background and bright colours will help give your
page a makeover and enable increase in traffic. Job offers will also
soon start pouring in all thanks to MySpace layouts. People, who pass by
your web page, will linger for more than a minute, having seen the
colors or flowers from MySpace layouts on your site. This is one way of
grabbing attention and getting noticed.
Unlike various other sites, MySpace layouts has layouts and
backgrounds that are all pre-made and come with a unique html code. This
makes it easy for the user, they need to just copy paste this code from
MySpace layouts onto their page, and voila, watch how their site
transforms into a work of beautiful art. There will be no need to change
the content on your page to fit into the MySpace layouts background;
you simply have to change the colors to make them more visible. One
cannot have a black backdrop and a brown font colour; the text will just
not be visible.
sumber : readbud.com
Count Your Chickens Before They've Hatched.
At some stage in your life, you've probably been told not to count your
chickens before they have hatched. You were probably told to not get
your hopes up and to not expect too much - just in case you might be
disappointed. For most of us this, or some variation of it, was told to
us over and over again by well meaning, but ill informed people. From an
early age the idea of staying in an emotional "safe zone" was instilled
in most of us until it eventually became belief systems that now
control our behaviours.
We live in a culture were the predominant psychology is based in fear. The fear of loss drives and motivates most people's decisions and behaviours. From this mindset the culture invented mechanisms to protect itself and saying like "don't count your chickens before they've hatched" is but only and illustration of how the culture prepares and "grooms" us from an early age to settle for the lowest denominator. "Go for the lowest and easiest to make sure that you at least get something." "Don't expect too much, just in case you don't get anything at all." From this mindset we loose all our power; the power that is born in the belief that we are indeed worthy of all the success and all the abundance that we can possibly dream of.
Expectation is indeed one of the most powerful resources that you possess. An intense anticipation can transform possibility into reality. One of the biggest reasons why most people never get to live their dreams is because they lack the motivation to follow their dreams. The real purpose of a goal is to act like a directional mechanism that guides your life in a specific direction. A strong and exciting goal has the power to motivate and inspire you. When you fuel this goal with expectation you set in motion an unstoppable force that will give you that internal drive that will enable you to create virtually anything you desire. When you count your chickens before they've hatched you create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm that has immense power to motivate you. Success and achievement are rarely the result of your ability but rather the product of your motivation; of your ability to consistently take action on your dreams and goals.
Expectation is not the same as hope. Most people hope that one day they will get what they really want or that one day they will get lucky and all their dreams will come true. Hoping is nothing but a weak prayer. Hoping always includes success and failure while expectation is solely fixed on one single outcome. When you count your chickens before they've hatched you nurture your expectation; you make it stronger and most importantly, you make it real. It is a fixity of purpose where no one or no-thing can throw you off course. When you create that intense feeling of expectation you not only imagine having what you want but you start to create the feeling of already having it.
Whatever you expect with certainty will become your own self fulfilling prophecy. We all long for certainty on some level. For most people certainty comes from seeing and experiencing things before they "believe" it. This is why they keep re-creating and experiencing the same old things over and over again. When you use your mind, your emotions and your imagination to create the certainty within you, then anything is possible. Expectation goes beyond hoping. You want to be like the little kid on Christmas who knows that he's getting a new bike, but he has to wait until Christmas morning before he can actually feel and touch it.
Have you ever ordered something really exciting and then had to wait for it in the post? You knew you were going to get it and you anxiously await the moment of delivery. You anticipate the moment where the image in your mind's eye becomes real and where you can touch it, even though the imaginary experience felt just as real. This is what expectation really is. It is getting excited in advance. It is feeling the feelings in advance. It is the most powerful motivator there is. Expectation, fuelled by emotion, acts like a vacuum within you. It is like a thirst that forms a burning desire that you will do anything to fulfil. This is when your "should's" become "musts" and when it is a must you will get it.
With expectation you can start to transform your perception of life, especially your life. Because you no longer hope for what you want, you expect it to come along any second. There are no more doubts and no more hoping. There is only a knowing and a feeling of certainty. When you know something you can stop doubting and questioning. Now, every situation becomes an opportunity to receive your goal. Every person becomes a player in the process and every problem becomes a stepping stone towards the realization of your dreams. You have that certainty that the outcome is resolved and that you are merely in the process; waiting for "Christmas morning" to come.
You have to let go of the mentality that is based on the fear of loss; the mentality that is grounded in the belief that you are not worthy of having it all. Let go of the beliefs that you might be disappointed when you give it your all and it doesn't work out. All they do is to lock you up in a world where you never even "try" just because you might not make it. If anything you want to overestimate your abilities. Over estimate your capability. When you feel like you are running up a hill that is too steep, don't turn back and run down hill. Instead, up the prize for getting to the top. Make the reward more compelling and you will find within yourself a strength that was previously unavailable. This is how you access your real resources, those resources that lie asleep within you waiting to be called upon. Nothing of significant value has ever been created without enthusiasm.
Do whatever it takes to "count" your chickens; whatever it takes to create the feeling of already having it. If you have goals you need to start living them and the way you do that is to build your expectation. Do whatever it takes to create the feeling of already having it. Make it real. The legendary musician, Jackson Browne once said that whenever he gets nominated for an award he always expects to win, even when he is the underdog. He always prepares a victory speech. What is your victory speech? How can you prepare for what you desire most from life? What can you do to make it real? Most people plan to fail by never expecting to succeed. Remember that your results will rarely exceed your expectations.
We live in a culture were the predominant psychology is based in fear. The fear of loss drives and motivates most people's decisions and behaviours. From this mindset the culture invented mechanisms to protect itself and saying like "don't count your chickens before they've hatched" is but only and illustration of how the culture prepares and "grooms" us from an early age to settle for the lowest denominator. "Go for the lowest and easiest to make sure that you at least get something." "Don't expect too much, just in case you don't get anything at all." From this mindset we loose all our power; the power that is born in the belief that we are indeed worthy of all the success and all the abundance that we can possibly dream of.
