New Media Podcasting

Are you looking to expand your demographic reach? There is a huge untapped market that you need to reach: owners of iPods and iPhones. This is a huge market with such technology-savvy kids as Generation We, also known as Generation Y. This generation is born from 1982 on. When you target this generation you are targeting adults as well as youth. This generation has a strong influence over the Baby Buster and the Baby Boomer generation.

Podcasts are being viewed on subways, in cars, while standing in lineups, on the bus, libraries, on motorcycles, lunch breaks, during a workout, and in restaurants. They are becoming an alternative to reading the newspaper. Podcasts are like a mini TV, they can be viewed on the go and they fit in the palm of your hand.

Podcasts, like videos, are used to advertise your business, services, book, talk about current events, conduct interviews, and brand your image. Authors, Speakers, Presenters, Coaches, Actors, Business Owners and Teachers all know the power of video. Podcast is just another medium to display your video.

Worries are increasing daily about our environment and our excessive use of paper. Will podcasts replace magazines and newspapers?

Do you want to learn more about how to Podcast? Yvonne Wu has created this eBook that gives Step by Step Podcasting Instruction.

Podcasting Basics Step by Step teaches beginners how to podcast. It is a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide.

Do you want to create podcasts and do not know where to start? Are you marketing your book? Are you looking to view podcasts on your handheld device? Do you want to expand your demographic reach?

The how to's of podcasting

Topics include how to create audio, how to create a feed, installation, and how to promote your podcast.

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Making Audio Portable - Repurposing to a Podcast

Audio from webinars or teleseminars and even audio/visuals from a spectacular presentation can be repurposed into a podcast.

So what really is a podcast? A podcast is nothing more than time-shifted content.

We could teach you step by step on how to create a podcast, but that would be a very long series of articles. So what we are going to do is give you a method of finding the answer.

First, a brief outline of how to repurpose audio content into a podcast. To repurpose content into a podcast, take a teleseminar that's live, chop it up, put it into a podcast, upload it into iTunes or have it as a digital download for your students to create a channel with and they get to listen to you that way.

hat's a digital download and how does that work?

Here's what to do, go to Google.com; and type in quotations how to create a podcast. Open quotation "how to create a podcast" closed quotation.

When you do that in Google, the quotations mean that's just what I'm looking for, all you're doing is speaking with Google. You're saying, how do I create a podcast? Guess what? It's going to give you how to create a podcast.

An additional tip: When your article is titled with a command, which it should be, then you'll come up number one on Google. It's a great way to generate more traffic.

The first organic search result is how to create your own podcast, a step-by-step tutorial.

This is from About.com, how to create your own podcast; a step-by-step method by Corey Deitz, your guide to radio free newsletter.

He says, "Why is radio guide writing about podcasting? It's very clear to me that Internet couples with personal technology like iPods and mp3 players have employed everyone with a new voice while redefining what radio is in the 21st Century from both a technical and distribution sense. Although I love traditional radio I'm also willing to embrace new paradigms."

So should you. o A podcast is an audio file you create in mp3 format. o It contains your own radio show or information content.

By the way, isn't a teleseminar played over the Internet; an Internet radio show?

o You upload this audio/video with an RSS feed.

RSS stands for really simple syndication to a server.

o They listen to it at their convenience on their iPod, mp3 player or other device.

Don't let things like RSS files, server, or mp3 format scare you; this is what the author is saying. We're not going to show you exactly how to do it in the simplest terms, but by the time we're done you'll be podcasting to the world.

How do you repurpose content into a podcast?

Start with a teleseminar. A teleseminar could be 60-70 minutes of live audio content. It's passive and live, which makes it world-class so you avoid humiliation, because people will be listening to it live. You don't have three to five takes like you do with movies or in studio audio.

Then chop that up into 10-20 minutes segments. 10 minute segments are great because it's easier to listen to, especially if it's just quick tips in your teleseminar.

If you had five tips that's five 10-minute tips; you have the beginning, the end and then five 10-minute tips. Make sure when you have a teleseminar that you set it up for repurposing.

Always have numbered tips. These are the 12 most powerful tips to... or these are the 10 biggest mistakes that...that's basically a one-hour call. If I have 21 tips that's a two-hour call and if it's 37 tips, that's a three hour call. With 50 tips that's a four-hour call; you can't get 50 tips and talk about them completely in an hour.

