Jilliannn G asked:


For galloping, how fast generally is a Percheron.

DARWIN

Robert Dave Johnston asked:


In the previous “Transforming the Subconscious Mind” article, we started to look at how “visualization” and an assertive program of affirmations read daily can be a very powerful tool to overcome mental patterns that lead to binging and compulsive overeating.

Each moment that you procrastinate or allow apathy and hopelessness to keep you from taking action, then that is another moment that you are delaying the amazing benefits that fasting and cleansing can provide. So don’t get discouraged. Put to practice what is discussed here. Believe me, it all comes full circle as part of a very powerful and life-changing puzzle.

Having said that, let us know talk about making positive and assertive changes in the way we view and related to food and eating. Do not minimize the importance of what we are talking about here. It took me years of misery, obesity and toxicity (and skepticism) to adopt these principles. Today, having seen the drastic changes they have produced, I wish I would have been receptive much, much sooner!

Self-Talk Part II

Many persons we talk to lose huge amounts of weight through juice and water fasting, yet end up gaining it all back because they have not addressed the “psychological” aspect of fitness, weight loss and health. That is why, after so much trial and failure, I have concluded that changing my “thinking” is by far one of the most important elements to successful and permanent weight loss.

Why? Because a person can complete a long juice or water fast and lose dramatic amounts of weight. But if there has not been “an internal change in the way he or she thinks and behaves,” then guess what will happen? Yep, that is right; sooner or later the “comfort eating” and binging will resurface and, more than likely, lead the person back to the dark spiral of overeating and obesity.

So, once you have started daily affirmations via flashcards with target statements as described in the previous article, you are now ready to unleash another powerful weapon to transform your subconscious mind - and that is “recording the affirmations in your own voice and listening to them as often as you possibly can.”

This may sound corny and silly, but I will tell you again that it is neither! This method is a huge bomb that gives your mind clear-cut directives that will force it to re-program itself and begin to support the changes you want to make in your life.

Getting Started

If you have a cassette recorder, purchase new batteries and buy a pack of 90-minute cassettes. You can buy them cheap at any pharmacy. Or, if you have the hardware on your computer to record audio and own a CD player, then purchase some blank rewritable CD’s with at least 700 megabytes of storage space. These, too, can be purchased at any pharmacy for about $10.

Select a time in which you can be on your own and not be disturbed. Turn off your cell phone and television. If you do not live alone, let others know that you do not wish to be interrupted for at least one hour.

By the way, you DO NOT have to explain in detail to anybody what you are doing. In fact, I would recommend that, apart from a very select few, you do not trumpet to everyone what you intend to do.

Many persons simply will not understand and are likely to criticize or even ridicule your efforts. This can even happen with members of your own family. So be careful. You do not need any more negativity. Lord knows, we sure have enough in our own minds, right?

Now, find some type of soothing music that you can play in the background. I would recommend instrumental music. You don’t want your mind distracted by lyrics of any type. Mellow, mediation music is best, but use any type of music that inspires you. Inspirational music can open your subconscious mind to receive the message, and also produce positive emotional reactions that can be associated with the new messages you are giving your mind. Sit down and get ready to start recording. Make sure you find a comfortable chair.

Making The Recording

You are now ready to start recording. If you are using a cassette player, do some test recordings to see which distance from the microphone produces the best sound. Do the same if you are recording on the computer. Make sure there is no echo or static that affects the clarity of the recording. You want each command to be heard clearly and up front. The music should be in the background, also. When all looks good and you are ready, press record and begin.

Each affirmation you use will be recorded in both the “I” and “You” tenses. I’ll explain why in a minute. To make it easier for you, below is the list of affirmations that I recorded for myself.

1- It is now easy for ME to control MY appetite at all times. (Say your first name) It is now easy for YOU to control YOUR appetite at all times. 2- It is now always easy for ME to say no to _____. (fill it in with your specific trigger foods). (Say your first name)It is now easy for YOU to say no to ______.

3- I now lose weight easily and effortlessly at all times. (Say your first name)YOU now lose weight easily and effortlessly at all times. 4- I now always have supernatural will power to achieve all of MY goals at all times. (Say your first name)YOU now always have supernatural will power to achieve all of YOUR goals at all times.