Expectation is indeed one of the most powerful resources that you possess. An intense anticipation can transform possibility into reality. One of the biggest reasons why most people never get to live their dreams is because they lack the motivation to follow their dreams. The real purpose of a goal is to act like a directional mechanism that guides your life in a specific direction. A strong and exciting goal has the power to motivate and inspire you. When you fuel this goal with expectation you set in motion an unstoppable force that will give you that internal drive that will enable you to create virtually anything you desire. When you count your chickens before they've hatched you create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm that has immense power to motivate you. Success and achievement are rarely the result of your ability but rather the product of your motivation; of your ability to consistently take action on your dreams and goals.
Expectation is not the same as hope. Most people hope that one day they will get what they really want or that one day they will get lucky and all their dreams will come true. Hoping is nothing but a weak prayer. Hoping always includes success and failure while expectation is solely fixed on one single outcome. When you count your chickens before they've hatched you nurture your expectation; you make it stronger and most importantly, you make it real. It is a fixity of purpose where no one or no-thing can throw you off course. When you create that intense feeling of expectation you not only imagine having what you want but you start to create the feeling of already having it.
Whatever you expect with certainty will become your own self fulfilling prophecy. We all long for certainty on some level. For most people certainty comes from seeing and experiencing things before they "believe" it. This is why they keep re-creating and experiencing the same old things over and over again. When you use your mind, your emotions and your imagination to create the certainty within you, then anything is possible. Expectation goes beyond hoping. You want to be like the little kid on Christmas who knows that he's getting a new bike, but he has to wait until Christmas morning before he can actually feel and touch it.
Have you ever ordered something really exciting and then had to wait for it in the post? You knew you were going to get it and you anxiously await the moment of delivery. You anticipate the moment where the image in your mind's eye becomes real and where you can touch it, even though the imaginary experience felt just as real. This is what expectation really is. It is getting excited in advance. It is feeling the feelings in advance. It is the most powerful motivator there is. Expectation, fuelled by emotion, acts like a vacuum within you. It is like a thirst that forms a burning desire that you will do anything to fulfil. This is when your "should's" become "musts" and when it is a must you will get it.
With expectation you can start to transform your perception of life, especially your life. Because you no longer hope for what you want, you expect it to come along any second. There are no more doubts and no more hoping. There is only a knowing and a feeling of certainty. When you know something you can stop doubting and questioning. Now, every situation becomes an opportunity to receive your goal. Every person becomes a player in the process and every problem becomes a stepping stone towards the realization of your dreams. You have that certainty that the outcome is resolved and that you are merely in the process; waiting for "Christmas morning" to come.
You have to let go of the mentality that is based on the fear of loss; the mentality that is grounded in the belief that you are not worthy of having it all. Let go of the beliefs that you might be disappointed when you give it your all and it doesn't work out. All they do is to lock you up in a world where you never even "try" just because you might not make it. If anything you want to overestimate your abilities. Over estimate your capability. When you feel like you are running up a hill that is too steep, don't turn back and run down hill. Instead, up the prize for getting to the top. Make the reward more compelling and you will find within yourself a strength that was previously unavailable. This is how you access your real resources, those resources that lie asleep within you waiting to be called upon. Nothing of significant value has ever been created without enthusiasm.
Do whatever it takes to "count" your chickens; whatever it takes to create the feeling of already having it. If you have goals you need to start living them and the way you do that is to build your expectation. Do whatever it takes to create the feeling of already having it. Make it real. The legendary musician, Jackson Browne once said that whenever he gets nominated for an award he always expects to win, even when he is the underdog. He always prepares a victory speech. What is your victory speech? How can you prepare for what you desire most from life? What can you do to make it real? Most people plan to fail by never expecting to succeed. Remember that your results will rarely exceed your expectations.
Health Sanatorium
Enjoy nature at its best. Matheran is a one of its kind hill station near Mumbai,India (About 100 km. away). Matheran literally means jungle on top. All vehicles (Except emergency vehicles) are banned here. The only modes of transport are on Horseback, by man-pulled rickshaw, or on foot. Every one living in cities needs this sort of change once in a while.
Situated near Monkey point it is equidistant from Dasturi (Car park) and the Market away from the crowd where there is just you and nature. Two old heritage bungalows have been taken over and remodeled and two more bungalows have been added. All bungalows face a lush green forest. Each bungalow is divided into 2 or 3 units. The place is pure vegetarian and even alcohol is prohibited.
The units have been specially modeled for 4 people and consist of a double bed, a sofa-cum-double bed, a modern toilet, a fully equipped kitchenette and a verandah. Apart from this there is a large compound, which can be used for recreational activities. Games like carom and badminton are available.
For further details you can contact the Mumbai office situated at 204 Venkatesh chambers, Prescott Road, Fort on +91-022-22070548 (11am to 5pm on Weekdays and 11am to 1pm on Saturdays) or email at cdtrust@gmail.com. The trusts rules apply.
Note - This trust is a public charitable trust.
Finding a Cheap Car Rental When Traveling to Other Countries
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, there are many reasons to
rent a car when you reach your destination. While public transportation will
usually take you to major tourist attractions or to the centers of large cities,
relying only on trains and buses can be time-consuming. After all, you are
forced to travel according to the carriers' schedules, rather than having the
freedom to come and go as you please.
Taxis, of course, are always an option - providing you don't want to travel too far off the beaten path. If you're on holiday in Spain, for example, and decide to venture over to the Spanish coast or countryside, a taxi is out of the question and public transportation won't take you where you want to go. Indeed, a car hire is the only way to ensure that you have the flexibility to see the sights on your own timetable and on your own terms.
