The ezPalm Blog

When creating an e-cover the what’s the first thought that comes to mind? How do I do it? What software do I need? How much will it cost? How quickly will I have it complete?

Most people will start searching for software to automatically create the cover. There are several “cookie-cutter” software packages available to create e-covers for e-books, and software boxes. Most of these packages come with pre-designed templates. It’s very much a fill in the blank scenario and out pops the cover. Give strong consideration to this one area. Do you really want a “cookie cutter” designed e-cover? Although the templates you may encounter are very impressive, you will be sharing your layout template with 100’s, maybe 1000’s of other sites. The reason why they are so cheap is because those “specific templates” are sold and re-sold as much as possible!

Just like the theme of your website, your e-cover should complement and initiate the emotions of your niche market causing them to buy your product or service. Some items for consideration when defining your niche market are:

Lifestyle: conservative, exciting, trendy, economical
Social class: lower, middle, upper
Opinion: easily led or opinionated
Activities and interests: sports, physical fitness, shopping, books
Attitudes and beliefs: environmentalist, security conscious
Age: children, teens, young, middle, elderly
Gender: male, female
Education: high school, college, university
Income: low, medium, high
Marital status: single, married, divorced
Ethnic and/or religious background
Family life cycle: newly married, married for 10 - 20 years, with or without children.

Always keep the “eye candy” of your niche market in mind when creating e-covers, graphic headers, or even the background.

Look at your competition. How do you set yourself apart? Create the picture of your product or service to completely identify with your niche market.

That’s why I believe the first step in creating good graphic design for e-covers should be the specifics of your niche. Take some time to really determine every unique aspect of your niche market before you begin your graphic design. You want to appeal to their specific desires, fears, and needs. You’ll want to carefully craft your unique selling points around those unique desires, fears, and needs. Choose the color, the tone, the size, the words, the fonts, and the overall theme to match the profile of your niche market. You don’t want your e-cover to simply look good. You want it to evoke the buying emotions of your niche prospects.

While it’s very simple and easy to get the software and create a cookie cutter e- cover make sure it will give you the return on your investment you want. Sometimes the return on your investment may be much higher if you choose to have your e-covers and other graphics for your site professionally designed. The investment to have your e-cover professionally designed probably is not as expensive as you may believe. Often it’s even cheaper than purchasing the software and spending the time to do it yourself. The professionals spend each and every day concentrating on the uniqueness of niche markets. They are quick and adept at knowing how to target the emotions of the niche using graphics to evoke the desired response. There’s a big difference in “looks professional” and “being professional.”

Remember, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Take the time to make sure YOUR picture matches your market. And then — Watch your profits soar!

Andy Eaton has created a 10 day ecourse, which includes informative articles, training videos, special offer discounts, plus lots more - finally learn to create your own amazing ecover graphics. simply send a blank email to arpgraphicslist@graphicsecretsexposed.com or visit http://www.graphicsecretsexposed.com

Knee braces - also known as knee supports and knee pads - are
used primarily as protective gear to address several physical
conditions and prevent knee-related problems. These braces are a
prominent fixture in sports medicine, particularly with injured
athletes. Some sports medicine experts classify knee braces into
two simple categories. Functional knee braces are used by
patients with an ACL tear, damaged ligaments or other injuries
to substitute for the injured body part. Individuals using these
braces are able to continue doing some activities without
requiring surgery. Although functional braces will never be a
perfect or permanent replacement to normal ligaments, they
definitely offer adequate protection in low-load situations,
giving the knee greater stability compared to having no braces
at all.

1. Consult Your Doctor

One who is considering wearing a functional knee brace should
consult with a doctor. The decision to use the brace would
depend on the particular ligament injured, the sport the
individual plays, rehabilitation work taken, and other factors.
An injured athlete must realize that strengthening, physical
therapy and rehabilitation are more important than using a knee
brace, which may help prevent a re-injury but not hasten or
contribute much to the recovery or healing process.

On the other hand, prophylactic knee braces are more of a
preventive measure for healthy athletes. However, research has
yielded unclear results if such a brace prevents knee injuries.
Although some athletes using prophylactic braces have shown
lower MCL tears, other factors have also contributed to injury
risk reduction. These factors include the kind of sport played
and conditioning, position and other player attributes.

Apprehension has also emerged over the possibility that a
prophylactic brace may actually be a hindrance to knee movement
and even increase the likelihood of injury. Research shows that
this is not the case, as long as the knee brace is correctly
fitted and firmly in place.

