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The first step is belief and trust in yourself, and know yourself as someone who provides value to others by way of the services or products you provide. The best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others. That is the only way you will be 100% committed to what you are creating - 95% commitment or less can become very difficult over time, however 100% commitment puts you in "the zone". With 100% commitment you will continue your work, no matter what may block the path.

Clarity, being clear, is essential. Have a crystal clear mental image of what you want to create and feel a genuine passion for that. Simplification of, and a singular focus on, my goals is my personal theme for 2007. If you're not thrilled by what you're doing, you need to create a bigger goal that encompasses your personal legacy.

Something that I discovered long ago, with other projects, is that you don't have to get it right; you just have to get it going. You honestly will find what you need, along the journey.

Whenever I see some of my earlier monthly newsletters, I cringe a little. However, I needed to go through the process to get to where I am with the production of my e-zine materials today. In future, I'm certain that they might have me cringing too. If not, then I'm not growing. That is the upside of experimentation - I grow as a person within the process. This in turn gives me experience that I can share with others which adds another valuable commodity to my business services.

I have also have come to know that lasting business success is not overnight, and of course it is possible, though it is not the usual. It is important for me to maintain consistency with my actions, to focus on a few powerful marketing strategies and stick closely to those. This has taken me a while and I am getting much better at staying focused with the stronger marketing strategies that I know to be effective and high leverage.

This brings me again to the necessity of being clear about my intended end result. For every action, be clear about why you're taking that action and how that activity will move you toward fulfilling the desired end result. You may not always succeed and even if you don't, you'll still be certain of where you want to go so that you can continue to adjust and fit your actions toward achieving that end goal.

The right mindset for business success is a mindset of business success'. Know what a successful business is, for you. Know that you have a business and not a hobby, treat all your relationships with that in mind. Have a set of standards by which you abide, in the context of business activities. Respond to all communications as though your business is already at the level of success that you envisage for its future. Begin the way that you mean to finish.

Personally create your weeks, months and days. Know what you will accomplish at the end of each, set targets and determine the actions you must take to accomplish those targets.

Continually work on yourself and stay close to people who have similar aspirations to yours. Hang out with positive and empowered people. Listen to many audios and read many books related to personal growth. As you grow and evolve, so will your business and vice versa.

2007 Thea Westra is an international life coach who resides in Perth, Western Australia. She is editor and publisher of a monthly personal growth newsletter at her life coaching site www.forwardsteps.com.au Listen to some of Thea's personally selected best personal development audios

First let me say that I am a Vietnam era Veteran. A combat Veteran. A U.S. Navy Veteran. And a USNR (reserve) Veteran. And I am proud of all of it, and not ashamed at all of it!

I wonder if you who are outraged by any Veteran's protest or speaking out publicly against; or for; the war in Iraq are not the "posers"? Claiming, as you do, that this man, Marine Cpl. Adam Kokesh, and other Veterans with him, "dishonored the Uniform of the United States Marines"; as well as "Protested while still under the "Command" of the United States of America" is some sort of Criminal? And to make the most of this opportunity to cast disparaging remarks upon this group, and especially this individual, his detractors bring up an incident in his past where he was demoted and not allowed to return to Iraq, because of a rule or law that he broke?

Why would you, or anyone, be able to deny this man or any "citizen soldier" the right to be in civilian life, serve his country, be ready to serve again, and be able at the same time to bring to this nations attention what he sees is wrong with it's management?

To do so flies in the face of a very long history of "citizen soldiers" doing this very thing. From the very day our Constitution was signed! So how is this day, this war, and this man, different? He isn't, in my view. You would then, using this same "stick" to measure with, measure all the Senators and Congressmen and women, who are or were in the United States Military (Officers are forever! Unless they give up their commission.) and are able to speak out against the war in Iraq and other issues. They of course get to speak louder. And they are "covered" with immunity, as they are for every other law and rule they issue. But the conditions, thus the logic, is the same!