You can also create a podcast with video. You can download video to your iPod. There's video music, and there's video/audio we're talking about learning information products not music, but learning product that you can bring down via an RSS podcast.

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Infopreneur Q & A - Podcast Or Teleseminar - Which is Better?

Question:

I do teleseminars, would a podcast be better? If so, why?

Answer:

It's not so much that one is any better or any worse than the other; it's just another way of delivering your knowledge to your target market. In my opinion, you should have both to appeal to different attention spans and levels of interest.

A podcast usually is a lot shorter--typically 5-10 minutes, sometimes as much as 20 minutes. Most teleseminars run about an hour.

The podcast is usually an ongoing series that's perceived as a show (in fact some will refer to them as an internet radio show), except as the controller and creator of your information, you can't get canceled by the short-sighted networks! A teleseminar is a form of training that is often just a one-time event, a once a month event or perhaps a few weeks in duration (often referred to as a telecourse).

An internet radio show can also be distributed via some unique delivery mechanisms that are only open to podcasters. However, you can edit down your teleseminar, or divide it into multiple shows if you like--no need to reinvent the wheel!

Both forms of content can be freebies used to encourage listeners to join your opt-in list and build your business indirectly, or paid information products and services that can build your bank account directly. Infopreneurs need both types of offerings.

Both audio programs will also help you establish a more personal connection with your audience as they hear your voice including your emotion and passion for your topic that doesn't always come through in writing. A seminar delivered by phone can be more interactive if you choose to do so by inviting live questions.

You have to determine your marketing and information product and service strategy and plan, and do what's right for you, but that's my two cents on it.

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How to Get Podcast Directory Exposure and Podcast Directory Listings

Here are the tools that you'll use to increase your podcast directory exposure:

1. A compelling pod cast title 2. A keyword-rich description and subtitle 3. The keywords in your feed 4. Carefully chosen directory categories

Have you spent some time browsing the podcast directories trying to look for new shows to listen to? I say "trying," because you've probably noticed how tough it can be to find something you like. Sure, they have categories, ratings and searches to help you, but sometimes you're just left staring at a list of names with no idea of what to listen to first. This is where a good title can really help a podcast stand out. Consider that the name of your podcast may be the first and only exposure a potential listener has to your podcast.

Your title only has a few seconds to accomplish two goals:

1. Give the listener an idea of what your show is about 2. Entice him to click and give it a try

This requires choosing a title that is meaningful, but still creative and compelling. The right mixture of these two elements will depend on your niche audience.

Example: As show about diabetes diets with a Show Title "You Are What You Eat" may be cool sounding and an age old adage that is recognizable, but "Diabetes Easy Diets" gets to the point and alerts the searcher as to exactly what the pod cast is about. Plus it contains the 2 primary keywords that show host wants to be found under.

However there is something to be said for the use of phrases that are used by or germane to a specific niche or niche issue. Even slang that is commonly used to describe things having to do with niche subjects can be very useful. For example; saying the talk radio show is about Radio Controlled Model Boats, instead of using the subject as the pod cast title "Radio Controlled Model Boats", it may be wiser to use a title of, "RC Nitro Boat Secrets". I think you have probably gotten my point by now.

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Podcasting As a List Building Tool

I am always excited to hear stories about how people are building their list of subscribers...I'm known for list building and it is something I love teaching about and sharing success stories about. Podcasting is a tool you can use for list building that maybe you haven't thought about. After all, people don't have to go to an opt-in form to listen to a podcast, right?

Scott Paton is probably the king of podcasting...so I was talking to him about how awesome podcasting is and he told me this fantastic story.

Now Scott has a lot of podcasts...one of them was in the weight loss niche. Normally I would not tell anyone to go into that niche because it is so competitive, but with podcasting...they are still pretty new so a lot of the big niches are still pretty wide open.

So, he started with zero subscribers...just like everybody does. In 11 months he had almost 70,000!

How did he do that? Well, consistency is one thing...I've talked about this before...and it doesn't really matter which internet marketing tool you are going to use, you have to be consistent about it for it to work.

So every week he did a podcast. Each podcast was about 15-20 minutes. Say it was 20 minutes of talking time. Then add about 10 minutes for editing and uploading. So 30 minutes a week to create the podcast...half an hour a week and less than a year later 70,000 people are listening.