For those who think that renting a car in another country will be impossible or cumbersome, it's time to think again. Not only is it easy to rent a car in European countries and the U.S., but it's actually easy to find discount car rentals.
The ground rules for a car hire are basically the same across all car rental companies. For example, you typically have to be 23 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have a credit card. When you reserve a car, you normally get to choose what class of vehicle you'd like, such as compact, mid-size, full-size, or a van. However, you don't usually have the opportunity to specify make and model. Nonetheless, most car rental agencies will accommodate your wishes if they have your preferred make and model available when you pick up the vehicle.
The choice of whether or not to purchase extra insurance can be made when you collect the rental car. Before you leave for your destination, it's important to check with your own car insurance agency and see if your coverage extends to rental cars in the country you'll be visiting. If not, it's a good idea to sign up for the extra coverage.
If you'll be traveling to several different countries, it's important to understand the regulations of the car rental agency as they pertain to crossing borders. If you're in Europe, for example, most car rental agencies will allow you to drive to other European countries - providing you inform them that you're going to do so and that you buy extra insurance. The same holds true for a car rental in the USA; with advance notice, many agencies will allow you to, for example, take the car to Canada.
With all of the advantages to using a car hire while you're traveling, the one sticking point is whether or not you'll be able to find a cheap car rental. The best approach is to search online for a company that works with many different car rental agencies; they will have up-to-date information on availability, and can search for the best price available for the dates you desire. Because these online sources book so many reservations, they are able to negotiate bargain basement prices so that a traveler can find the cheap car rental that will make their holiday or business trip convenient and worry-free.
Taxis, of course, are always an option - providing you don't want to travel too far off the beaten path. If you're on holiday in Spain, for example, and decide to venture over to the Spanish coast or countryside, a taxi is out of the question and public transportation won't take you where you want to go. Indeed, a car hire is the only way to ensure that you have the flexibility to see the sights on your own timetable and on your own terms.
For those who think that renting a car in another country will be impossible or cumbersome, it's time to think again. Not only is it easy to rent a car in European countries and the U.S., but it's actually easy to find discount car rentals.
The ground rules for a car hire are basically the same across all car rental companies. For example, you typically have to be 23 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have a credit card. When you reserve a car, you normally get to choose what class of vehicle you'd like, such as compact, mid-size, full-size, or a van. However, you don't usually have the opportunity to specify make and model. Nonetheless, most car rental agencies will accommodate your wishes if they have your preferred make and model available when you pick up the vehicle.
The choice of whether or not to purchase extra insurance can be made when you collect the rental car. Before you leave for your destination, it's important to check with your own car insurance agency and see if your coverage extends to rental cars in the country you'll be visiting. If not, it's a good idea to sign up for the extra coverage.
If you'll be traveling to several different countries, it's important to understand the regulations of the car rental agency as they pertain to crossing borders. If you're in Europe, for example, most car rental agencies will allow you to drive to other European countries - providing you inform them that you're going to do so and that you buy extra insurance. The same holds true for a car rental in the USA; with advance notice, many agencies will allow you to, for example, take the car to Canada.
With all of the advantages to using a car hire while you're traveling, the one sticking point is whether or not you'll be able to find a cheap car rental. The best approach is to search online for a company that works with many different car rental agencies; they will have up-to-date information on availability, and can search for the best price available for the dates you desire. Because these online sources book so many reservations, they are able to negotiate bargain basement prices so that a traveler can find the cheap car rental that will make their holiday or business trip convenient and worry-free.
Effectively Monitor The Progress of Your Email Communications With Mail Tracking Tools!
Email has rapidly grown to rival the telephone as the centerpiece of effective communication. Although email tends to be less personal than a voice conversation, it has become a preferred means of exchanging data such as quotations, invoices, literature, references, contact information, pictures, URLs, files and many other online resources. This phenomenon has given rise to the misuse and malicious use of email.
Many of us spend countless hours weeding through Spam messages. Those with tight email filters wake up in a cold sweat wondering if that one important message got sent to the Spam folder. Even though some governments have taken steps to curb Spam, most people spend about 20 minutes a day deleting messages offering better mortgage rates, free vacations or cheap Viagra. It is no wonder that many businesses are turning to email tracking services to ensure that their valuable information is being delivered to the right person and read.
I am sure you would not be surprised that not every email that you send is received or read by the intended recipient. There are many reasons for these lost communication nuggets including Spam filtering, overloaded inbox, forwarding rules or simple avoidance. The solution is email tracking!
What is email tracking?
Email tracking is a means of ensuring that your email is matched with its intended recipient. It utilizes secure, digitally time-stamped certificates to reveal the exact time and date that your e-mail was received – and read.
Additional notification options may include how long it was read for, who read it, the approximate physical location of the reader, whether or not your email was forwarded to someone else, what kind of computer was used to read it, what file formats the reader can accept (eg. PDF, MS Word, Excel), whether or not your email has been published on the Internet and countless other tracking mechanisms.
Why track your email?
Many businesses find it imperative to determine if prospective customers receive and read their messages from email promotions, request for quotations or product information. Email tracking is the most effective way of identifying whether the campaign was effective. Sales managers often wonder if their sales representatives are being thorough in their email communication. Email tracking provides a tool for accountability. Special reports can identify number of messages sent and amount of time spent by the recipient reading the message.
What if you sent a quotation with the wrong numbers? If the email has not been read, you may even be able to retract or delete the email. Some tracking services even allow you to create self-destruct or email that can be retracted after a period of time. If the email is never opened or assumed to be lost, you could retract the old message and/or send a new message.