In the Navy I could not wear anything I wanted to. Sounds simple doesn't it? But believe it or not I was told to wear "dungarees", or "Whites", or "dress blues". There was a "uniform of the day". And that "uniform of the day" was posted. To mix and match the above, or wear the incorrect uniform on any given day, would have meant brig-time! Just rolling up your dungaree shirt-sleeves and walking around the base or ship was being "out of uniform". Being "out of uniform" is serious business in the Navy!

Now, how can this man be "in uniform" but "out of uniform"? This is not possible. If he is incorrect in any way as to his "uniform" that he is wearing, and he was due to all insignia, nametag, and top T-shirt, then by wearing only a part of a "disused" and or "discarded" and "Irish Pennant" (as they called it in the Navy) ridden uniform is "out of uniform". Thus he cannot be said to have taken part in a protest "in uniform"! "Not guilty", comes to my mind instead of any sort of "Criminal Act."

Next issue. He has the right to protest. Period! He has the right to dress any way he wishes! Period! Excepting dressing as if "U.S. Military On Duty", meaning he can't also wear a Police uniform or Military or anything similar, he can't dress in correct uniform as a Postman, for instance. In the picture I saw of the protest, there is a Policeman standing by. If he is not a real Policeman, then he would be in trouble! But the man kneeling holding a flag of this country, he is not "in uniform". Thus no "disrespect to this nations military" (i.e. the Marines) is done, intentional or otherwise. So; is he "in the uniform of the day"? Or is he in some mix and match civilian cloths that anyone can purchase at the Surplus Store? "Not guilty" come to mind here, not Criminal, and needing disciplinary action by some long forgotten Officer on duty in this countries Military. This is just ignorant. Or it is a method used to bring undue duress upon those who are "citizen soldiers". Which is going on?

Next issue. His past offenses, if any, are not part of this days action period! That Policeman standing there, and the Photographer, and all the detractors, have the right to privacy when it comes to making public any criminal record of an individual. So someone IS a Criminal sure enough, but it ain't Adam Kokesh! And to throw it upon the "table" as a "talking point" in print, and on the web, is a violation of his civil rights! Period!

Any Officer of any Command in any Service in this Country that sends email or letters "privately" or any "official" reprimand or reminder to any "citizen soldier" is not only running against the grain of what this Country is about, it is also violation of the ex-serviceman's civil rights of protest, gathering with other people, (anyone he would meet with). His right to freely express his thoughts, go wherever he wants; and to live without undue duress from an Agent of this Government!

The Officer (the Acting Agent for this Country that sent the communication) is the one that should worry! He is in violation of so many laws it is amazing that he does not now have to resign commission! Never in this Countries History has such things been done without out rage and out cry from the rest of the population. The Citizens of any Country, especially this Country, should always be able to be seen, heard, and speak freely, their thoughts and their concerns about how this Country is being run! He, as a "Citizen Soldier" has that right. If not, then none have the right! And at times I think this is the course being chosen by those in Offices in this Nation. Why are we putting up, in the misguided name of "Party Politics" this outrageous and incredible changing of our laws and custom? Why are we being placed into a Police State? Why is the Presidency now imbued with the same power as any Dictator of any ignorant Country? And more to the point; why in the world would any Citizen of this Nation speak out and draw a line for the Republic? It seems, to me at times that everyone is only along for the ride!

That's right! There is still those kinds of people left in this country, who like me, still think straight. We don't have "it" wrong! To show you how I, and many others think. Here is a couple of examples, that may seem as if they should not be a part of this article, but surely are; stupid things, that those in this Country, fanatics all; are trying to change about America, and what I, and a lot of others think of it!