Evaluate the different areas of your life that you wish to change, and record affirmations directly related to them. These can include self-esteem, spirituality, lifestyle … etc. For example:

5- I now and always feel great about who I am and am constantly filled with intoxicating passion for life at all times. (Say your first name) YOU now and always feel great about who YOU are and are constantly filled with intoxicating passion for life at all times (Self-Esteem). 6- I always receive powerful spiritual guidance and discernment to overcome all problems at all times. (Say your first name) You always receive powerful spiritual guidance and discernment to overcome all problems at all times(Spiritual).

7-I always am filled with energy and motivation to live and love to be outdoors and active at all times. (Say your first name) YOU always are filled with energy and motivation to live and YOU love to be outdoors and active at all times. 8- It is now easy for ME to talk to others and I always feel great about MYSELF in every situation. (Say your first name) It is now easy for YOU to talk to others and YOU always feel great about YOURSELF in every situation.

I strongly recommend you take your time and draft your own. Believe me, the more you do it, the more affirmations you will suddenly come up with to address other thinking patterns you will want to change. Once you have finished recording, stop and review what you have done. But there is more.

The Power of Your Own Voice

Now, why all this about I and then YOU? Well, when we talk to ourselves most of us use both of these tenses, so doing affirmations in both I and You hit both sides of the equation and maximize the impact of these powerful statements. When you first start to hear your own voice on the recording talking to yourself, you may feel silly, stupid or even spooked. All of this is perfectly normal.

You may even get angry and feel that you are wasting your time. It is very possible that your mind may present manifold arguments as to why you should not do this, and why all of this “affirmation” stuff is garbage and useless. I went through a heck of a mental battle when I first began.

But, little by little, you will become more and more receptive to the messages and start to welcome them. New visions of yourself will start to open up and, over a period of weeks, you will notice subtle changes in your mood and attitude. Specifically as it relates to binging and overeating, the biggest impact comes when the “voracity” to eat the wrong type of foods starts to diminish.

The bottom line is this: your mind knows who you are. It recognizes your own voice and sees it as the ultimate authority. Sort of like the child who immediately reacts when he or she hears the voice of a parent.

So, begin to parent your own mind. Give it the specific directions of what you want it to do and how you want it to function. The mind can be like a wild horse that, if left unchecked, will buck violently and throw you to the ground. But, once you assume the authority that is rightfully yours, you will notice that it will obey and actually be glad that some “adult” with sense has finally shown up!

One more thing: When you record, use an assertive, forceful voice. Not violent, but rather firm and to-the-point. This is no time to whisper or speak meekly. Let your mind know that you mean business, and do not be afraid to use strong voice tones. Put all of your passion and emotion into each statement.

I got into it so passionately that, when I finished, I was drenched in sweat and actually felt a little hoarse. When you are finished, you should have a minimum of 30 minutes worth of I and You statements directly linked to the changes you wish to make in your life.

How to Use the Recording

My suggestion is that, if possible, you take the CD or Cassette with you and listen to it while you are driving. When you have a break - like when having lunch, for example - put on some headphones and listen to the recording. Observe your reactions and journal them. What answer does the mind give you?

In my case, the angry reaction was usually: “Baloney!” Also, gauge your emotions. How do you feel? Even better yet, if you are able to, put on the recording when you go to sleep and let it loop over an over all night long.

Make a commitment with yourself to both read the flashcards we talked about on the previous “Transforming the Subconscious Mind” article, AND listen to the audio recording. Make it a priority to assault your mind with these statements for a full year and do not let anything or anyone detour you from this path.To be sure, you will be in for some very profound changes in your outlook and behavior.

A Final Word

Everything we have been discussing in these articles comes down to one thing: Personal Responsibility. Life waits for nobody, and time continues to pass for us all. You can either let your mind and circumstances victimize you and lead you further and further away from your dreams and goals, or you can take action and do whatever is at your disposal to improve the quality of your life.

Indeed, it is never easy to get started.

Especially when one is obese and has been so for a long period of time. So, while at first it may seem like an uphill battle, I tell you that you are worth it and that eventually it will become easier. Considering the option of doing nothing and getting worse, whatever price of discomfort and frustration you pay now is little in comparison.

So, as I always like to say: Easy Does it - But Do It! Seize the challenge, walk through it, and allow it to transform you into a stronger and healthier person. You can do it!



BUD

Eddie Sanmarco asked:


If you’ve searched with Y! lately - at least in some browsers - you may have noticed a new addition to their search result’s page. If you use Netscape or Firefox, the upper right-hand corner of your search result’s page now holds an orange box that holds - The Buzz. Yahoo!’s Buzz Log has been around for a few years, but you used to have to go looking for it to find out what people were Buzzing about. Now Y! puts it in your face - and frankly, I’m not sure what all it’s good for.