Tagging messages and watching their progress adds to secure communications. Many medical, law enforcement and legal firms utilize this service to enhance security of sensitive information. Email tracking helps ensure information is read by the right person!
Some companies may opt to set up their own servers in order to keep control internally and others may use an online service. Both options are available from a number of providers. I recently visited www.mailtracking.com to take a test drive. It was very simple to use this service.
Do you want to try email tracking yourself?
Simply get a free account at www.mailtracking.com (or another free email tracking competitor) and start sending your emails with an added extension .mailtracking.com. Therefore, if you want to send a tracked message to jdoe@hotmail.com, you simply add the extension as follows jdoe@hotmail.com.mailtracking.com. As the email message travels across the world wide web, you will get notification of its various stages.
Eliminate Common Problems in Writing Articles
Before writing an article, have you ever felt overwhelmed by a blank sensation, not knowing where to start?
...I'll bet you have!
This checklist should help you eliminate some common problems in writing articles:
1. Have a specific purpose in mind.
Always
have a specific purpose in mind before you begin writing: you should be
crystal clear about what are you hoping to accomplish by writing your
article.
Is it an article clarifying an issue for your customers, to attract prospects, to improve the link popularity for your website?
2. Know your target population.
Before
writing an article, conduct research on the target population. What are
their experience, their interest, and their wants in the chosen topic?
What pain or problem do they try to avoid?
3. Develop a detailed outline first, stressing on the benefits.
Now
that you have a purpose and a target, organize your article so that
scanning it quickly will show immediately to your reader how he will
benefit from it and what are the most important points.
4. Stop your reader in his tracks with your title.
Your
title should grab the reader's attention and 'force' him to read your
first paragraph. Using your most important benefit usually does it.
5. Start your article with the most important information
Again, do not keep your most important information for the
conclusion! Give it immediately and develop on it in the following
paragraphs.
6. Keep jargon to a minimum.
If possible, avoid jargon as well as prejudices and insinuations. Write your article so that even a child can understand it.
7. Make your article warm and personal.
Speak direct to the reader. Use a lot of 'you'.
Reading your article, the reader should feel warmth and empathy, knowing that you have the same problems and goals than him.
8. Keep sentences short and simple.
Using short and simple sentences will allow a fluid and easy reading, preventing your reader to get bored.
9. Have someone from the target population critique your article.
Who can give you a better feedback than someone from your target population? It will help you
10. Spend more time rewriting than writing.
Besides
formatting your article for easy reading and nice presentation, be sure
to use tools or an external editor to carefully proofread your writing
for grammatical and spelling errors.
Remember that the more
writing you do, the better you will get. After sometimes, when you are
in the habit of writing, article writing will not seem as difficult as
now!
Change Your Mind; Change Your Luck
When I was a young man, even a teenager for that matter, I always had an
optimism that was hard for others to overcome. Even in the midst of the
all the negative influences from family and peers, this positive
optimism was difficult to beat down. I was powerful, I was lucky, life
was magic. I remember it like it was yesterday.
It didn't matter how many times I was chased home. It didn't matter how many times the girls bullied me. It didn't matter how many times my father beat me. It didn't matter how many times the teachers picked on me. I just knew; This is not it! There is more greatness to come!
When I was kicked out and made to join the military, I wasn't feeling particularly lucky at that time but I still had that positive attitude. Sure there was grief, and I knew, I just knew that there were still great things to come. I did my military service and got out and that pervasive optimism, while struggling for a while arose and pulled me into the most amazing journey within another set of circumstances that saw many wonderful things happen.
As I remember, my body begins to remember. There is an energy that lives inside the memory, it's not just the mind. I am lucky. Life is good. Great things will happen. This is exciting. What next? Bring it on. Even when the bad stuff happens, it's acceptance was easy. "Okay, that's okay, this will pass and even greater things are coming." That's all I had to say. More often than not, these statements have proven true, time and time again.
It's the power of your mind and body. The power of belief. The power of faith. The power of trusting. It's inside - not outside. Energize yourself, your body, your mind, keep checknig in, keeping boosting yourself. It's a game and so is life. There are no winners and losers; just you. Abundance is everywhere, there is plenty of love, money, opportunities, peace, and more to go around! Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.
I'm writing this today from the memory that has come alive in my body, not just a mind-memory. The outcome has been new friends, new opportunities, new clients, new energy, new aliveness, joy, and happiness. Not just with life - even more - with me, my purpose, my talent and gifts, and the embracing of this knowledge and truth.
If you find yourself strugglnig with those truths of yourself, look at the negative influences that pull you from peace and eliminate them from your life. Better to be alone and soar like an eagle than to be in the company of oppressors and jealousy that robs you of your magic, your inspiration, your value, your purpose, and your life.
A victim no longer, take responsibility for the choices, the people, the actions, that are keeping you prisoner to your fears. Time for freedom, for love, for magic, for purpose and passion. Live out loud! Love freely!
It didn't matter how many times I was chased home. It didn't matter how many times the girls bullied me. It didn't matter how many times my father beat me. It didn't matter how many times the teachers picked on me. I just knew; This is not it! There is more greatness to come!
When I was kicked out and made to join the military, I wasn't feeling particularly lucky at that time but I still had that positive attitude. Sure there was grief, and I knew, I just knew that there were still great things to come. I did my military service and got out and that pervasive optimism, while struggling for a while arose and pulled me into the most amazing journey within another set of circumstances that saw many wonderful things happen.
As I remember, my body begins to remember. There is an energy that lives inside the memory, it's not just the mind. I am lucky. Life is good. Great things will happen. This is exciting. What next? Bring it on. Even when the bad stuff happens, it's acceptance was easy. "Okay, that's okay, this will pass and even greater things are coming." That's all I had to say. More often than not, these statements have proven true, time and time again.
