The National Night Out campaign strives to bring a focus on the awareness of drug & crime prevention efforts, to strengthen the collective power of neighborhood watches and the role of police and community programs to build up anti-crime programs to protect local communities.  It is high time that the criminal element recognize the fact that law abiding citizens are sick and tired of being held hostage to those who have little regard for the safety and well-being of others.

Tonight is the night that many communities will hold events to support efforts to be aware of neighborhood crimes, to report suspicious activities and to recognize the fact that individuals have the power to change negative behaviors that affect whole communities by being mor pro-active in their own local areas by helping to fight back through a partnership with law enforcement to take back the streets to make them safer for friends, neighbors and families.   If you would like to find out more about National Night Out activities…check out their site here: http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/

Businesses who use video to get more online traffic find it to be an effective tool.  Visually connecting with your market is one of the best ways to catch your customers interest.  In fact, your competitors are probably already using video to their benefit.  Therefore, I am sure that you can see the importance of being able to harness the power of video editing.

In fact, video is used for connecting individuals together for business, family and for entertainment.  So, it is important to know how to, not only capture those moments on video…but, to be able to know how to edit those videos effectively & professionally; and, to preserve them in formats that are useful to the increasingly technological world that we live in.

Understanding how those cameras work and how to render and upload those videos can appear to be overwhelming.  Reading manuals isn’t for everyone…some people learn better from training tutorials and this program called Video Editing Simplified, VES, is done in a wonderful way that breaks down tips, techniques and transitions or special effects into usable videos that actually make it easy to understand.

Each of these 40 training tutorials are from 2 to 14 minutes in length.  They show you what to do with the files and how to edit them to make them interesting and to smoothly showcase your videos in a way that accomplishes your goals whether it be for preserving personal family moments, entertainment, or for business purposes.  Check out the VES program and see if it doesn’t provide you with the information that you need for editing your digital videos; this program can make you look like a technical genius.

Here is a great free video full of free marketing content by a team of marketing specialists that know what they are talking about.  This is your opportunity to learn without having to invest any money or by opting in.  There are three videos on this site…one is on hot niches, today’s video #2 is on Product Creation: Positioning & Marketing.   The third video will be live in a couple of days.  Check it out here:  Real Guys Real Money

This marketing trio, Paul Counts, Jeff Wellman and Eric Holmlund are releasing a product called Real Guys Real Money on Friday, March 25, 2011.  This is your opportunity to get some great information for free from all three marketers who have proven that they know what they are talking about with great launch records.  Get to know them…they always over deliver on content .  All three have excellent reputations regarding their integrity and their ability to teach and inspire.  You couldn’t go wrong if you get on any one of their lists for future trainings regarding internet marketing in the making money online niche.  They aren’t all about hype with no substance…they believe in delivering real content to help real guys (and gals) make real money.

They don’t promise you the moon while serving you a boiled egg.  Many internet marketers are all hypey and sensationalized with their promises of untold riches and unrealistic financial promises.  These three have loyal customers who constantly return to buy their products because of their real value and the way that they conduct business.  They are respected because of their relationships with those that they teach and inspire in their desire to make money on the internet.  They’ve earned the trust of those that they work with because they take their responsibilities seriously.

Oh and if you happen to leave a comment on the video page after having watched the videos…you could be in the running to win a promotion to a list of over 40k + subscribers.  Check it out here:  Real Guys Real Money

One way of doing this is by making an announcement to your friends and family.  But, really, who doesn’t get discouraged by having people watch over their shoulders every minute of the day?  Still, having some way of being accountable is needed; otherwise human nature takes over and before you know it…weeks have gone by without any lifestyle changes to your level of exercise and physical fitness.  So what is a person to do who wants to become healthier but has trouble staying focused?

Fearless 45 has come up with a way of helping you to stay committed and accountable…to yourself.  They have designed a program of physical fitness that takes about 20 minutes on 5 different days a week.  If you make a commitment to Fearless 45 you will be able through your computer to work out to a virtual exercise class.  You get the encouragement that you need, almost as if you had your own personal trainer right there beside you nudging you when you need it.  The online class is there for you at your fingertips; even when the exercise buddies in your everyday life don’t show up to support your efforts.  There is a place on their website that allows you to journal your goals, thoughts and struggles.

Fearless 45 is an intensive program that does interval training to encourage all of the muscle groups in your body to get inline with your desire to get physically fit.  It is almost like body sculpting because of the transformation that takes place within those 45 days of working out.  It is a healthy lifestyle change that you can stick to once you see the results in the mirror and in your well-being.  You are encouraged to take a before and after photo; so that not only you can see the changes, but so can anyone else who views it.