2. Commercial Knee Braces

The Futuro Knee Support Stabilizing Large is one of several knee
braces available in the market. The brace is designed to give
athletes or individuals with weakened tendons, muscles or
ligaments stable and comfortable support and prevent any
re-injury. The Futuro can also be worn the whole day or when the
user feels discomfort in doing some activities. The brace also
does not hinder movement even as the knee is stabilized.

Magnetic therapy is integrated into Magnetic Wave Knee Support.
This brace comes in small/medium and large/extra large sizes and
features 12 magnets spread strategically in the neoprene
material. The HoMedics knee support also applies heat therapy
and cold therapy for aches, sprains and other injuries. The
brace also fits the user securely with loop closures and a hook.

The single-size Mueller Sport Care Knee Support Open Patella is
used for arthritic knees and minor strains and sprains. The
support is made from a soft neoprene blend that enables body
heat retention to relieve pain and help maintain knee
flexibility. The support is also designed with an open patella,
adjustable straps, stretch nylon, and trimmed, smooth edges to
ensure a comfortable fit, prevent chafing and easy wear and
removal.

3. Knee Braces With Specific Applications

- Arthritic knee braces are made for individuals with arthritis
- Tese braces are also called unloader braces - These are
designed to eliminate pressure on knee joints - Post-operative
braces are designed to immobilize knee joints after an injury or
surgery - Magnetic knee braces work on the assumption that
magnetic fields promote various health benefits - Elastic braces
are the ideal option, as they adjust to the natural contour of
the knee and leg

Folks, this week’s column is the beginning of a pilgrimage for me…

I mean it, this week’s column is the beginning of a truly personal pilgrimage for me, one of truly deep meaning, one of truly great emotion, and I’m not going to rest until I truly achieve what I’m about to lay out for y’all in the next few paragraphs.

Is that not a truly inspiring beginning for a column? Why, truly it is (okay, I’ll stop). And, with that, let’s get right down to the nitty gritty. Those of you out there who read my stuff know that I love food. I’m a big eater, and I make no bones about it. I don’t wanna end up being one of those people that croaks one day and no one understands why. In my case, everyone will understand, and that’s a good thing. They’ll know that it was due to my eating tons of Atomic Fireballs, Nu-Way hot dogs, Breyer’s butter pecan ice cream, Baby Ruths, Sweet Tarts, and other truly great stuff.

Contrast that with a forty-five year old jogger who eats cauliflower and carrots every day, and suddenly collapses while sitting at his desk one morning. Gone, a healthy dead person cut down in the prime of his life. No one understands situations like that, people can’t deal with it, so they’ll talk about it forever. It’s sad, because no one can understand being both healthy and dead. At least everyone will be at peace when I go shake hands with the Grim Reaper.

With all that having been said, I’ve discovered a new food that I know I’m going to love. Something that I’ll have to make a special trip to go eat one day. And that something is located at a restaurant in Atlanta called Mulligan’s, and the food item in question is called a “hamdog.” And if y’all are wondering what a “hamdog” is:

It’s a hot dog wrapped with a deep fried beef patty, then covered over with chili, cheese and onions, and served on a hoagie bun. That’s not all, either, it’s then topped with a fried egg and served with a couple of big handfuls of fries.

Doesn’t it sound great? A true culinary masterpiece, and, what’s more, it has all the major food groups in it. You get your poultry from the fried egg, your beef from the pattie, you get whatever the devil is in the hot dog, you get some essential grains from the hoagie roll, and some very much needed potato vitamins from the freedom fries. A nutritional bonanza if there ever was. Man, I’m salivating just thinking about one, and I’ve got to have it. And, believe it or not, y’all can help me attain my goal of quaffing down a hamdog, and here’s how:

Someone out there who’s reading this has got to have some kind of contact with Chandler Goff, the owner of Mulligan’s. If one of y’all does, would you please let him know that I’m a big fan, and I’m very willing to make a deal with him regarding his hamdog? If he’ll just invite me up and slip me one, a freebie, then tell him that I’ll devote an entire column to doing a review of it. And not only will I review it for him, I’ll make it sound like the Elvis of foods, because I’m already quite sure that I’ll love a hamdog. I just need a good excuse to fight the traffic in order to go up to Atlanta to get one. So, if I can say that I’m going up there because the hamdog is going to be free and I’m supposed to do a future column about it, then the coast will be clear. The trip’ll be blessed, and I’ll be on my way to Atlanta with a smile on my face. Life will have true meaning.