It's the power of your mind and body. The power of belief. The power of faith. The power of trusting. It's inside - not outside. Energize yourself, your body, your mind, keep checknig in, keeping boosting yourself. It's a game and so is life. There are no winners and losers; just you. Abundance is everywhere, there is plenty of love, money, opportunities, peace, and more to go around! Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.
I'm writing this today from the memory that has come alive in my body, not just a mind-memory. The outcome has been new friends, new opportunities, new clients, new energy, new aliveness, joy, and happiness. Not just with life - even more - with me, my purpose, my talent and gifts, and the embracing of this knowledge and truth.
If you find yourself strugglnig with those truths of yourself, look at the negative influences that pull you from peace and eliminate them from your life. Better to be alone and soar like an eagle than to be in the company of oppressors and jealousy that robs you of your magic, your inspiration, your value, your purpose, and your life.
A victim no longer, take responsibility for the choices, the people, the actions, that are keeping you prisoner to your fears. Time for freedom, for love, for magic, for purpose and passion. Live out loud! Love freely!
Star Trek (Season 2) DVD Review
Recipient of four Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Dramatic
Series on two occasions in its short three-year run, Star Trek is a
science-fiction legend among television viewers. The creation of former
Los Angeles police officer Gene Roddenberry, the series first aired in
Fall 1966 but was cancelled because of low ratings. It might have been
NBC executives who were really responsible for the low ratings seeing as
how they placed the show in a horrible time slot. Nevertheless, when
Star Trek became syndicated, the reruns took hold of an entirely new
generation, shooting the Star Trek franchise to new highs. It would be
only the beginning of decades of spin-off products, including comics,
novels, six feature films, and tons of merchandise as fans clamored for
everything Star Trek-related…
The Star Trek (Season 2) DVD features a number of action-packed episodes including the season premiere "Amok Time" in which Spock begins to exhibit strange and irrational characteristics. Concerned, Kirk orders a full medical examination and learns that Spock is experiencing the instinctual mating patterns of a Vulcan and must return to his home planet immediately in order to avoid death. When they arrive, Spock's chosen mate challenges the pairing, prompting a duel between Spock and the man of her choosing. Kirk is chosen, and he and Spock are forced to fight to the death… Other notable episodes from Season 2 include "Metamorphosis" in which the Enterprise encounters a mysterious force known as The Companion which is in love with a human, and "Patterns of Force" in which the crew of the Enterprise visits a planet resembling the society of 20th Century Nazi Germany…
Below is a list of episodes included on the Star Trek (Season 2) DVD:
Episode 30 (Amok Time) Air Date: 09-15-1967
Episode 31 (Who Mourns for Adonais?) Air Date: 09-22-1967
Episode 32 (The Changeling) Air Date: 09-29-1967
Episode 33 (Mirror, Mirror) Air Date: 10-06-1967
Episode 34 (The Apple) Air Date: 10-13-1967
Episode 35 (The Doomsday Machine) Air Date: 10-20-1967
Episode 36 (Catspaw) Air Date: 10-27-1967
Episode 37 (I, Mudd) Air Date: 11-03-1967
Episode 38 (Metamorphosis) Air Date: 11-10-1967
Episode 39 (Journey to Babel) Air Date: 11-17-1967
Episode 40 (Friday's Child) Air Date: 12-01-1967
Episode 41 (The Deadly Years) Air Date: 12-08-1967
Episode 42 (Obsession) Air Date: 12-15-1967
Episode 43 (Wolf in the Fold) Air Date: 12-22-1967
Episode 44 (The Trouble with Tribbles) Air Date: 12-29-1967
Episode 45 (The Gamesters of Triskelion) Air Date: 01-05-1968
Episode 46 (A Piece of the Action) Air Date: 01-12-1968
Episode 47 (The Immunity Syndrome) Air Date: 01-19-1968
Episode 48 (A Private Little War) Air Date: 02-02-1968
Episode 49 (Return to Tomorrow) Air Date: 02-09-1968
Episode 50 (Patterns of Force) Air Date: 02-16-1968
Episode 51 (By Any Other Name) Air Date: 02-23-1968
Episode 52 (The Omega Glory) Air Date: 03-01-1968
Episode 53 (The Ultimate Computer) Air Date: 03-08-1968
Episode 54 (Bread and Circuses) Air Date: 03-15-1968
Episode 55 (Assignment: Earth) Air Date: 03-29-1968
The Star Trek (Season 2) DVD features a number of action-packed episodes including the season premiere "Amok Time" in which Spock begins to exhibit strange and irrational characteristics. Concerned, Kirk orders a full medical examination and learns that Spock is experiencing the instinctual mating patterns of a Vulcan and must return to his home planet immediately in order to avoid death. When they arrive, Spock's chosen mate challenges the pairing, prompting a duel between Spock and the man of her choosing. Kirk is chosen, and he and Spock are forced to fight to the death… Other notable episodes from Season 2 include "Metamorphosis" in which the Enterprise encounters a mysterious force known as The Companion which is in love with a human, and "Patterns of Force" in which the crew of the Enterprise visits a planet resembling the society of 20th Century Nazi Germany…
Below is a list of episodes included on the Star Trek (Season 2) DVD:
Episode 30 (Amok Time) Air Date: 09-15-1967
Episode 31 (Who Mourns for Adonais?) Air Date: 09-22-1967
Episode 32 (The Changeling) Air Date: 09-29-1967
Episode 33 (Mirror, Mirror) Air Date: 10-06-1967
Episode 34 (The Apple) Air Date: 10-13-1967
Episode 35 (The Doomsday Machine) Air Date: 10-20-1967
Episode 36 (Catspaw) Air Date: 10-27-1967
Episode 37 (I, Mudd) Air Date: 11-03-1967
Episode 38 (Metamorphosis) Air Date: 11-10-1967
Episode 39 (Journey to Babel) Air Date: 11-17-1967
Episode 40 (Friday's Child) Air Date: 12-01-1967
Episode 41 (The Deadly Years) Air Date: 12-08-1967
Episode 42 (Obsession) Air Date: 12-15-1967
Episode 43 (Wolf in the Fold) Air Date: 12-22-1967
Episode 44 (The Trouble with Tribbles) Air Date: 12-29-1967
Episode 45 (The Gamesters of Triskelion) Air Date: 01-05-1968
Episode 46 (A Piece of the Action) Air Date: 01-12-1968
Episode 47 (The Immunity Syndrome) Air Date: 01-19-1968
Episode 48 (A Private Little War) Air Date: 02-02-1968
Episode 49 (Return to Tomorrow) Air Date: 02-09-1968
Episode 50 (Patterns of Force) Air Date: 02-16-1968
Episode 51 (By Any Other Name) Air Date: 02-23-1968
Episode 52 (The Omega Glory) Air Date: 03-01-1968
Episode 53 (The Ultimate Computer) Air Date: 03-08-1968
Episode 54 (Bread and Circuses) Air Date: 03-15-1968
Episode 55 (Assignment: Earth) Air Date: 03-29-1968
Plan Your Next Party Like A Pro
"By following simple party- planning rules, you can plan a fabulous bash in very little time," said Jessica Landy Raymond, a planning expert for Evite. "Your guests will be so impressed, they'll think you hired a pro!"