That's a pretty powerful list building tool!

Now, some of these subscribers are not on your email list...not everyone wants to be notified by email about upcoming podcasts...but still you can create a large subscriber base of people who are listening to you and acting on what you are saying...in 30 minutes a week! That's pretty sweet.

To get more of those people on your email list you can drive them back to your squeeze page to get a free report or something on the same topic.

You can have an existing business that is doing really well and use podcasting to take that business to another level. You will reach a different audience...and you will reach them in a different way because they will be responding to your voice...you will just connect in a different way which is really cool.

Scott told me another story that really demonstrates this. A couple who already had a six-figure business heard him talk about how powerful podcasts are and so they decided to put it to the test. They did a series of 10 or 12 podcasts. They only about 40 downloads...not huge numbers, right? Well those 40 downloads brought in an extra $35,000 to their business!

What's important about growing your list...your subscriber base...is that you have a targeted group. Right? I teach that a lot. Tons of generalized traffic just isn't as powerful as smaller amounts of targeted traffic. So even if you don't hit 70,000 in a year, if you keep growing your base with targeted listeners you'll be growing your business which is really the name of the game.

You want to focus on who you want to talk to...don't focus on your product...focus on the person who wants your products...focus on helping people.

The bottom line is, you focus on helping people in a targeted area and you will reach people. And because people hear YOUR voice and really get to connect with you, they are going to keep listening. That's how podcasting works as an awesome list building tool!

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Finding the Right Bike Insurance in the Right Place

Finding insurance is never going to be easy or simple, but as with anything there are a few ways that you could go about it. The best way of course is to search online as opposed to visiting physical locations. At this point you might be wondering just why it would be better to seek out an internet based insurance agency and we have actually compiled a decent list that will aid you in your search:

Accessibility of your Provider: How easy is it for you to speak with your insurance provider? You need to have access 24/7/365 and having an online account with any company tends to make things much easier. That being the case, choosing an online provider is always going to be the proper choice for you and your vehicle to make the most of company accessibility.

Ease of Use: One of the biggest problems when it comes to the purchase of a new insurance policy is that you will actually have trouble customising it. This can become increasingly difficult if you are sitting in front of an insurance agent and actually feel compelled to purchase add-ons for the plan. If you are purchasing online however, you will not need to deal with a real person and as a result you will be able to make choices at your own pace. This can actually turn out quite nicely if you know precisely what you want with your plan.

Instant Cover: Like anything else on the internet, you will find that you can receive your cover almost instantly. In most cases you will be provided with a printable card which you can then carry with you in the event you are stopped by law enforcement or find yourself in a collision. No matter what the circumstance happens to be, you will need to make sure you have you insurance card and you will need to make sure it is valid.

Bike insurance is not difficult to obtain and it is not hard to keep up by any means. All you will need to do is ensure you choose the right insurance package for the right job and that will of course mean not choosing the cheapest package that you happen to come across. This is one problem that many people will have at some point or another and this typically relates to them choosing an insurance package for its price rather than its functionality. Make sure that you do not fall into this trap and make sure you choose the right bike insurance in the right place.

These are only a few of the things that you will need to know when it comes to obtaining insurance. There are so many other hints and tips that you will need and in time you will learn to master all of them. That being said, right now would be a great time for you to start comparing bike insurance packages online and ensure your future on the open road is secure as it can be.

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The Importance of Comparing Motorbike Insurance Policies

This is an age wherein humanity is perpetually rushing from one place to another. The reason for this is that the systems and our lives have been fast tracked by the availability of wonderful technologies such as super fast air-planes and lightening quick correspondence. Owing to such highly stressful and time constrained lives, it is fairly common for people to just buy the first product they see and then hope that it turns out to be of high quality. This is in direct contrast to the times when the concept of marketing was just invented. In those times, man would go through multiple items before even considering purchasing anything.

The older way was based on a very sound principle. This principle was the fact that the more products you went through, the more you learned about the average product of the market or industry. This knowledge, in turn, helped you pinpoint the product that was a cut above the rest. Nowhere is this process more useful today than in the case of purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy. This is because, as is widely known, insurance policies tend to be complex in nature and hence need to be analysed on the basis of their individual components.