Loyal readers, do your duty. Find Chandler Goff for me. Lay a big line of crap on him about how bad I want one of those hamdogs. If one of y’all can pull it off, I swear that I’ll go up there, eat one, and then write a column about it to let y’all know how it was. And what happens if y’all don’t find him for me? Well, if that’s how this works out, then I’m going to do a future column about why Tiny Tim was a musical genius. I swear it on my BTO CDs. The choice, as they say, is y’alls….

About The Author

Ed’s latest book, “Rough As A Cob,” can be ordered by calling River City Publishing toll-free at: 877-408-7078. He’s also a popular after dinner speaker, and his column runs in a number of Southeastern publications. You can contact him via email at: ed3@ed-williams.com, or through his web site address at: www.ed-williams.com.

“The challenges are not in the marketplace. They are in the mind”……. Jean Bernard

As we progress into year 2005, it is time for the professional and business class to “charge your imagination” for greater exploits this year. Take this message from IMAGINATION himself. Is IMAGINATION a person you ask? Yes he is, and he wants to address you, this season. It would be worth your while to listen. His sentences are short and language in the first person. This is the preamble of his message.

I am in your mind, your regular companion. I am of divine origin. You cannot see me, but I am always with you. You do not always acknowledge my presence and person. That is why you have not tapped into my power. I inspire people, motivate them and propel them to achieve the extra-ordinary. I am available. You can use me for great exploits. I am a good shepherd. I have the ability to make you form mental pictures, generate new ideas and show you things beyond your sight.

I give creative ability to a writer, and the power to see things which do not exist. I take people beyond their natural limits. Those who tapped into my power have made impact on humanity- the great scientists, inventors, writers, war veterans, statesmen, world leaders, sports legends, industrial barons and multinational corporations. I am IMAGINATION. I help you see the hidden, not only the distant. Great people have used me, you too can use me. I am easy to manage. I have creative powers. I give wisdom and can help you catch you your vision. I activate your faculties. I am not perishable, but you can perish without me.

I am ageless, yet I am like a baby. You need to nurse me to get the best from me. I am never in a hurry. You need patience, humility, and sound mind to use me. Be persistent and steadfast, I will put the world in your pocket. Neglect me; you will live a mediocre life. I activated the lives of great men and women. I can activate yours too. Who am I? I am IMAGINATION.

Now this is my message:

What would the world of business be like in the year 2030? You can only figure it out if you use your imagination. Let’s go! Imagine this. You go shopping at a shopping plaza. A product catches your attention. It is well packaged and branded. The name: Peoples Bank. You wonder, how a bank can be on a supermarket shelf. Your attention has been arrested by something unusual just like the biblical Moses and the burning bush. Your curiosity is aroused. You want to find out what kind of bank is this? No bank has done this before. People’s Bank is the first to do so. A bank on a supermarket shelf? This is just an imagination for now, but it may not be so in year 2030 given the rapid development in information technology and E-business. I am IMAGINATION…I inspire people.

Dear professional, I have a message for you. With imagination, you can form a mental picture of the world of business in 2030. Time separates us from 2030, but imagination can take you 26 years ahead or bring it to the present. I am a mental supersonic aircraft. I travel faster than light and sound. But unlike commercial jetliners, I cannot crash. But you can crash if you do not use me. Listen to me and give me your attention. You need me to see the nature and volume of business in 2030. Without me, you cannot do so. As you read this message, you are embarking on a Vision Flight to Business in 2030 which exists in the realm of imagination. Estimated flight time is 30 minutes for reading the three part message, and we shall be cruising at an altitude of 3000 words above writing level. You are traveling on Infomedia Writing Line. Your pilot is IMAGINATION.

Please listen carefully to the information about the place we are flying to -the Business World in 2030. People’s Bank is already giving an insight of what to expect in 2030 when technology will put banks on supermarket shelves, chain stores, and even in homes. Technology will take man beyond the earth to put life in other planets. Are you surprised? You better believe me. In 2030, the world’s commercial airlines will be making commercial flights to the moon. Man would have completely subdued the earth with science and technology. I am IMAGINATION, I inspire people.

Take British Airways for instance. It prides itself as the - world’s favorite airline”.. Airlines are already forming alliances to go global. There is the Star Alliance, the alliance network for earth. There is the Qualifier Group. British Airways belongs to One World. It is a pointer to what air travel would be in 2030.

The world in 2030 would be one big world of diversity with each constituent part, race, and gender and markets contributing to a unified world. God made the earth one world, but man turned it into many worlds. What is the key to one business world? Alliances, mergers and acquisitions, common markets and currencies. It is already happening. The EU is here. European countries have merged into a common market served by a single currency, the Euro. By 2030, the United States of America and Canada would have completely fused into a single market ruled by a new Dollar. Asia will evolve into a continental whole. Germany is now one country. The two Koreas are courting each other after more than 45 years of separation, while the Asian Tigers are evolving into a Super Tiger. I am IMAGINATION, I inspire people.