Organization is essential for seamlessly planning a great social event. Evite has helped millions of hosts plan successful events and offers these tips to take the hassle out of party planning:
1. Choose an event theme-A good theme ensures that guests interact with one another. A great theme-such as a barbecue luau, beach party, '70s-inspired disco, masquerade ball or poker night- will make your party unforgettable.
2. Create an event checklist-Be sure everything gets done on time with a comprehensive to-do list that includes everything from determining an overall budget and selecting an event date to choosing the perfect venue and making a guest list. For tips and sample checklists, check out Evite's Party Checklist.
3. Bring the theme to life-Pull all the pieces of the party together neatly by selecting invitations, decorations, activities and music that complement your theme.
4. Plan the food and beverage menu-The event theme should inspire your menu and beverages. Make sure you have enough food and drink for your guests by consulting recipes and drink calculators during the planning process. For help, try Evite's Drink Calculator and Party Menus & Recipes
5. Relax and enjoy the event!-Remember, the number-one party-planning tip is to not stress about any little things that go wrong. Everyone is there for a good time, and the host should be, too!
Tapping into online party-planning resources is a simple and easy way to fulfill all your planning "to dos."
Star Trek: The Next Generation (DVD) Review
Nominated for 58 Emmys, including one for Outstanding Drama Series, Star
Trek: The Next Generation fulfilled all the potential and promise
anticipated of a long-awaited successor to the original 1960s series -
Star Trek. Created by a former L.A. police officer, Gene Roddenberry,
the Star Trek TV series morphed into a franchise famous for the
unprecedented fanatical devotion of its audience. Lasting only three
seasons during its original network run, Star Trek struck gold with its
syndicated reruns, launching a number of motion pictures featuring the
original cast as well as novels, comic books, collectibles, and reams of
Star Trek-related memorabilia. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)
became the first TV series to follow on the heels of the original, and
its success would spark the creation of three additional series - Star
Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993), Star Trek: Voyager (1995), and Star Trek:
Enterprise (2001). But The Next Generation remained the most popular
spin-off. Despite new characters and new episodes, the mission remained
the same as before - "to boldly go where no man has gone before…" And to
continue the rich tradition of the Star Trek name - a mission Star
Trek: The Next Generation accomplishes with relative ease…
Star Trek: The Next Generation takes place in the 24th Century, almost one-hundred years after Captain Kirk's crew set out to explore strange new worlds. Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart - I Claudius) commands the USS Enterprise-D and its diverse crew of humans, cyborgs, and varying life forms. Accompanying him on his voyage is an entirely new cast of passengers and crew including Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes - North & South), Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Lt. Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby), Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and her son Ensign Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton)… Together, they struggle against numerous obstacles to carry out the mission of the USS Enterprise: "To explore strange new worlds… To seek out new life; new civilizations… To boldly go where no one has gone before!" This pioneering attitude, coupled with imaginative and brilliantly-produced alien worlds, provides Star Trek with its unique allure and special place within American pop culture - especially those episodes from the original series, widely regarded as the most popular of the Star Trek franchise…
The Star Trek: The Next Generation DVD features a number of exciting episodes including the series premiere "Encounter at Farpoint" in which the newly built USS Enterprise-D, commanded by Capt. Jean Luc Picard, is tasked with its first mission - to explore the area in and around Farpoint Station. But while carrying out their mission, the crew and passengers encounter a powerful life form known only as "Q". The being accuses the human race of high crimes against the galaxy, and he threatens to destroy all of humanity. Now, Capt. Picard and his crew must think fast, or else risk total annihilation… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "The Battle" in which a mind-control device placed of a former ship of Capt. Picard forces him to re-live a battle from his past (with the USS Enterprise as the target!), and "Coming of Age" in which Wesley takes the Starfleet Academy entrance exam while Capt. Picard turns down a promotion in order to stay with the Enterprise
Below is a list of episodes included on the Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 1) DVD:
Episode 1 (Encounter at Farpoint: Part 1) Air Date: 09-28-1987
Episode 2 (Encounter at Farpoint: Part 2) Air Date: 09-28-1987