These components can be a variety of things such as the financial implications of purchasing the policy, the multiple facilities included in the policy wordings, the detailed terms and conditions document etc. By evaluating the core components of a policy you, basically, ensure the following:

1. Surety of clauses: The most common way through which some insurance providers evade paying out compensations is by citing certain exceptions in the policy document that the policy owner did not read before buying the policy. This kind of a situation can be easily avoided because when you compare multiple policies, you would invariably end up matching inclusions and exceptions. This would equip you better to deal with the claims process.

2. Best price: When you analyse the financial aspects such as the total insured amount and the monthly premiums etc. then you find a policy that does not stretch your finances thin. Therefore, the primary purpose of insurance i.e. maintaining your long term financial stability is not lost.

3. Suitable features: The insurance markets of today are distinctly vast and hence carry thousands of products. Furthermore, these products also vary from minimalistic levels to drastic levels. Hence, by evaluating all the core aspects of insurance policies, you are guaranteeing yourself the chance to find a policy that fits your needs perfectly.

4. Extra benefits: Different motorbike insurance providers provide different types of added benefits to consumers to attract more buyers and make more sales. These extra benefits can be in the form of anything, ranging from something as simple as no claims bonuses to something highly advanced like cashless repairs.

As is more than apparent from the above mentioned points, there are certain benefits of comparing motorbike insurance policies in comparison to just buying the first available one. Hence, it can be said that the age old dictum of 'always compare' is even more relevant today.

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Do You Need Static Caravan Insurance?

Static caravan insurance is an automobile insurance that deals with vehicles that are used while on vacation. There are a variety of insurances to fit many needs and the static option is one.

There is caravan insurance policy covers the vehicle along with all the contents including possessions. These items have to only be used while in the vehicle. It is public liability coverage. When purchasing caravan insurance it can be done online or from an office. It is important to research locations and the insurance that is provided. Even price checking is important.

Even consider calling area insurance companies to investigate what they have available. Determine a budget for the policy. Having a budget is a good way to start, but be sure that the coverage is not harmed. Be realistic. Don't take out important coverage just to save money. Nevertheless, save money by only purchasing liability insurance which is required.

Static caravan insurance is also known as mobile home or trailer policy. It is provided for homes that are considered vacation homes. They need to be covered especially if they are left empty for months at a time. This insurance is important in case of leaks, theft or any other incident that could occur. Purchasing insurance will help prevent future possible worries if it is ever needed because of an issue.

Remember insurance can be expensive, but finding insurance that is affordable is possible. Just research what is available and strive to find what will work the best. If a policy needs to be customized it will be extra work for everyone involved and might be cost effective.

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Factors To Consider When Hiring Construction Rollers

Venturing into the construction industry is no easy task. One has to purchase land, building materials and equipment needed like rollers, among others. One of the key necessities in building and constructing is equipment and since it is very expensive to buy them, hiring is the only other way out.

What To Do Before Hiring Construction Rollers

Before setting out on a hiring mission, there are a few things you should look into. First, you need to determine the volume of work you intend to use the equipment for. A roller will generally flatten surfaces; you therefore have to determine what surfaces need flattening. Is it the soil, sandy or rocky surfaces and how far down must they be flattened? This information will guide you in selecting the correct machine because there are some rollers that are too heavy to work on sandy areas and others are made specifically to crush rocks.

Another thing you need to establish is what the texture of the surface. Do you want the surface smooth, dented or very rugged? The surface of a roller for a smooth surface is generally smooth while that of a dented or rugged surface will have metallic protrusions that leave the texture rough.

Factors to consider when hiring construction rollers

Before you pick on any roller for your construction, here are a few tips and factors you will need to consider.

1. Age: Machines depreciate with age. The wear and tear that machines face over the years of use could render them useless in no time. Ensure that the machine you want to hire is in great condition and is well serviced before you take it. Any damages after hiring are an added cost to you.

2. Leasing company: Do your homework well and find out everything you can about the company renting it out to you. Establish the costs and their success stories. This will go a long way in getting you the best support services and reliable machinery.

3. The Roller Brand: Find out the best brand of construction rollers there are in the market in terms of durability and ability to complete the amount of work without mishaps. Then look for a dealer who has the brand and make you want on hire.

4. Other Machines in Use: Manufacturers always advise that you select a construction roller that matches the other earth moving equipment you have on site. This is probably because if you have a heavy duty earthmover you will most likely need a heavy vibration construction roller and vice versa.

