Streaming Internet videos have quickly become one of the most significant ways that consumers stay both entertained and informed. The video-sharing site YouTube, for instance, received 19.6 million unique visitors in a single month in 2006, according to a report by Nielsen//NetRatings.

Just as the popularity of amateur online videos has surged in recent years, now more businesses and organizations are turning to online broadcasting to air their content as well. Whether it be an Internet broadcast of the Indy 500 or an organization's video of the keynote speech from a recent trade show, more companies are taking advantage of the wide-ranging exposure promised by Internet broadcasts.

"We are seeing the emergence of a new way of doing business that is touching everything from entertainment to sports, advertising, virtual training and news," said Greg Demetriades, chairman and chief executive officer of WhiteBlox, a developer of online broadcasting technology. "The ability to offer online videos and interact in real time with consumers is changing the face and capabilities of business communications."

For many organizations, one of the most enticing aspects of airing Internet broadcasts may be the opportunity for a greater extent of viewer interaction. With WhiteBlox's online technology, for example, businesses can allow consumers to not only view streaming video of their content, but participate as well, via integrated chat rooms, polls and surveys.

Some are also using customizable Internet broadcasting players to offer videos of live events or catalogued as pay-per-view items.

The Indy Racing League, for instance, aired last year's Indy 500 race online using WhiteBlox's media player, while Miguel Cornejo, a popular motivational speaker in Mexico, uses WhiteBlox to offer his seminars on demand.

What this means for consumers is that they can now receive from companies what amateur online broadcasts have offered: the content they want, when they want it.

Here are some tips to help small businesses improve their Web presence while avoiding some of the most common pitfalls:

1. Keep it lively. In addition to keeping the language of your Web site concise, consider writing with a sense of personality. A conversational tone can make visitors feel more comfortable and willing to take interest in whatever it is you're selling or promoting.

2. Avoid atypical fonts. Although it's vital to catch the viewer's attention right away, don't rely on strange or trendy fonts to do so. Stick with a standard set of fonts and let the professionalism and content of your Web site do all the attention-getting.

3. Stay current. To prevent your Web site from seeming out of touch with modern online technology, consider featuring streaming video.

Companies like WhiteBlox www.whiteblox.com build and design streaming video players that can be smoothly incorporated into any Web page. The players also feature back-end analytics, so you can track your visitors' viewing habits with the player itself or monitor their participation in polls and surveys that come coupled with the technology.

4. Use ads sparingly. Ads can be a great source of extra revenue, but having too many can be distracting and make the site appear cluttered.

Consider setting a personal limit as to how many advertisements you'll feature at one time. If you're using WhiteBlox or another streaming video player, feature paid ads at the beginning of the videos or broadcasts.

5. Use your own photos. In an "About Us" section, include real pictures of the people who work for your business. Stock photography can give your Web site a canned appearance, whereas photographs of your personnel can add a genuine touch that will resonate with visitors.

Budding entrepreneurs entering the affiliate marketing business invariably struggle with many questions on the setup, methods and strategies of their new business.

In dealing with prospects on a daily basis the same question arises time and time again:

Should I get your own website? Do I need one? Will it make a difference to my affiliate sales?

If you have ever joined any affiliate programs at all then you will know that every affiliate program provides you with your own version of the merchants sales page - coded with your affiliate link, in order to track sales.

Technically it is possible to make money promoting this turnkey site that the merchant has provided. In my professional opinion and from my own experience though, this is NOT the way to go if you are serious about making your affiliate business a full-time enterprise.

Let me explain why - giving the most important points against using the affiliate website:

1. By far the most important factor is that the affiliate program can go out of business at anytime leaving any promotions that you have done for your affiliate site useless. If you have links on the www pointing to an affiliate page and the company is no longer in existence then those links will fail to work.

If you have your own website then YOU are in control. You can simply point the link on your end to a new company and thus give you a chance of building a new income stream.

2. It is undoubtedly of massive importance that you build your reputation online. If you only promote another persons website, even though it will bring you commissions, it will usually have the name of the product owner on this site. So, in this case, you are building the merchants' reputation and web presence instead of your own. Branding your name and business online will lead to further success so it's better to get YOUR name out there right from the very start.

3. Point 3 is, that with an affiliate page you don't have the ability to make changes to your webpage. Again, this is a business, so you MUST add your own uniqueness and some personality to the aspect of this business that you are presenting to the public. You CANNOT do this with the affiliate site that the merchant provides - ONLY with your own website and domain name.