Episode 3 (The Naked Now) Air Date: 10-05-1987
Episode 4 (Code of Honor) Air Date: 10-12-1987
Episode 5 (The Last Outpost) Air Date: 10-19-1987
Episode 6 (Where No One Has Gone Before) Air Date: 10-26-1987
Episode 7 (Lonely Among Us) Air Date: 11-02-1987
Episode 8 (Justice) Air Date: 11-09-1987
Episode 9 (The Battle) Air Date: 11-16-1987
Episode 10 (Hide and Q) Air Date: 11-23-1987
Episode 11 (Haven) Air Date: 11-30-1987
Episode 12 (The Big Goodbye) Air Date: 01-11-1988
Episode 13 (Datalore) Air Date: 01-18-1988
Episode 14 (Angel One) Air Date: 01-25-1988
Episode 15 (11001001) Air Date: 02-01-1988
Episode 16 (Too Short a Season) Air Date: 02-08-1988
Episode 17 (When the Bough Breaks) Air Date: 02-15-1988
Episode 18 (Home Soil) Air Date: 02-22-1988
Episode 19 (Coming of Age) Air Date: 03-14-1988
Episode 20 (Heart of Glory) Air Date: 03-21-1988
Episode 21 (The Arsenal of Freedom) Air Date: 04-11-1988
Episode 22 (Symbiosis) Air Date: 04-18-1988
Episode 23 (Skin of Evil) Air Date: 04-25-1988
Episode 24 (We'll Always Have Paris) Air Date: 05-02-1988
Episode 25 (Conspiracy) Air Date: 05-09-1988
Episode 26 (The Neutral Zone) Air Date: 05-16-1988
Star Trek: The Next Generation takes place in the 24th Century, almost one-hundred years after Captain Kirk's crew set out to explore strange new worlds. Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart - I Claudius) commands the USS Enterprise-D and its diverse crew of humans, cyborgs, and varying life forms. Accompanying him on his voyage is an entirely new cast of passengers and crew including Commander William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes - North & South), Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), Lt. Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby), Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and her son Ensign Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton)… Together, they struggle against numerous obstacles to carry out the mission of the USS Enterprise: "To explore strange new worlds… To seek out new life; new civilizations… To boldly go where no one has gone before!" This pioneering attitude, coupled with imaginative and brilliantly-produced alien worlds, provides Star Trek with its unique allure and special place within American pop culture - especially those episodes from the original series, widely regarded as the most popular of the Star Trek franchise…
The Star Trek: The Next Generation DVD features a number of exciting episodes including the series premiere "Encounter at Farpoint" in which the newly built USS Enterprise-D, commanded by Capt. Jean Luc Picard, is tasked with its first mission - to explore the area in and around Farpoint Station. But while carrying out their mission, the crew and passengers encounter a powerful life form known only as "Q". The being accuses the human race of high crimes against the galaxy, and he threatens to destroy all of humanity. Now, Capt. Picard and his crew must think fast, or else risk total annihilation… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "The Battle" in which a mind-control device placed of a former ship of Capt. Picard forces him to re-live a battle from his past (with the USS Enterprise as the target!), and "Coming of Age" in which Wesley takes the Starfleet Academy entrance exam while Capt. Picard turns down a promotion in order to stay with the Enterprise
Below is a list of episodes included on the Star Trek: The Next Generation (Season 1) DVD:
Episode 1 (Encounter at Farpoint: Part 1) Air Date: 09-28-1987
Episode 2 (Encounter at Farpoint: Part 2) Air Date: 09-28-1987
Episode 3 (The Naked Now) Air Date: 10-05-1987
Episode 4 (Code of Honor) Air Date: 10-12-1987
Episode 5 (The Last Outpost) Air Date: 10-19-1987
Episode 6 (Where No One Has Gone Before) Air Date: 10-26-1987
Episode 7 (Lonely Among Us) Air Date: 11-02-1987
Episode 8 (Justice) Air Date: 11-09-1987
Episode 9 (The Battle) Air Date: 11-16-1987
Episode 10 (Hide and Q) Air Date: 11-23-1987
Episode 11 (Haven) Air Date: 11-30-1987
Episode 12 (The Big Goodbye) Air Date: 01-11-1988
Episode 13 (Datalore) Air Date: 01-18-1988
Episode 14 (Angel One) Air Date: 01-25-1988
Episode 15 (11001001) Air Date: 02-01-1988
Episode 16 (Too Short a Season) Air Date: 02-08-1988
Episode 17 (When the Bough Breaks) Air Date: 02-15-1988
Episode 18 (Home Soil) Air Date: 02-22-1988
Episode 19 (Coming of Age) Air Date: 03-14-1988
Episode 20 (Heart of Glory) Air Date: 03-21-1988
Episode 21 (The Arsenal of Freedom) Air Date: 04-11-1988
Episode 22 (Symbiosis) Air Date: 04-18-1988
Episode 23 (Skin of Evil) Air Date: 04-25-1988
Episode 24 (We'll Always Have Paris) Air Date: 05-02-1988
Episode 25 (Conspiracy) Air Date: 05-09-1988
Episode 26 (The Neutral Zone) Air Date: 05-16-1988
Oz (DVD) Review
Nominated for 2 Emmys, including Best Casting for a Series, Oz is widely
regarded as one of the best prison dramas ever created. The brainchild
of creator Tom Fontana (former writer for such hit TV shows as Homicide:
Life On The Streets and St. Elsewhere), Oz was one of a number of a
highly successful HBO original series to premiere in the 1990s, keeping
good company among such shows as Sex And The City and The Sopranos.