5. Consumption and Maintenance: construction machinery usually consumes more fuel than locomotives and other machines. However this does not mean that the machine that uses the most fuel is the best or the worst. Look for a fuel efficient machine that is moderate on consumption and easy to maintain. This saves your money and time.

Even though hiring construction rollers is the cheaper way to go, if you are not careful with your selection, you might end up spending more than you would have if you bought the equipment.

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Clamping Knobs: Available Options

Clamping knobs are usually used to pull, twist and lock a handle or lever. They ensure that the handle or lever does not slip out of your hands during the turning or locking and they also provide a good grip to ensure smooth functioning of the handle or lever.

Clamping knobs may be manufactured in bakelite, steel, stainless steel or steel alloy, aluminum, brass or plastic. They have a threaded bottom insert which is to be fitted to the lever or handle, and the knob portion may be shaped to fit the finger grip of the hand.

There are several design options available and depending on the type of pressure that will be put on the lever or handle, you can choose the most appropriate one. Some of the designs are:

Solid top Knob: This blunt-edged knob is rounded to give a firm, comfortable grip and comes in a soft-touch TPE (thermoplastic elastonomer) covering over solid glass reinforced plastic. Ideal for heavy-duty functions, this knob has a short metal handle which can be clamped on to the lever or handle as required. It can also be ordered with a threaded insert only, in case you don't require the metal handle.

Lobed: These clamping knobs are designed with a varying number of lobes or sections arranged circularly round the knob to provide different types of grip. Ranging from three to eight lobed types, these knobs come in different materials like steel, glass, glass-fiber, plastic of various densities and properties, aluminum, brass, alloys etc. They may have added reinforcements, threading and can also have fire-resistant or chemical resistant properties. Triangular and delta-shaped knobs also come under this category.

Multi-armed: These clamping knobs have two or three arms arranged in a fan shape round a central stud. They are used for tap-type turning or clamping operations and come in different materials like steel, reinforced plastic, metal, etc.

Miscellaneous shapes: Various other shapes like the round, knurled type, omega or two-armed, hole-through with multi-lobes etc are also available in the materials mentioned earlier.

All knobs come with threaded inserts which can be fitted to your handle or lever. The specifications of thickness, material and diameter must be accurately provided to the manufacturer or retailer to ensure that you get the best fit. Most of them have sales catalogs, on-line catalogs or brochures to help you make the best choice.

Depending on your budget and style preferences, you can choose the clamping knobs that best fit your requirements.

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Compact Attic Ladder Taps Unused Storage Space

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP FOR STORAGE NEEDS

Spring, fall, or any time of year, if a major house cleaning tops your to-do list, consider a little de-cluttering first. Storing away seldom-used seasonal items will free up valuable living space while making all of your cleaning chores easier and more enjoyable.

The first question is where to store everything, and how to keep it organized and accessible. For many people, the answer could be right above your head - in the attic!

Attics are best suited for storing relatively light items. Use plastic containers with snap-tight lids for dust-free storage that's still easy to get into, or cardboard boxes for longer term storage. Clearly label the contents to make finding what you need quick and easy.

The attic is not the place for storing large or bulky items, like tires or bikes, that are difficult and potentially dangerous to maneuver. You also want to avoid heavy, concentrated loads, like large boxes of paper, that can potentially overload structural members.

Next, you need to create a safe storage platform. Never place storage containers directly on the insulation or the drywall. Instead, add plywood or individual boards on top of the joists to distribute the load and add stability. Never cut any structural members in order to install storage decking, and never lay decking across electrical wires.

Most of today's attics have 12 or more inches of blown insulation extending above the rafters, which would be compressed by installing a platform. Instead, remove the insulation from between the affected joists, and replace it with foam board insulation to achieve as high an R-value as possible in that area. Use cardboard around the platform to prevent insulation from sloughing down onto the storage area.

One of the easiest ways to provide access to your storage area is with a permanently installed attic ladder, but a recent survey showed that only about 23% of American households have one. Attic ladders eliminate the need to set up, take down, and store a step ladder, so they're both safe and convenient.

Attic ladders are available in both wood and aluminum, and in a wide variety of sizes at most home centers. They're affordable, averaging in price from around $89 to $325, and can be installed by most do-it-yourselfers. If you thought your attic opening was too small or inaccessible for an attic ladder, a compact attic ladder lets you reconsider your options. It fits ceiling openings as small as 18 x 24 inches and ceiling heights as low as 7-foot 4-inches - small enough for most closets!