Being healthier should be a goal for all of us.  Having more stamina in your physical being is something we all can appreciate.  Eating a well balanced diet is wise and becoming physically fit can improve all areas of life including emotional well-being.  When we feel healthier, not bogged down with sickness & chronic health problems; we live more fulfilling lives and that benefits everyone.

***Like any exercise program, before beginning a strenuous workout regimen check with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough to do an intensive exercise program. * Disclosure…this post includes an affiliate link to Fearless 45 and I will be compensated if you purchase this program under that link.

The impact of that was the beginning of the fitness niche that you see today.  Exercise was not just a gimmick for Jack, like you see so many businesses pushing today; just to make money.  It wasn’t a fad for him, it was a way of life, each and every day.  Jack LaLanne I remember you and your wife Elaine’s career; and, I remember how you inspired a nation to get fit by setting an example with your words, your actions and your life.

Today, I myself will get up and get moving; I’ll start on my exercise bike.  My son is going to begin an intensive interval training program called Fearless 45 today. I will do my best to encourage him to follow through…not just for a short term goal but to promote life long health and well-being.  That is what Jack tried to teach all who would listen was to make well-being.

I myself have gotten away from living a life of healthy exercise and eating right.  I love that you lived a whole life of fitness from the moment you understood it’s power to enhance you day to day existence.  Your television show was on the air for something like 34 years.  You made guest appearances on other shows, on network news and on videos and the like.  I can still hear the excitement and the dedication in your voice.

How wonderful it would be to have that same joy and commitment.  So, today Jack LaLanne I will dedicate my first day of being recommitted to exercise as a permanent lifestyle change.  Thank you, God bless you and your family.  As a side note: that link to Fearless 45 is an affiliate link and if you were to purchase it…I would be financially compensated. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a good program for those who are approved by their doctors to be healthy enough to pursue that level of fitness.

For the town in Michigan known as Belding, saving time is critical for their self image.  You see, Belding, Michigan got its very name by honoring the Belding family; they built a business with their silk mills and thereby, provided a way of life for those who chose to live along the banks of the river.  These days, there is not much use for the structures except for its very image; which many use in their letterheads or in their desire for buying or selling collectibles.  This historic structure needs some upkeep done soon to preserve not only it’s history; but, to carry it into the next generation.

Many people are unaware that Electrolux recently repurchased the existing buildings with the intention of tearing down the remaining silk mill buildings, as well as the clock tower.  This is heartbreaking for those past and present residents of Belding.  Removing the buildings would not only change the face of the small town; but, it would create a hole in the patchwork of historical buildings of the area and diminish the importance of the contribution that the Belding brothers brought to the area.  The brothers created a rich legacy through their silk mill operation and through their contributions to the town known as Belding today.

How does one go about determining the value of preserving history and its impact on the future?  I mean, think about it…everyone values these things differently.  However, when there is a rising up of a collective outcry from not only residents of the community but those in surrounding areas; one would think that some kind of effort could be made by a corporation as large and industrious as Electrolux.  They are a corporation that prides itself on sustainability.

My online dictionary says this about sustainability:

     Most people are familiar with mint in the form of a tasty tidbit whether it be a breath freshner, toothpaste, candy or maybe even their favorite herbal tea.  However, once you know about some of the healing properties of mint you begin to understand that mint matters are so much important than a person realizes.  For a person who has seen or felt it’s healing power…they know the value of keeping pure mint oil on hand!

        For instance, did you know that mint (be it spearmint or peppermint) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and is an analgesic?  That covers many ailments that a human being can experience.  Wow, can you think of any other product that has any kind of equal healing power in it?  It is amazing.  It also is a very tasty product and one that is fairly reasonable to purchase or to grow in your own backyard. 

        As some of my regular readers know, I supported a very special group of people who produce mint oil right here in Michigan.  It is the Crosby Mint Farm in St. Johns, Michigan.  It is a family owned business and it has just celebrated their 99 harvest of mint oil this past weekend.  My family and I got to go on a tour of the farm with some very dear friends of ours this past weekend.  What a joy to see this farm that is a source of healing power for so many people around the world. 

       There is Peppermint Jim and his sister Linette who are the owners/operators.   Both of whom are knowledgable and very genuine personalities.   They have a wonderous staff of mint aficionados.  Their small, on farm, store is stocked with products sure to please.  From candles, to body spritz, to honey subtly flavored with mint, to bath salts and various sizes of bottles of pure essential mint oils to choose from; a person could surely find a way to utilize the products that they produce.