Eric Okeke is a motivational speaker, business writer, copywriter, and corporate storyteller with more than 20 years writing experience . He is one of Nigeria’s most experienced financial journalists. His strengths are creative writing, humor, publicity, professional speaking, and storytelling. His E-mail: ericosamba@yahoo.com Eric lives and works in Lagos, Nigeria. He runs Infomedia, a media consulting, writing, and speaking outfit.

I recommend that you read this fantastic e- book, “How To Tell A Great Story” that is dedicated to teaching people just like you about the famed “R.P.I. principle”. Go now to http://www.howtotellagreatstory.com

Everyone loves a fireplace aglow with a roaring fire or flickering embers. But your fireplace need not be a gaping empty hole–like a picture frame without a picture-those times you choose not to have a fire.

As you look over these ideas, you’ll recognize any that will need to be adapted if you have young children or pets with access to the fireplace.

• Ivy Basket: A lovely basket filled with a thriving ivy plant adds a touch of nature to your room. Let the ivy trail onto the hearth to keep the look informal.
• Autumn Vegetables: In the fall, create an arrangement of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, and silk leaves in autumn colors. Set some of your vegetables on upturned wooden bowls to vary their heights.
• Pine Cones: An arrangement of pinecones of varying sizes, displayed in a large basket, wooden bowl, firewood basket, or even an old washtub works well for a causal country décor. Scatter some of the pinecones around the container, too.
• Pottery Jug & Dried Plants: For another country autumn look, display a large pottery jug in your fireplace, and around it make a loose arrangement of intertwined, dried grapevine. Mingle some other clusters of dried plants into the grapevine. Dried baby’s breath, for example, keeps the look open and airy.
• Poinsettias: Blooming poinsettias, especially ones so large they practically fill the fireplace, look stunning during the winter. Depending on your room, the white ones may be even more dramatic than the red ones. Put smaller potted poinsettias on the hearth.
• Tropical Vignette: Let your fireplace provide the frame for a tropical retreat vignette when summer rolls around. With a piece of driftwood, display large seashells and colorful glass fishing ballssome perched on the driftwood or on white candle holders to give them height.

The truly venturesome might set these goodies on a base of rippling white sand.

• Party Balloons: Party time? Inflate balloons in keeping with your party’s color scheme. Load the fireplace full of the balloons (not helium ones!), using the fireplace screen or glass doors to hold the balloons in place.

Tie the ribbons of three helium balloons to a heavy object, such as a wrapped brick wrapped as a “present,” at either side of the fireplace.

• New Year’s Vignette: When it’s time to ring in New Year, first tape two taut strings inside your fireplace, above where they will be visible. Run each one from a front corner to the opposite back corner, so the strings form an X.

Unroll one-fourth inch wide white, silver, and black party streamers and drape them over the strings so they dangle down at varying lengths into the fireplace. Next, unroll more streamers and casually spread a deep pile onto the fireplace floor.

Now add the appropriate props: champagne bottles and glasses, party hats and horns, a large clock set at almost midnight, or metallic numerals of the New Year. To raise some object, set them on boxes hidden under the streamers.

• Fresh Flowers: There’s no time of year when a large bouquet of fresh flowers set in your fireplace won’t look great. Forget the silk ones, though. Let’s not kid ourselves that our guests will continue to assume that they are real when they’ve seen them time and again.
• Fireplace Candelabra: But, if you’re like many of us who feel that a fireplace just needs the flicker of fire to look its best, consider a fireplace candelabra, a candle holder designed specially for your fireplace. You can have a fireplace aglow with light without a single stick of firewood in sight or the expense of gas logs.

Some fireplace candelabras are slim enough to fit in front of your existing andirons and grate while others are make to fill your empty fireplace. Select candles for your fireplace candelabra in colors that accent your room or set a holiday’s or party’s color scheme.

Plus, you can even match the fireplace candles’ scents to the season or event! Think, for example, pumpkin and spice for Thanksgiving, vanilla or apple spice to elicit a “homey” feel, and lemon for a crisp summer scent.

So, your fire-less fireplace need not be a Black Hole after all! You can make your fireplace, the natural focal point of your room, worth looking at even when there are no burning logs.

Susan Penney appreciates simple ways to make our homes renewing spaces for our families. She invites you to visit http://www.FireplaceMall.com for fireplace accessories to serve your fire-less or your fire-filled fireplace.

fireplacemall@earthlink.net