The Melody of Life
Issue #2452
- WEALTHY: Who gets paid first? (Rick Pendergraft)
- HEALTHY: 4 anti-aging delicacies at your favorite sushi bar (Kelley Herring)
- WISE: Robert Fulghum on living a balanced life
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
- Nature’s Sanity Support System (Robert Ringer)
- The key to being user friendly (Suzanne Richardson)
- It’s Good to Know… about energy coming in with the tide
- Add “omniscient” to your vocabulary
Do NOT Listen To Me
Don’t take it from me.
After all, I’ll admit I’m a little bit biased when it comes to ETR’s conferences.
But why not listen to folks just like YOU who came to our recent events? Just a handful of examples…
“Tremendous enthusiasm, this is extremely professional. It’s like getting a masters degree in how to build a business on the Internet.” – Sharon O’Day, Hallandale, Florida.
“This event exceeded expectations. As far as conferences and events, this is probably the best return on investment that we could possibly get. It’s going to be worth ten to twenty times the amount we spent to come here.” – Paul Tracy, Austin, Texas.
“I’ve learned a tremendous amount in the last two and a half days. All the presentations were absolutely fantastic. You’ll get a tremendous amount of information from attending this conference.” – Lou Bettencourt
“This by far excels every event that I’ve attended. All the speeches have been incredible. I recommend that anybody who is serious about information marketing absolutely attend… there’s so much real advice that we can all follow and we can all learn from.” – Rebecca Eisele.
“I’ve been very impressed. The speakers and the experts that they brought in to teach us have really given us a lot of tools. It was a very step by step process how to get to where we want to be in the near future.” – David Patrick.
“This event was fabulous. I’m just bowled away with the ideas, the concepts, the people presenting are leaders in their field and I couldn’t find this information in ten years if I were just to be doing Internet searches. To have it all in one place is such a gift.” – Martha Salastino, Santa Ana, California.
WOW! So why not see what all the excitement is about yourself?
Come on down to Florida and join Early to Rise this November for our 2008 Info-Marketing Bootcamp: “The Internet Ultimatum: Zero to $1.2 Million In 12 Months Flat”.
You’ll get at least a dozen specific and actionable ideas for building a new business from nothing to $1.2 million or more over the next twelve months… and then to $10 million and beyond.
Your invitation awaits you here.
The Investment Pecking Order
The economy is in a slow period, and bankruptcies are making headlines. So, lately, I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about the pecking order investors assume when a publicly traded company goes into bankruptcy.
Here’s what you need to know…
- First, debt holders get their money before equity holders. In other words, people holding the bankrupt company’s corporate bonds will be paid in full before anyone holding the stock sees a penny. This doesn’t mean that bondholders always get paid in full – just that they get paid before stockholders.
- If the company has preferred shares, holders of those shares get paid before holders of the common shares. Most of the stocks that are reported on by CNBC and in the financial section of your local newspaper are common shares.
- Who gets paid last? Usually, it’s you, the common investor.
This pecking order isn’t a concern most of the time. But with companies like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac teetering on the brink of disaster, it certainly deserves your attention. Should Fannie and Freddie get consumed by the federal government, it could come into play.
As is always the case, you need to do your homework before you invest. If you are looking at investing in a company that has a lot of debt and preferred shares, beware. If the company gets in trouble, you will be the last in line to be paid if you invest in its common shares. You can protect yourself by shying away from companies with lots of debt.
[Ed. Note: Making smart investment choices is the best way to protect your money. Companies with strong fundamentals are best equipped to withstand major market changes. But don't be afraid of small fluctuations in the market. These movements can offer you the perfect opportunity to profit. Learn more here.]
“Be aware of wonder. Live a balanced life – learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.”
Robert Fulghum
The Melody of Life
Amidst all the insanity and meaningless chatter that overwhelms us each day, every so often we get a break – and get hooked into nature’s Sanity Support System. We have little control over when the blessed intervention will take place, how often it will occur, or what its components may be.
In my book Action! Nothing Happens Until Something Moves, I describe one such experience I had on a beautiful sunny day in November, when I was still in my mid-twenties. I was driving on the Grand Central Parkway on my way to JFK International Airport, and my mind was exploding with a thousand and one thoughts about all aspects of my life.
Then, just as I began steering my car south onto the Van Wyke Expressway, my entire life seemed to freeze into sharp focus. It was as though I were being given the means to solve all my business and personal problems simultaneously. It was an impossible-to-describe feeling of total control.
Instead of having to exert the normal intense mental effort to sort out my thoughts, every item that was of importance to me at the time – perhaps 40 or 50 in number – instantly became clearly fixed in my mind in such an orderly fashion that I felt almost omniscient.
It was as though a bright light had suddenly brought my thoughts out of the dark recesses of my subconscious and allowed me to concentrate on all of them at one time. It was a feeling of immense power, joy, and ecstasy.