The "flag amendment" is unconstitutional, and stinks! How can I be prevented from doing anything with the U.S. Flag? As a Citizen I am allowed to purchase, own, display, and burn the United States of America's flag! I have always had that right. On the other hand, there are Organizations out there in this Country that are "johnny come lately", as far as our History of this Nation, who want to prevent that right! Amazingly, their Organizations typically want us to believe that they are "standing up" for and defending "our rights"! And this works how? If I can't, do the above things, then Wally World can't display the flag of this Nation upon shopping bags! Oh, you don't intend to prevent that? And the Organization cannot have the flag draped over an image of the Whitehouse! Oh, but you didn't mean to prevent that either? Then how can you write legislation that says basically; "I can when I want to"; but "you can't ever unless I say so."! What liberty is all about? You have no idea!

You see, unlike people that use scrambled eggs for brains, we (this Nations clear thinking Citizens) can clearly see that situations like condemning and violating the civil rights of protestors against; or for; this Iraq war is illegal, and not to be done. Creating laws against protesting, and some even go so far as making up "the law" as they go about trying to squash any sort of freely expressing ones views, should never be allowed to be raised in this Country. The Country is going to the dogs! But only because clear headed people are not sticking up for their Country; their Laws; and for Common Sense!

I'll give you another example of clear thinking and common sense...just so you know that what I am saying is clear and Common sense, while giving you some examples of those in High Places thinking with motives that are clearly against this Country and all that it stands for!

The fact that the Police make their dogs "Policemen"! Now you may think that is way out in left field as far as this article and its being written about Iraq Protestors and the use of Military Justice against "Civilian Soldiers". But in reality it is all about this same disregard for and twisting of our laws to suit the Officials! For instance, can a dog, a canine, be questioned and confronted by cross-examination by the lawyer for the Defense upon the witness stand? No? Then can he, the dog, not the lawyer or the Defendant, take any oath to "tell the truth, the whole truth, so help you God"? No? Then how can he be a Policeman? How can he wear a badge showing that he is a Policeman? The dogs need to be defended from anyone that would harm them, or sue the Police Department for illegal arrest, due to the use of mere dogs, instead of a "real arrest" by a real live human Policeman? I wonder.....I wonder if the Police Dog doesn't have the same rights as my dog? If my dog is harmed there are laws already on the books against "Animal Cruelty". Doesn't that suffice? Doesn't that sound to you more sane and not some part of trampling on Common Sense and our Laws and Customs of this great Country? Sure. That's why it is being done, to get us used to being trampled upon. Now hopefully you see my point clearly. If the English Military can come to your home and question you about your neighbor, and you answer that he lives two miles distant and you know nothing about his movements or whereabouts these days, as he is a wanted man. Upon hearing this these Military Englishmen burn your home and kill everyone in your family! Does this, as such did happen long ago, seem righteous to you? Or do you get the message I am trying to convey, as well as inform, with this article?

Dan Bunch, a Cherokee; Choctaw; and Melungeon; whose mother was a naturalized citizen born in Hong Kong. His father was born in Texas, a Cherokee-Choctaw-Melungeon, who served in the Army during WWII.

Dan Bunch grew up in Texas, where he participated in; football, baseball, and boxing. He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve while still a junior in high school. He has had a multitude of experience in the business world in; insurance, real estate, finance, and a builder of custom homes. He has always been a writer, and cartoonist. He attributes his interest in many subjects to his early career as a newspaper boy. He married his high school sweetheart Gayle, with whom they have two children and five grandchildren.

Dan Bunch is a graduate of Grayson Co Jr. College, which he attended upon his return from Vietnam. He was a PO2'nd, crewmember aboard U.S. Navy River Patrol Boats, and is member of the DAV; and Veteran association.

The Grand Canyon State definitely blossoms in the Spring, and there are exciting annual Arizona events happening all over the state that you wont want to miss! Indeed, with so many events happening every Spring, the hard part will be choosing which ones you most want to see! Weve prepared a Top Ten list to make the choice a bit easier.