So by now you may be asking for the solution. The only answer is to get a website and build YOUR own web presence and brand rather than someone elses. This way you can promote any affiliate programs you like from your new site AND you can change the links, content etc. as often as you require.

This is how I personally do it. If you visit my own sites you will see that I have added loads of my own content BUT each of the links from within that site point to affiliate product from which I will get a commission for evey sale that is made.

Do you see how this works? Do you see how it is a much better strategy than promoting an affiliate page that will NEVER belong to me?

Now, at this stage you may be terrified as to how you where you would even start to acquire your own business domain name and website.

The process is actually quite simple, once you actually begin to push through the fear and take action.

If you don't see the importance of having your own website now then believe me, it WILL become clear as you get a better understanding of online business.

For a few dollars per year for a domain name and hosting you are much better to have an affiliate website than be without one.

Article Directory: http://www.gardenepic.com/

By: Roger Munns

The UN has launched a campaign to plant a billion new trees, which is being welcomed by environmentalists, but with a warning by some that in certain regions it could do more harm than good.



While the campaign claims that each tree uses up 26 pounds of co2 emissions and in return produces enough oxygen for a family of four, planting the right trees is important to help the world improve her ecological and environment balance.



In areas that historically have suffered from a lack of rain, and in areas where global warming could potentially produce deserts, new trees that use a lot of water could have a serious affect on their biodiversity.



Eucalyptus trees can consume two thousand litres of water a day, and planting new ones in Africa would be a catalyst to disaster, and local campaigners for planting trees are urged to consider their area needs and decide carefully before deciding on which type of tree to plant.



As well as individuals planting a tree, it is hoped that businesses will do the same and encourage employees to do the same, with government and civil servants also being asked to take active participation to reach the target of a billion trees by the end of this year.



The patron of the campaign is Prince Albert of Monaco. Prince Albert has been campaigning for the environment since becoming Monaco's Sovereign two years ago, and one of his first acts was to sign the Kyoto Protocol. Previously, along with Australia and the USA, Monaco was one of a handful of countries not to ratify the treaty.



Prince Albert's father, Prince Rainier, was Europe's longest reigning Monarch until his death in April 2005. Known affectionately as the 'builder prince' he transformed Monaco into the world's favourite tax haven and ensured the Monaco Grand Prix became one of the best known annual sporting events. The Principality Albert succeeded to was a country known throughout the world for money and glamour, and the Monte Carlo casino only added to its legendary status.



Albert has continued in his father's footsteps with a plan to develop an island off Monte Carlo, and like his father with the reclaimed land in Fontvieille the map of Monaco will change again.



In keeping with his stance on the environment, it is thought that a successful bid to build the island will need to be seen to be environmentally friendly, with the possibility of lower rise buildings than some parts of Monaco have endured to create more living space.



Monte Carlo has long been associated with glamour, heightened throughout the world in 1956 when Prince Albert's father married his mother, US actress Grace Kelly.



Speculation was rife earlier this year that Prince Albert would be announcing his own engagement to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.



'Things have gone quiet recently on the Charlene front', comment a Monaco travel guide, 'Monaco is all about glitz and glamour and perhaps a surprise announcement will be made soon. But it's possible that Albert is more interested in environmental affairs than affairs of the heart'.



Monaco has been making the news recently as Monte Carlo real estate prices have escalated, and are on a level with London and New York.



Even the cheapest studios are edging towards the million Euro level according to Monaco property specialists.



'Increasing taxes elsewhere in Europe, especially in the UK, have seen inquiries increase significantly over the last twelve months,' they say, 'and it's not the weather in Monte Carlo that's drawing buyers, but the income tax free status of being a resident, and the security that goes with living in Monaco. There's one policeman for every one hundred residents and has to be the safest country to live in Europe'.

Article Directory: http://www.gardenepic.com/

For more information about Monaco including the Columbus Hotel Monaco and Prince Albert of Monaco visit YourMonaco.com

Roses have been appreciated for generations for their beauty but that isn't their primary attraction. Most are drawn to roses for their incredibly strong aroma which is the reason women love them so much. Nothing says I love you like a dozen roses and they will definitely give you huge brownie points. All women want to be treated as if they are very special and the gift of roses is something that all women love.