I live for Sanity Support moments such as these, and only wish that I had the power to bring them into my life more frequently. Still, I’ll take what’s given to me – and this past Sunday evening, a lot was given.
My wife and I had been out for several hours in the humid 95-degree summer heat. When we finally arrived back home, I turned down the air conditioning, kicked back, and cooled off for an hour or so. As time passed, ominous storm clouds began moving into view.
For reasons I cannot explain, and contrary to my Felix Unger personality, we decided to go outside and stroll around on our veranda. There was a deliciously strong breeze blowing, which swept away all thoughts of such secular issues as politics, money, crime, and, above all, petty and banal matters.
And to top it off, coming from our outdoor speakers was a soothing voice from another time – Neil Sedaka. We’re talking Solitaire, King of Clowns, Love Will Keep Us Together…and more. Surely, heaven has Neil Sedaka piped in.
But Neil Sedaka’s wasn’t the only music we could hear. He was just one part of a massive symphony that nature was presenting.
There is a huge conglomeration of tall trees to the left and somewhat distant from our veranda, which creates a shield from the outside world. For what seemed like an eternity, the wind whipped those trees into a choreographed frenzy that brought with it a windy, rustling melody – a melody that seemed as though it were being guided by a master conductor.
It immediately brought to mind the “melody of life” that the late Guy Murchie wrote about so eloquently. According to Murchie, as well as others whose understanding of such scientific issues is far beyond what my brain is capable of absorbing, the earth and every other “sphere” in the universe oscillate much like musical instruments. Supposedly, the two fundamental “notes” to which the earth oscillates are one vibration every 53.1 minutes and another every 54.7 minutes – but I’m not the guy to ask about it.
I do, however, know this: There was music and choreography going on in those trees, and it was happening all around us – as far as the eye could see. If my description is inadequate, it’s because the scene is impossible to describe. Moments like this have to be experienced firsthand.
On and off, light raindrops fell. Like the few other times when nature has hooked me up to her Sanity Support System, I was immersed in metaphysical magic that I did not want to come to an end. I tell you, a man could solve all the world’s problems if he could exist in such a state of high awareness throughout his life. (Buddha? Confucius? Jesus? Baha’u'llah?)
The rain started coming down more heavily, and we were forced to retreat inside. But we talked about those otherworldly moments we had experienced on the veranda for quite some time. I will never forget that evening.
You’ve undoubtedly had similar experiences in your own life… times when you felt only peace and tranquility… and, perhaps for a brief moment, a connection to all the knowledge of the universe. I hope so. But, if not, your time will come.
One bit of advice: When nature’s Sanity Support System makes its appearance, seize the moment. Whatever else you may be doing at the time can wait. Nature, on the other hand, will not. Nature is impatient when she is ready to connect you.
[Ed. Note: It's easy to get caught up in the immediacy and urgency of day-to-day concerns. But part of any balanced life, as motivational guru Robert Ringer points out, is taking time to savor the moment.
Starting your own Internet business could give you the extra income stream you need to have more time for yourself - and for those special moments. Get advice for making this dream happen at ETR's 2008 Info-Marketing Bootcamp. 12 experts will show you how to take your business to $1 million, $100 million, or beyond.
And you don't have to wait for your own Sanity Support System to kick in. Robert Ringer's e-letter is the voice of sanity you need to survive this insane world. Sign up here.]
Quit the 9-to-5 Rat Race in as Little as 3 Weeks, and You Could Make More Than Your Boss This Year!
Yes, there is a way for the little guy to strike it rich – and stick it to “the man” once and for all. Now you have a genuine way to get out from under debt, experience true financial freedom, and live life on your own terms quicker than you may think…
You will learn what is most likely the easiest and laziest way to make money online thanks to a new program that has been kept “under wraps” by 3 top Internet marketers until now…
And you can try this program entirely risk-free and with a full guarantee that backs up everything I say here. Just click here and you will get the full details of this exciting new opportunity.
Reader Feedback: “I want to thank you for the abundance of information that you provide.”
“I’ve been a subscriber to ETR for about a year. I want to thank you for the abundance of information that you provide to your readers on a daily basis. It’s definitely a site like no other. You have inspired me and motivated me to start my own home-based business. Pharrtx.ourtown.com is a hyper-local news website for my community. Without your expertise and guidance, this opportunity would not have been possible.
“Once again, I give you my sincere thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you very much!”
David Gonzalez
Pharr, TX
[Ed. Note: What's the best way to see more of what YOU want in ETR? Let us know what we're doing right! E-mail us at AskETR@ETRFeedback.com, and we just may print your e-mail in Early to Rise.]