         If you have followed their story you know that they struggled in the last few years with a foreclosure and “lost” their farm to an auction.  The farm’s motto is “expect miracles” and through a very interesting turn of events they were able to buy back most of the farm and their family’s home which is a huge part of their legacy of producing mint for 99 harvests.   Their faith and the support of customers, media and community have come full circle which is going to allow for a great celebration next year of their 100th harvest. 

        I have seen the healing power of the pure mint oil that they produce; as my very own mother was relieved of  painful shingle sores in her mouth that prevented her from speaking and eating normally, for a period of time last winter.  When medicines perscribed for her, by her physician, failed to give her relief…I recommended the mint oil.  She applied the mint oil and in a matter of a few days she was finally free from the pain and inflammation in her mouth around her tongue and gums.  It was miraculous.  It was well worth the small cost of the bottle of oil to see her out of the pain and discomfort she had been in.

       There is also the story on Peppermint Jim’s website about a medical mission team that went to Nigeria and helped over 800 people there with mint oil that was donated from the Crosby Mint Farm.  You should find that story here: http://www.peppermintjim.com/mint-oil-across-the-world/  That is powerful to me.  Now understand, this is pure mint oil not imitation oil.  This is oil produced by plants designed and put on the Earth by the master physician himself, God.  Why aren’t we using this valuable product more in medicinal ways to promote health and well-being; as opposed to manufactured medications that have so many harmful side-effects? 

         One of the big things that we heard alot during our day spent at the mint festival is how the Crosbys want to help people.  By producing the best quality oil, they can help people to live healthier and enjoy their lives more when they are using the oil to live with less pain, less infection, less inflammation and so much more. 

       I have to tell you that the people who work on the farm from Carol, to Lori and her sister Kelly, to all of the others we met this weekend at the mint festival; both on the farm and at the booth at the festival, they know their stuff.  We went on a wonderful tour and gained so much information that I could have spent a week there, just asking questions and absorbing knowledge from these wonderful people.   They were gracious and allowed us to take pictures with them. 

       Did you know that it takes 1 acre of plant material (mint), or 4 tons, to fill the distillery equipment to make a batch of oil; which can yield as much as 35-40 lbs.  This is produced without chemicals or pesticides…and in fact, the Crosby Mint Farm is proud of the farming practices that they use, which are earth friendly.

        An interesting day it was for myself and my family.  Our friends were just as thrilled with all that we learned.  We were priveledged to be present for the filming of a television interview with chanel 6 in Lansing, Michigan, which has been a strong supporter of this farms efforts to not only stay in business; but, to continue the legacy that was started so long ago by Peppermint Jim and his wonderful sister Linette’s great grandfather, J.E. Crosby, Sr; way back in 1912.

        If you would like to learn more about the Crosby Mint Farm or the products that they produce you can go to their website here:  http://crosbymintfarm.com/ .  If you go there, do yourself a favor and purchase some of their products…trust me you wont be sorry.  I don’t have an affiliate link to them or any of their products…I just believe in what they do and why they do it.  I really believe you will too once you’ve tried some of it!

       In any case, Jessica Angelique who is on Twitter as @DefinitveVoices and as @Jesicaangelique is a person who shines a light on organizations and non-profits that help people better the world through better living conditions, better self-esteem, and through building people up, one person at a time.  She is a strong voice for cancer-livestrong organization, for children, clean water, self-esteem & empowerment, and for foster care.  She is an author and a speaker; and, she is not afraid to connect to people who are in the position to effectively make changes that open the doorway to a better life for thousands of people everyday.   She puts her money where her mouth is and donates money to help children in foster care.

        She needs your help to win this grant.  Pepsi is running a voting contest and you can go here to register and vote to help her to implement her vision in a large way; should she win the vote.  http://www.refresheverything.com/definitivevoices  Once you arrive there, at the bottom of the screen there will be a sign in spot.  Sign in by entering an email and create a password.   She is entered to win the $250,000 category to educate.  Please help.  Lives will be changed and improved and children will especially be blessed. 

        Jessica has connections with people from all over the globe who are like minded; it will be a powerful television show.  Again I say, why can’t television be used to build people up instead of tearing them down?  Be a vessel of empowerment…please register and vote daily until the 28th of February, 2010.  It is very important to do this; you won’t be sorry that you took the time to do so!