The Werner Ladder web site has an interactive attic ladder selector, so you can review your dimensions and choose the best ladder without wasting trips to the store. There are also some very helpful installation videos.

Remember - if you have questions about the structural integrity of your attic or whether it's appropriate to use for storage, consult with your building department, an experienced remodeling contractor, or even a structural engineer before going any further.

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The Calgary Stampede and Exhibition

The Calgary Stampede and Exhibition is rich in tradition and it is also known for the cowboy atmosphere that takes over the city, everybody gets out the cowboy boots and Stetsons for the 10-11 days of good fun. This year (2006) it starts with the Calgary Stampede Parade on July 7th. Calgary's dedicated volunteers and community supporters present the world's largest western parade as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" kick-off to the over 350,000 on-route spectators and a global television audience.

In 1912 the great Stampede was born from the vision of Guy Weadick. Guy was a famous working cowboy and vaudeville entertainer featured in the traveling wild-west shows that were popular world-wide in the early 1900s. He was a man with a dream of celebrating the romance of the old west. The Stampede we enjoy today has evolved from Guy's vision. He was successful because he understood that as much as things change, we need to believe in the way things were. Every year, the Stampede reminds us that Guy was right; fundamentally we believe in the same western values today as our grandparents did in 1912.

In the early 1920, the Exhibition part was added to the Stampede, giving western farmers and ranchers a showplace for their horses and cattle. This too was later expanded to take in all farm livestock, whether two-legged or four. This year, 2006, the agricultural portion of the Exhibition has been tagged "Ag-tivity Day in the City" to help celebrate Alberta agriculture. Cattle, canola, chicken and even egg producers will be on hand. You'll see beef on the hoof, enjoy some Alberta Beef and you can grab a "I Love Alberta Beef" bumper sticker. That should impress the folks back in Long Island, although perhaps you should exercise discretion in displaying in Texas cattle country!

Every year there are hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the world who come just for the Stampeded and Exhibition. Among those visitors are a number of RV Caravans that wind their way north from the USA on the long drive to Alaska. Some of these caravans have over a hundred units of every shape and size and their tour is timed to arrive in Calgary the day before the Parade which is always on a Friday and stay over the weekend, leaving on their trek Monday morning.

A highlight of the show is of course the Rodeo. The Calgary Stampede's rodeo pays out some of the biggest prize money in the sport, always attracts the best riders and ropers from around the world and many of it's winners have gone on to win the National Finals Rodeo in the fall.

Like any sport, rodeo has its fair share of spills and thrills, talented athletes and unsung heroes. Besides the saddle and bareback riding events, the bull riding is always a big attraction. Ladies have barrel racing competitions. For comic relief (except for the contestants) there's a wild cow milking event. Every evening there are the chuckwagon races, followed by the Grandstand Show.

In case you are in the dark about rodeos, here is a little "Rodeo 101". There are two main categories of events, bucking and timed. Bucking is where most of the thrills, spills and crashes occur. Bucking events cover bareback and saddle bronc riding and bull riding. In all three events, cowboys hang on for dear life while trying to control the movements of their animal and themselves. Incidentally, the "spurs" the contestants were are nothing more than a smooth disc and have no effect on the animal. They wear them because the rider is judged on the smoothness of his ride and his spurring technique while he holds on to a saddle or rope with one hand. These account for half his points, the other half is awarded by how hard the horse or bull tried to buck him off. To complete the ride he must stay on for 8 seconds; that's a long time of the back of a bucking horse or bull.

Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling and tie-down roping are the timed events at rodeos. Steer wrestling and tie-down roping are both inspired by real work done everyday on the ranch. In steer wrestling, a hazed (slapped on the butt with a straw hat) steer is released from it's pen. When it reached the end of its head start, a breakaway cord automatically releases the barrier rope in front of the cowboy, allowing him to race after the steer on his horse. He eased down the right side of his horse, reaching for the steer. After he has grasped the horns, he leaves his horse (who's in a full gallop) and digs his heels into the ground to slow the animal. Using leverage and the momentum of the moving steer, the steer wrestler rolls the animal onto its side.