Premiering in mid-summer 1997, Oz quickly built a large and loyal
following of voyeuristic viewers hypnotized by the series' vivid
depiction of no-holds-barred prison life. Following six critically
acclaimed seasons, Oz was cancelled in early 2003, but lives on via DVD…
Oz is the street name for the Oswald State Penitentary, a rough and hardened prison where survival of the fittest is the prevailing law. But the focus of Oz is Level 5, an experimental cell block deemed "Emerald City" that's managed by Unit Administrator Tim McManus (Terry Kinney) and thick-skinned Warden Leo Glynn (Ernie Hudson). One of the prisoners, wheelchair-bound convicted murderer Augustus Hill (Harold Perrineau Jr. of Lost) narrates for the viewer, tying together the various storylines that play out within the prison. In an atmosphere of well-governed anarchy, prisoners come and go (some paroled; some murdered), prison guards uphold their duty (while some are corrupt), and various groups (such as Muslims, Aryans, Latinos, Italians, gangstas, gays, etc.) compete for power over each other and over the prevalent drug trade rampant within the walls of Oz. Tobias "Toby" Beecher (Lee Tergesen) plays the "everyday man," having been convicted for manslaughter while driving drunk, and his character's experiences force the viewer to place himself in the shoes of the inmate. Other notable characters include Prisoner Miguel Alvarez (Kirk Acevedo), Prisoner Bob Rebadow (George Morfogen), Prisoner Vernon Schillinger (J.K. Simmons), Prisoner Kareem Said (Eamonn Walker), Prisoner Tony Masters (Steven Wishnoff), Officer Diane Whittlesey (Edie Falco of The Sopranos), and Father Ray Mukada (B.D. Wong of Law & Order: SVU). Together, they form a solid cast that makes Oz one of the best original cable dramas ever produced…
The Oz DVD features a number of dramatic episodes including the series premiere "The Routine" in which viewers are introduced to the newest crop of inmates to enter Oz (…ala Shawshank Redemption). Among them are Miguel Alvarez (who is promptly stabbed in the chest), Kareem Said (a respected Muslim leader who lets it be known that he now rules the prison), and Tobias Beecher (an out-of-place lawyer incarcerated for killing a little girl while driving drunk). As the newest inmates become acclimated to life in Oz, they also learn that "the routine" and not the omnipresent violence is what will ultimately kill their souls… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "God's Chillin'" in which, among other things, some corrupt guards arrange and videotape a makeshift gladiator fight between inmates, and "A Game of Checkers" in which a prison riot breaks out when some inmates begin fighting over a game of checkers…
Below is a list of episodes included on the Oz (Season 1) DVD:
Episode 1 (The Routine) Air Date: 07-12-1997
Episode 2 (Visits, Conjugal, and Otherwise) Air Date: 07-14-1997
Episode 3 (God's Chillin') Air Date: 07-21-1997
Episode 4 (Capital P) Air Date: 07-28-1997
Episode 5 (Straight Life) Air Date: 08-04-1997
Episode 6 (To Your Health) Air Date: 08-11-1997
Episode 7 (Plan B) Air Date: 08-18-1997
Episode 8 (A Game of Checkers) Air Date: 08-25-1997
Oz is the street name for the Oswald State Penitentary, a rough and hardened prison where survival of the fittest is the prevailing law. But the focus of Oz is Level 5, an experimental cell block deemed "Emerald City" that's managed by Unit Administrator Tim McManus (Terry Kinney) and thick-skinned Warden Leo Glynn (Ernie Hudson). One of the prisoners, wheelchair-bound convicted murderer Augustus Hill (Harold Perrineau Jr. of Lost) narrates for the viewer, tying together the various storylines that play out within the prison. In an atmosphere of well-governed anarchy, prisoners come and go (some paroled; some murdered), prison guards uphold their duty (while some are corrupt), and various groups (such as Muslims, Aryans, Latinos, Italians, gangstas, gays, etc.) compete for power over each other and over the prevalent drug trade rampant within the walls of Oz. Tobias "Toby" Beecher (Lee Tergesen) plays the "everyday man," having been convicted for manslaughter while driving drunk, and his character's experiences force the viewer to place himself in the shoes of the inmate. Other notable characters include Prisoner Miguel Alvarez (Kirk Acevedo), Prisoner Bob Rebadow (George Morfogen), Prisoner Vernon Schillinger (J.K. Simmons), Prisoner Kareem Said (Eamonn Walker), Prisoner Tony Masters (Steven Wishnoff), Officer Diane Whittlesey (Edie Falco of The Sopranos), and Father Ray Mukada (B.D. Wong of Law & Order: SVU). Together, they form a solid cast that makes Oz one of the best original cable dramas ever produced…
The Oz DVD features a number of dramatic episodes including the series premiere "The Routine" in which viewers are introduced to the newest crop of inmates to enter Oz (…ala Shawshank Redemption). Among them are Miguel Alvarez (who is promptly stabbed in the chest), Kareem Said (a respected Muslim leader who lets it be known that he now rules the prison), and Tobias Beecher (an out-of-place lawyer incarcerated for killing a little girl while driving drunk). As the newest inmates become acclimated to life in Oz, they also learn that "the routine" and not the omnipresent violence is what will ultimately kill their souls… Other notable episodes from Season 1 include "God's Chillin'" in which, among other things, some corrupt guards arrange and videotape a makeshift gladiator fight between inmates, and "A Game of Checkers" in which a prison riot breaks out when some inmates begin fighting over a game of checkers…
Below is a list of episodes included on the Oz (Season 1) DVD:
Episode 1 (The Routine) Air Date: 07-12-1997
Episode 2 (Visits, Conjugal, and Otherwise) Air Date: 07-14-1997
Episode 3 (God's Chillin') Air Date: 07-21-1997
Episode 4 (Capital P) Air Date: 07-28-1997
Episode 5 (Straight Life) Air Date: 08-04-1997
Episode 6 (To Your Health) Air Date: 08-11-1997
Episode 7 (Plan B) Air Date: 08-18-1997
Episode 8 (A Game of Checkers) Air Date: 08-25-1997
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