      Many people don’t realize the extent of the problem of homeless youth.  They are at risk for drugs & alcohol addictions, prostitution, violence, human trafficking, HIV, suicide, teen pregnancy, abuse, abortion, early death, mental & physical health problems, and crime & imprisionment.  It doesn’t have to be this way.

       Tellman started out with this challenge in Battery Park in New York in September of 2009; he plans to end the journey within 99 days in California at the Santa Monica Pier.   He has been documenting his journey as he goes.  He started in September as I said, and the route has changed some; which is good considering that winter has fallen in many parts of the northern & eastern states.  He is meeting great people along the way.

         Tellman Knudson believes that the homeless youth are great problem solvers and are good at surviving.  He wants to harness those skills and teach them to reduce their risk- related behaviors; and, to get themselves out of whatever kind of dangerous situations that they are living in.  After he has accomplished that, he hopes to be able to teach them business and life skills using their unique problem solving abilities.  That $100 million dollars will be put to good use.  Tellman knows that this is a group of individuals worth saving…he was once a troubled youth himself who faced many challenges including a debilitating leg condition which hindered his ability to even walk well.   http://runtellmanrun.com/press-and-sponsors/who-is-tellman/

        He has suffered a severely brused, painful heel condition which required him to recently reduce his running schedule.  He has been advised by a doctor to only run 3 miles a day and to only run 5 days a week instead of the 7 that he was running.  This will of course add time to his original plan of running this journey in 99 days time.  No matter, he is following doctors orders and doing as he is told so that he can still achieve his goal.  In the meantime….

       Tellman Knudson is in Atlanta, today, trying to raise funds in the internet community at the Sheraton Hotel where a seminar is being held with many of his friends and supporters.  He asks that we wish him luck; but, I say…even more than that…send him money!  If you go to his page you can donate online, what do you say…are the youth of today worth investing in?  http://runtellmanrun.com/   This isn’t just a holiday charity drive…this is Tellman’s purpose and passion…won’t you help?

            However, for those that do spend….they are quickly overwhelmed when they discover the amount of new skills and knowledge that they must acquire before they can even begin to make lots money…not to mention the discouragement that sets in when they realize how long it will be before they learn enough to make that huge investment of money back.  It just isn’t practical to spend thousands and wait 12 months to 2 years to learn enough knowledge and skills to make your money back.  Marketing is a system for selling products or services; and, because it is a system…that means there are many components. 

          What if you could learn some of the techniques that would bring in enough money to pay an extra bill or two a month?  Would that be a benefit to you?  I am sure that it would.  Rapid Cash doesn’t promise to make you millions or guarantee that you will be driving a new car in a week…that is foolishness.  On the other hand, Rapid Cash can add enough cash to your pocket to help take some of the pressure off the average person’s monthly struggles http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7 . 

       You see, what alot of those big named gurus and their programs promise you is unrealistic when you think about it.  In their sales pages and videos…they are flaunting their cars, their mansions and piles of money.  Yes it is possible to acquire those things; however, what they often don’t tell you is that it has taken them years and tons of money to learn how to earn the kind of skills and knowledge needed to make that happen.  It does not happen overnight like that for the average person.  It takes alot of work…and a whole lot of expert help to get to that level. 

          People are often manipulated by those ads to believe that they can achieve that level of success quickly.  Realistically, learning is a process and everyone has to start somewhere.  I am an affiliate for Rapid Cash Marketing.  http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7   They teach you how to use skills and knowledge to earn extra money while you learn those other things about making money online, learning a proven, in- depth internet marketing system that can lead to a higher level of internet marketing success. 

       There is a team of coaches who are there to teach you how to pick up extra cash to supplement your income with skills that you may already have or can quickly develop.   They are knowledgable in many areas and use these skills themselves to earn money online.    Do you have digital photo experience, interviewing skills, graphic arts skills, writing skills, direct marketing skills, writing sales letters, video skills,  voice over abilities, editing skills, etc?  The list goes on…but, if you could learn how to use those skills in an effective way to earn enough money to take the edge off of your present financial situation it would be a blessing right?  

          If you are willing to learn and willing to take action towards achieving some financial success online then check out this link:  http://tinyurl.com/djr2a7   Yes, I will get a financial reward if you were to purchase…but, if their program improved your finances; then, I think you would thank me anyway!   I think you will see the wisdom in investing a small amount of money that will quickly repay your investment if you put in the effort to do what the successful internet marketers Jeff Wellman, Dixie Brown, and Paul Counts instruct you to do.