Being quick and accurate with a rope aren't the only requirements in Tie-down Roping (also called Calf Roping but they are big calves!). A successful roper must also be an experienced horseman and a fast sprinter. After roping (throwing a lasso, again at a full gallop - every rodeo event is done at a full gallop!) the tie-down, the cowboy quickly dismounts while his horse backs up just enough to keep tension on the rope, runs to the animal, lifts and lays it on its side and ties any three legs together. Once he completes his tie, he remounts his horse and allows slack in the lasso rope, the animal must remain tied for six seconds. It is important to note that contestants are fined for any unnecessary roughness.

For the final timed event, Barrel Racing, female contestants must circle three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern. Rider or horse can move a barrel, but is assessed a five-second penalty if either knocks the barrel over. The fastest time wins in this extremely athletic event for both horse and rider.

The Chuckwagon Races were taken from the actual cattle drives, when the wagon would be loaded up, the tent taken down and the cook would drive his team up ahead of the drive to where the herd would be held overnight. Sometimes there would be two or three ranches driving together. The cooks would race each other to get the best spot to set up camp. The Chuckwagon Races at the Stampede are billed as "The Half Mile of Hell". Each chuckwagon has its driver, a team of four horses and four outriders (cowboys riding their horses.) That's four wagons, four drivers, 16 horses and sixteen outriders all vying for the same space next to the rail while racing at a full gallop around a half mile track. There's a very loud air horn blowing to start the race, there's an announcer going nuts over the PA system as he calls the race, the wagons and horses are thundering around the track and the crowd's on its feet at the finish screaming their heads off. Sound crazy? Yes. Exciting? You have to see it to believe it. There's nothing else like it. And in five minutes, the next race is off and running and it starts all over again!

There are people who travel thousands of miles every year to take in "The Greatest Show Outdoor Show on Earth". They'll book their rooms for next year before they leave for home this year. It's enthusiasts like these, from far and near, that continue to make the Calgary Stampede and Exhibition what it is.

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How to Protect Yourself From Identity Thefts

Identity theft is becoming a popular crime in the United States. Cases usually involve names, addresses, bank account information, credit card information, and so on. About 10 million Americans have encountered these problems. This is why the Federal Trade Commission has reminded people to be on guard all the time.

Once someone has stolen your identity, they will take over your financial identity. Usually, this includes spending your money without you knowing. For instance, if a thief steals your credit card information, he/she may make a lot of purchases that will be charged on you. Worse cases of identity theft involve anonymous people making loans and opening bank accounts using your name without again without you knowing. It could get even worse.

So how do you defend yourself from such unscrupulous criminals?

Authorities say that you, like anyone else, are not safe from identity theft. So, authorities have devised certain tactics to lessen your likelihood of becoming an identity theft victim.

1. Hide your social security number. It is difficult to memorize phone numbers, bank account numbers, passwords and social security numbers that sometimes we choose to write them down on a piece of paper. However, when you do so, you become vulnerable to identity theft. What if you leave that number on your table or you drop it somewhere on your way home?

2. Make sure that you sign out your e-mail even when you are at home and most especially when you are using the internet outside. It is extremely careless and irresponsible to leave your email account open when you leave. This is not necessarily an act of paranoia but of precaution. Have you heard of people who could no longer access their emails because they accidentally left them open? There have been several cases and even the worse could happen. Log out your Facebook or Twitter accounts, too, when you leave your desk.

3. Do not throw your credit card and bank statements anywhere, because they contain some personal information. The safest way to dispose of them is by using a shredder.

4. Do not give your personal information right away. There will be instances where you receive phone calls, text messages, or emails from people you do not know, and they may be telling you about special offers and promos. If they ask for your personal information, do not respond. You have to be smart and alert all the time.

5. Protect your PC by making sure that it is updated. Update your antivirus software program as well. This will protect you from cyber attacks. Beware when downloading files or installing programs, because some of them could include spywares. Another way to protect your computer is to use a password that only you know.

6. Have photocopies of your credit cards and store them in a safe, locked place in your home. If your wallet gets stolen, you should cancel all your credit and debit cards right away. Canceling them would be fast if you provide the needed information without a hassle. In case your credit or debit card gets lost, you must inform your bank immediately.

7. It is also recommended that you double-check your credit report to see if there is any strange activity. Contact the bank and the authorities if you see anything suspicious, like purchases that you do not remember making but appearing on the report.