Spring comes early to Arizona. Starting off our Top Ten list are two Renaissance Faires and Festivals. The first one is in Apache junction, runs from February 10th, 2007 through April 1, 2007. If youve never been youre in for a treat! The reenactments are a lot of fun, with people dressing up in period costumes, practicing their Thees and Thous, Kind Sirs and Mladys. The rates to this festival are quite affordable and family rated, and chidren five and under get in free! Call 520-463-2700 for further details.l Youll find falconry and sword fighting demonstrations, Renaissance music performances, and all manner of knightly and peasant activities at most every Renaissance Festival, whether you attend the one at Apache Junction or make it to the May in the Meadows Renaissance Faire in Prescott Valley, on the Cinco de Mayo weekend, May 5th and 6th, 2007. Phone 928-772-8857 for further details.

One of the more venerable affairs in the desert, the 61st Annual Desert Caballeros Ride, a mens equine event in the Caballeros Mountains near Wickenburg and Phoenix. Over 200 mounted horsemen leave Frontier Street on an early spring desert and mountain trek. The ride occurs from April 16th through April 20th. Dial 928-684-3618 or 928-684-5479

On the Native American side, picking up as the Caballeros ride leaves off is the 21st Annual ASU Spring Competition Pow Wow in Tempe. Held at the ASU Band Practice Field, the Pow Wow runs from April 20th through 22nd. Admission is $3-5. Call 480-965-5224 for more information.

Hispanic heritage is a large part of the southwest as well, and is not left out in April. The 25th Annual International Mariachi Conference goes on between April 23 and 28th at the TCC and Reid Park in Tucson. Phone 520-838-3908 for more information about this musical treat.

There are a number of horse shows going on this and every Spring in Arizona. Region VII holds its All-Arabian Horse Show in Scottsdale at WestWorld. A free event which runs from April 24 through 29th, please call 702-435, 6694 for more information. Concurrently, the 67th Annual Santa Cruz Circuit Horse Show is hosted on the 28th and 29th of April in Sonoita (near Tucson) at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds. May 10th through 13th, you may want to enjoy the 72nd Annual Quarter Horse Show, also in Sonoitas Santa Cruiz County Fairgrounds. Dial 520-455-5553 for details.

The Cinco De Mayo (5th of May) Mexican Independence Day celebrations will be going on all across the country. So many celebrations will be held that we wont enumerate them here, though they are something to be planned for.

If Mexican music isnt your thing, perhaps youll prefer to take in the 22nd Annual Tucson Folk Festival on May 5th and 6th at El Presidio Park in Tucson. 520-319-58599 will get you more information about this fantastic musical tradition. While were waxing musical, check out Phoenix Concert Under the Stars on May 12th at the Steele Indian School park. Dial 602-495-0739 to find out more. And lets not forget that on May 26th and 27th, Scottsdale hosts the 30th Annual Paradise Valley Jazz Party at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Not a free event, phone 480-948-7993 for prices and Badge/ticket info.

Food is a big part of southwest culture, and these two events bring that home: On May 19th and 20th, the 19th Annual Grand Canyon Sweet Onion and Peach Festival is held in Gilbert (near Phoenix) at Mother Natures Farm. An affordable $5 per person or $15 for the whole family will get you in on this event. Dial 480-892-5874 for details and directions. If youd like a bit more meat to your fare, check out the 23rd Annual Gran Fiesta Del Barrio Fajita Cook-Off in Flagstaff at the NAU Natatorium Field on June 1st and 2nd. The same prices apply, and more info can be found at 928-526-8270.

The next subject is the Great Outdoors. Lake Havasu City hosts the 23rd Annual Eliminator Boat Regatta on May 4th and 5th at the Rotary Park Beach (928-680-0265). On June 2nd theres a National Trails Day in Holbrook at the Petrified National Park (928-524-6228). If youd like to become involved in the ecology, you can lend at hand on June 3rd through 8th at the Fencing Natural Lakes Volunteer Event, North Rim Ranch, near Flagstaff. Everything is provided, but be sure to call for details at 928-774-7488.