For those of you who aren’t up to speed on the Yahoo Buzz, here’s a quick recap. Every day, Yahoo records all the searches that are entered on its pages. Over the next twenty four hours, those searches are indexed, tabulated, calculated and sorted, and the next day - 48 hours later - Y! publishes ‘the Buzz Index’ in a number of different forms. Want to know what was on people’s minds two days ago? You can get a quick snapshot by checking today’s Buzz Index page. There’s a Buzz Index for entertainment, movies, music, sports, movie stars and overall. But what’s it all mean? Here it is straight from the horse’s mouth:

A subject’s buzz score is the percentage of Yahoo! users searching for that subject on a given day, multiplied by a constant to make the number easier to read. Weekly leaders are the subjects with the greatest average buzz score for a given week.

So… it’s an index of the most popular searches on Yahoo! The Buzz publishes daily, weekly and monthly stats, so you can track trends over time. You can even get a subscription to the Yahoo Buzz Index and personalize it with customized search terms - but those don’t show up in your search results page when you do a search—you have to go to your Buzz Index page for them. What does show up is the top ten general daily searches. In fact, for today, no matter what I’m actually searching for, here’s what I get in that little box:

1.pussycat dolls

2.NFL draft grades

3.the ultimate fighter

4.may 1 boycott

5.Madonna tickets

6.Howard stern

7.Chinese astrology

8.project runway

9.Terence Howard

10.Bahamas hotels

So exactly what is the point of plopping that orange box in one of the prime pieces of SERP real estate? It doesn’t tell me anything relevant to my search (I searched for test scores, for nursing degrees and for consumer index). If I click on one of the ranked items, it feeds me the search results for that term. If I click on ‘More Buzz’ at the bottom, it takes me to the Buzz Index where I can read the latest blog entry.

To make it even more useless, the Buzz box only works in a few browsers. In the others, there’s either a blank column - or the Sponsor Results - which at least are contextually related to what I’m searching. Where’s the value added? About the only thing that it does is clutter up a space that could be used so much more profitably.

Now if Y! wanted to actually make this thing useful, here are a few suggestions.

First - make it contextually sensitive. If I type in a search for ‘tests,’ I’d find a list of related popular searches a WHOLE lot more useful than knowing that most of America is searching for info on the Pussycat Dolls two days ago.

Second, never mind the ranking - give me the numbers! How many people searched for Pussycat Dolls? Maybe it’s something I should know about, hmm?

Third - move it! I don’t refer to that place as ‘prime real estate’ for nothing. The upper right hand corner of your browser is one of the first places the eye lands on a page. It’s one of the reasons that you put important things in that space when you’re designing your pages. Why waste it?



ELDRIDGE

Ed Oakley asked:


The power teams can be equated to draft horses. One can pull 5,000 pounds, but together they can pull 30,000. Yet too often teams are implemented as an end versus a means to an end. Teams have, in some circles, become a trend, implemented “because it’s the thing to do.”

While teams can create dynamic results, poorly implemented teams can produce disastrous results.

The purpose of this article is to provide a checklist on how well your teams are doing. Here are some ideas for renewal.

Renewal doesn’t come from carefully written words, framed and hung on the wall. Renewal comes from your actions, the way you spend your time day in and day out. Let’s look at five indicators of team health.

Mission

Is there a clear purpose? Is everyone on the team engaged in a common goal? Is the team focused on the original objectives? What has changed since we started? Do we need to modify the original team charter or operational guidelines?

Problem vs. Solution Orientation

Are your problems more important than solutions? Healthy teams spend more time working on solutions than defining problems. What’s the difference? In a world of finite resources (time, energy and money), the more you concentrate on analyzing problems, the fewer resources you’ll have to develop solutions that will propel your team forward. How much time does your team spend on these positive activities: Deciding how to close the gap between where the team is now and where it wants to be Understanding what the team does best Determining how successes can be built upon for greater success

Avoid “The Swamp”

Healthy teams celebrate success as soon as it happens and as often as it happens. All too often the purpose, scope, or tasks of a team change, leading to an environment that can be unfulfilling because the target changes. We’ve heard this dynamic called “the swamp.”