A Usability Lesson in the Oddest of Places
Airport restrooms. Yuck. I don’t even like to think about them – and I’m betting you don’t either. But they can teach you a valuable lesson about usability.
When you’re in an airport, you’ve got a lot of stuff. Maybe a laptop, a purse, a newspaper, and – with airlines charging for checked baggage – probably a carry-on bag too. And when you go to the restroom, you’ve got to lug it all in there with you.
But here’s the problem. Most airport restroom stalls aren’t any bigger than the stalls in normal public restrooms. So you’re crammed into a tiny little cubicle with your belongings. It’s uncomfortable. It’s irritating. And when the stall doesn’t have a hook for your handbag, it’s downright unsanitary. That’s about as far from user-friendly as you can get.
Some airports have actually been thinking about their customers (travelers) and designing restrooms to meet their needs. Extra-deep stalls. Several hooks on the walls and back of the door. Plenty of room to keep your things off the floor and out of your way. No more feeling frustrated and gross when you leave.
Now, think about this from an online business standpoint. When your prospective customers visit your website, you want them to have a good experience. After all, you want them to buy from you. So when you design your website, make it as user-friendly as possible. And the best way to do that is to get your customers to tell you what’s working for them on your site, and what isn’t.
Internet marketing expert David Cross suggests that before you go “live” with your site, you set up a beta or test version of it and ask for feedback. Enlist friends and family members to take a look and give you their honest opinions. As a result of what you learn from them, you’re sure to give your visitors a far better experience – which will encourage them to come back again and again.
[Ed. Note: Making your customers' experiences on your website easy and breezy is a good way to keep them happy - and coming back for more. David Cross can give you more ideas about how to make your Internet business user-friendly at ETR's Internet Ultimatum Bootcamp this November. Plus, you can learn 12 different strategies for making at least $100,000 from our panel of expert speakers. Reserve your spot here.]
Get More Antioxidants… With Rolls
Looking to power up your plate with antioxidants? Look to rolls. Sushi rolls, that is.
These small bites are big on age-defying antioxidants from several traditional Asian ingredients. Here are the top four:
- Wasabi. True wasabi – Wasabia japonica – is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables (which also includes broccoli and watercress). Packed with powerful cancer-fighting nutrients called isothiocyanates, wasabi helps to stimulate the detoxification enzymes in your liver that disarm free radicals and carcinogens.
- Pickled ginger. Ginger ranks an amazing 14,840 on the ORAC scale. That’s more than double the antioxidant capacity of blueberries. Ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent, thanks to gingerols – natural COX-2 inhibitors.
- Wakame. Addicted to seaweed salad? That’s a good thing. It’s loaded with a pigment called fucoxanthin, a strong free-radical fighter and metabolism booster.
- Wild salmon. Expect to pay about $1 more per roll when you request wild salmon for your sushi or sashimi. With its rich, buttery taste, this is a must. Not only will you avoid harmful contaminants found in farmed salmon, you’ll get a healthy dose of the “carotenoid king”: astaxanthin. This nutrient gives wild salmon its brilliant color, and is considered one of the most effective antioxidants known.
[Ed. Note: Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring. Nor does it mean avoiding your favorite foods - like sushi. Just make good choices when it comes to what you eat, and you can live a long and healthy life. Find more simple ideas about how to feel better and live longer here.
And talk about a healthy food that tastes fantastic... nutrition expert Kelley Herring has developed a chocolate cake so rich and delicious that you won't believe it's good for you. Learn more here.]
It’s Good to Know: Energy’s Coming in With the Tide
The world’s largest tidal turbine engine, located off the coast of Northern Ireland, began generating electricity in July. The turbine works underwater, powered by moving tides (which are more predictable than the wind that powers its wind-driven counterparts). The turbine will be able to produce enough electricity to power 1,000 homes.
But don’t get too excited about this new energy source just yet. It is estimated that tidal energy has the potential to account for only a small percentage of the world’s energy needs.
(Source: The Guardian)
If You’ve Ever Set a New Year’s Resolution – Listen Up…
Far too many people spend just ONE day a year imagining all the greatness they COULD achieve.
But I’m going to let you in on a little secret…
January 1 is just an ordinary day. There’s nothing that makes it the “perfect” day for deciding what you’re going to achieve.
And here’s something that may shock you…
You can set goals ANY DAY OF THE YEAR.
And the sooner you get started, the sooner you can live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Word to the Wise: Omniscient
“Omniscient” (om-NISH-unt) – from the Latin for “to know” – means having complete or unlimited awareness or understanding.
Example (as used by Robert Ringer today): “Instead of having to exert the normal intense mental effort to sort out my thoughts, every item that was of importance to me at the time – perhaps 40 or 50 in number – instantly became clearly fixed in my mind in such an orderly fashion that I felt almost omniscient.”
Copyright ETR, LLC, 2008
Comments