8. Change the passwords of your email, social media, and online banking accounts regularly. Make sure your passwords are not easy to guess.

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Writing and Selling Articles

Writing articles and posting on the internet to earn money is a trend that has started and many people are into this business. It is really easy to post articles for sale by finding the suited article directories. The client whom will buy the article will pay you a considerable amount for a good article. Many people are writing articles for website content as a part time job, along with their regular businesses and jobs, and they have managed to cope up with their expenses in a better way now.

SEO article writing has become common for those who own a business or run a website. Article writing is a significant part of search engine optimization. This calls for using the most searched keywords that could make your website come at the top results of the search engines.

Time has been changed to a great extent. If a business needs to be successful, then it needs to be promoted on the internet and for that, online presence is must. If you will create a website then it is obvious that you will need content to promote it, and to let people know what you have to offer. Many of the business owners do not produce the contents themselves. They look for people who offer their articles for sale. In other words, they look for the content writers to produce quality content for their websites.

However, you cannot just hire any person who offers articles for sale. You would have to check if the writer is competent enough to write error-free and informative content for you. Now, the question is where to look for the people who are willing to offer their services for writing content. That is no issue at all, as you can find plenty of them on the freelancing websites. Look for such a writer who is experienced and has great experience with writing effective content.

Selling your articles would be beneficial. That is not just a way through which you can make money, but it is also a great opportunity for those people who want to have their voice heard. If you have good writing skills, then you can let people know that you exist, through article writing. There are plenty of people around the world who are interested in reading quality content, whether it is about selling something, or about giving some kind of information. Those who have a hobby for writing can use the internet to get famous as content or story writers. There are plenty of topics to write on. You can start a blog for that and you can interact with people by sharing your views. That is a really interesting aspect of writing content.

Your posted articles will be sold or will be read only if they are informative, unique and free of grammatical issues. Furthermore, the content needs to be original. Selling articles can never be bad, but if someone else sells your content, you will lose money. Therefore, make sure you have a proper platform to sell your articles.

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The Keys To Article Marketing Success

Article marketing success is within the reach of anyone, even if three paragraphs is the most you have ever written, there are a number of things you can do to make article marketing work for you. You will find some of them below.

If you have built up a reasonable collection of articles, one thing you can do is to put them all together to make an E-Book. You can give it away in exchange for a visitors name and email address to help you build your list.

If you want to write articles that people will want to read, then it's important to research the subject topic, especially if you are not familiar with it. You can check out what others have published on the matter, and any trade or industry papers to expand your understanding of the topic. This will also give you an idea of who you are competing against, plus your article will be more attractive for the reader.

You may at times need to vary your writing style. For example if you are writing a Technical oriented article then you will be sticking mainly to facts, figures, system uses and processes that need to be followed. However if you are writing an article that needs a human touch, for example an article about caring for a pet, then you would be better of relating examples and personal stories to your reader, in your own words, just like you would if you were explaining it to a friend. By mixing up your styles to suite the article, you will appear to be very knowledgeable and professional.

If someone offers you a compliment on your writing or leaves a positive comment about an article you wrote, keep them all and use them as testimonials. This is a great tip for article marketing success and will provide what is known as social proof, which will make your site even more respected as a source of information..

Try not to be too wordy in your writing. Make each article between 400 and 700 word in total if you can. Try to make each paragraph between 3-5 sentences, and leave a bit of space between them. This makes your article much easier to read and will keep your readers interested in reading the whole thing, article directories also like this format as well. If you are writing for a blog, downsize it to about 300-400 words or there about.

Always Remember above everything else, it's Quality over Quantity, this is the greatest tip I can give for article marketing success, and cannot be understated. Quality means providing relevant information that will help your reader. Remember to place your keywords in the article at about once per one hundred words, and never ever provide content that is not original. A Great tip to help you do just that,  is to find a really good article and re write it in your own words.

When you write really long articles, you run the risk of losing the interest of your readers. You don't want your audience to become bored with your content. Stick with writing articles that are not ambiguous and offer valuable information to your reader.

Make your articles both honest and original. Your readers are more likely to return to your site regularly if they believe you are an honest person, which you are aren't you? Also when you build that trust, they will look to you for information, and be more likely to take your advice on purchases and recommendations. By following these suggestions your article marketing success is practically assured, and so is the reputation of your business.

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