Not every champagne moment needs to be celebrated with a bottle of bubbly! But even small results deserve a moment of recognition, and the team can be rewarded for successes during the journey.

This fosters continuous improvement, encourages their continued efforts, and leads to higher performance because they see that their efforts won’t be taken for granted. Celebration confirms the sometimes taken-for -granted fact that success doesn’t just happen; it’s the result of initiative and follow through on the part of team members. Look around your office: Does your team track daily accomplishments on a prominently displayed sign where people can share their results? Does your team start meetings with a review of recent successes? Does your team recognize accomplishments by all team members, not just a favored few?

Are people being heard?

Do people listen as much as they talk? Texas oil tycoon H.L. Hunt said that he learned most of what he knew by listening! Healthy teams are made of up of people who have as much to hear as they have to say.

A critical part of communicating is listening to what’s being said so that you can respond to input with information that is appropriate in terms of both content and spirit. And sometimes, an effective listener is all that another person needs to clarify their thoughts or release frustration.

Do people make the mistake of trying to listen and do things at the same time?

Does body language indicate that people are open to input and non-judgmental?

Is there an open and trusting environment in which people are given a fair hearing for their thoughts and ideas?

Is There a Rumor du Jour?

A subtle but solid indicator of team health is: how still are the jungle drums, how quiet is the rumor mill? Healthy teams operate in an environment where issues are openly discussed and no one is excluded from the discussion. Individuals can inspire long lasting, positive result by what they do not say in casual conversations. An Enlightened Leader models this behavior by only speaking what is true, what is kind, and what is useful.

Do people speak in whispers around the copier, coffee pots, or water coolers, giving others a negative feeling about what they’re discussing?

Are team members kept abreast of important issues and are concerns openly addressed in regular meetings so that rumors aren’t necessary?

Work Environment

A lot of searching has gone into defining the kind of environment that enables people go to work at peak performance. What percentage of the day is your team actually performing at its peak? It would be unreasonable to expect a sustained performance of 100% effort, but what can be done to make the environment more like the one you’ve envisioned?

Is everybody clear and following the team’s operational guidelines for each individual? Are people empowered? Does each person understand his or her role in accomplishing the objectives? Do they have what they need to succeed?

Review your values; is there mutual respect for every individual and is there a high degree of trust and openness?

After reviewing these Team Health Indicators, you may want to change some things in your workplace. That’s OK! Healthy teams are in a process of continuous improvement. Follow the principles of Enlightened Leadership and our team will enjoy a long and healthy life.



EVERETT

Hopey asked:


I’m looking to buy a draft horse and my friends dont really know how to ride. They want to ride with me so i thought a draft horse would be a good pick. Thanks for the info.

FRED

Sean Russell asked:


Tapestries of early times were often patterned on current events or heroes of the day. Wall tapestries with knights and castles often adorned the very castles they displayed. Tapestries were important in castles to reduce the draft and cold in the large stone buildings. They were hung on the inside of exterior walls in the rooms where people congregated. Tapestries with knights and castles were often created to preserve the history of the occupants of the castle and the weavings often remained in the castle for many centuries and generations. With each new generation adding their piece of work to the visual history on the walls.

Tapestries from the middle ages can sometimes be very helpful in providing social information of the time period. They depict the armor that was worn and the accessories such as banners and horse decoration used during battle. They also showed the original construction of buildings that may no longer exist but still hold historical relevance. Such things as food and drink and household customs were depicted with pride and preserved as an indication of the families position. They were often very busy tapestries in that they may depict many people and horses and activities all one the same piece of work.

Medieval tapestries also depict art forms of, hunting scenes, gallantry of nobles and knights, the unicorn, and dining and feasting of the nobles. Unicorn tapestries are one of the marvels of the world. Unicorn tapestries reflect Incarnation, the Passion, the Resurrection, and the five senses.

By the early Renaissance period or fifteenth century, artists were anxious to leave the Black Middle Ages behind and express their feelings of individual freedom in the bright colors of huge paintings and tapestries with heraldic, pastoral, romantic or exotic themes.

Online tapestry retailers have become a very good source for purchasing tapestries with medieval themes and tapestries of all subjects. Designer Wall Tapestries offers very detailed pictures of each tapestry and provide you with the dimensions and features such as rod pockets and types of fabric used.



EMMITT

Glume asked:


My family has bought a small farm, and we’re looking for a place in Nova Scotia to buy a draft horse. *We are new at this.
Can anyone suggest a place to start looking?

GERARDO