Our last recommendation for Spring 2007 is the 34th Annual Folk Arts Fair in Prescott on June 2nd and 3rd, at Sharlot Hall Museum. Call them at 928-445-3122.

There are certainly many other fantastic things to see and do in Arizona. These are just a starter. ENJOY!

2007 RightNow Communications

Arizona Events

Arizona Vacation

Imagine having a great time playing with just a simple piece of elastic string! Chinese Jump Rope is a jumping game popular around the world!

Chinese Jump Rope found me as a child and once again, through my profession as a physical educator. The game is funny like that, popping up from generation to generation, verbally passed from one to another like a folk tale.

Chinese Jump Rope is a challenging game played by anyone anywhere.

The simple rules test the skill and coordination of all players. An elastic rope is the only equipment needed for play. The game is easily learned and always fun!

Chinese children first played Chinese Jump Rope in the 7th century. Rediscovered by English children in the 1960's, Chinese Jump Rope remains as popular as ever.

Chinese Jump Rope is no ordinary "rope skipping" game. "Enders" hold an elastic rope while a "jumper" jumps the rope in special ways. The challenge? To jump successfully!

RULES

A Jumper jumps until a jumping mistake or "miss" is made.

-A miss can be made if a jumper jumps "out" instead of "in".

-A miss is also made if a jumper touches the rope incorrectly while jumping the game.

After a miss, the jumper trades positions with an ender.

The jumper starts from the very beginning of the game on the next turn.

Every Chinese Jump Rope game begins with the rope held in basic position.

Enders:

1. Face each other and step inside the rope.

2. Place the rope around the ankles.

3. Step back until the rope is stretched.

Two parallel jumping lines, about 12 inches (30cm)apart, are stretched between the enders.

The jumper stands outside the rope, ready to play.

Simple words describe simple CJR jumping steps!

"IN"

Jump both feet inside the rope.

"ON"

Jump both feet on top of the rope. The left foot lands on the left rope; the right foot lands on the right foot.

"OUT"

Jump both feet from the middle to the outside of the rope. Feet land together on one side.

"SIDE OUT"

Jump over both ropes from one side. Both feet land together on the other side of the rope.

"STRADDLE OUT"

Jump a straddle! The left foot lands outside the left side of the rope. The right foot lands outside the right side of the rope.

"SIDE-BY-SIDE"

Jump quickly side-to-side. Both feet start "out" one side of the ropes.

-Jump side: The left foot lands outside the left rope. The right foot lands inside the rope.

-Jump side again quickly: The left foot lands inside the rope. The right foot lands outside the right rope.

Jumpers call the steps out loud while jumping. Calling helps the jumper remember the "pattern" of the jumps!

Practice "jumping steps" with these simple jumping games!

JUMP 1:
IN.. OUT.. SIDE-BY-SIDE.. ON.. IN.. OUT

JUMP 2:
IN.. STRADDLE OUT.. SIDE-BY-SIDE.. IN.. OUT.. SIDE OUT

JUMP 3:
SIDE OUT.. SIDE OUT.. ON.. SIDE OUT.. SIDE OUT.. ON .. SIDE OUT

JUMP 4:
SIDE-BY-SIDE.. IN.. STRADDLE OUT.. IN.. ON.. SIDE OUT

No enders around to hold the rope? Draw two parallel chalk lines on a play surface (sidewalk, concrete, pavement).

Happy jumping!

Sheree S. Marty is the author and owner of the games book, "Chinese Jump Rope". She currently keeps the spirit of the game alive through her website, Chinese Jump Rope (http://chinesejumprope.tripod.com) and via MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/chinesejumprope). Ms. Marty taught physical education for thirteen years. She earned her Master degree in Counseling in 2000 and has worked with elementary school children as a school counselor for the past nine years. "Chinese Jump Rope" is an out of print title, available for purchase through major booksellers, such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Ms. Marty invites readers to visit her online blog, Happy Jumping! at http://blog.myspace.com/chinesejumprope.