So now I have you thinking about giving your lady a rose or even a dozen roses, now you will probably want to know what the best smelling roses are. There is an association known as the All American Rose Selection that is responsible for choosing the best roses annually in the United States. The AARS has been judging roses for decades in a number of different categories as well as on diverse criteria. The Most Fabulous Smell is one of the most exciting and well liked categories and they always pick a winner.



We have a copy of the latest list from the AARS but let's also look at some of the varieties of roses. One of the more popular types of rose is the Climbing Rose. These roses are the ones that you see growing up fences and trellises and are also found growing wild in many places in the United States. Hybrid Tea Roses are roses that cover many different varieties of roses which are created through genetic mutations and blending of different types of roses. These are among the most sought after of all roses. The Floribunda Rose features blooms with usually more than five that grow in clusters on the stem of the plant.



Going back to the 1970s, the rose known as the Double Delight won the award for smell and is suited for growing in the climates zones of 5-7. This rose is from the Hybrid Tea category and has white petals with a pale pink center and features a spicy sweet smell. The Elle Rose which one the best aroma award in 2005 has a fruity smell with light pink petals and large blooms of four inches or more. This rose is best suited in the 7-10 climate zones.



If you are into very strong scents you may want to consider the Memorial Day Rose which is a Hybrid Tea rose and is good in hot climates in the 7-10 zones. This rose one the award in 2004 and has a very strong damask rose fragrance that can produce an aroma that fills the room with only a handful of petals. The first climbing rose to win since 1977 is the 4th of July rose which won the best aroma award in 1999 and is best grown in the 5-9 climate zones. This beautiful rose spans over 14 feet in width in many cases. This rose comes in red and white petals.

Article Directory: http://www.gardenepic.com/ Owned and Operated by Nipa Hut Gardens and Gifts http://www.nipahutgardens.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about aromatic roses as well as personal rose gifts at www.personalroses.com

 The Sampalok (Tamarind), a slow-growing, long-lived, massive tree reaches, under favorable conditions, a height of 80 or even 100 ft (24-30 m), and may attain a spread of 40 ft (12 m) and a trunk circumference of 25 ft (7.5 m).

This massive tree is highly wind-resistant, with strong, supple branches, gracefully drooping at the ends, and has dark-gray, rough, fissured bark.

The mass of bright-green, fine, feathery foliage is composed of pinnate leaves, 3 to 6 in (7.5-15 cm) in length, each having 10 to 20 pairs of oblong leaflets 1/2 to 1 in (1.25-2.5 cm) long and 1/5 to 1/4 in (5-6 mm) wide, which fold at night.

The leaves are normally evergreen but may be shed briefly in very dry areas during the hot season. Inconspicuous, inch-wide flowers, borne in small racemes, are 5-petalled (2 reduced to bristles), yellow with orange or red streaks.

The flower buds are distinctly pink due to the outer color of the 4 sepals which are shed when the flower opens.

The fruits, flattish, beanlike, irregularly curved and bulged pods, are borne in great abundance along the new branches and usually vary from 2 to 7 in long and from 3/4 to 1 1/4 in (2-3.2 cm) in diameter.

Exceptionally large Sampaloks have been found on individual trees. The pods may be cinnamon-brown or grayish-brown externally and, at first, are tender-skinned with green, highly acid flesh and soft, whitish, under-developed seeds. As they mature, the pods fill out somewhat and the juicy, acidulous pulp turns brown or reddish-brown. Thereafter, the skin becomes a brittle, easily-cracked shell and the pulp dehydrates naturally to a sticky paste enclosed by a few coarse strands of fiber extending lengthwise from the stalk.

The 1 to 12 fully formed seeds are hard, glossy-brown, squarish in form, 1/8 to 1/2 in (1.1-1.25 cm) in diameter, and each is enclosed in a parchment like membrane.

Some Middle Eastern countries the juice is prepared as a drink by infusing the Sampalok pulp.  It is also prepared as a paste, sauce and candy.  In India it is an Ayuvedic herb medicine.

Sampalok is actually native of Africa but it has migrated to most tropical countries. It is infamas in India especially in the south and all over the Asian countries such as the Philippines.  This fruit was a supplement for the diet of sailors for its acid and sugar content.  The pulp contains tartaric and other acids as well as sugard that break up into starches and pectrin. 

Here are some medical uses by other countries. *Use at your own risk, I am not a medical doctor.

1. Curative properties: - The whole tree has medicinal virtues. Its leaves are cooling, while the bark is  caustic, a tonic and reduces fever. The fruit pulp is digestive, anti flatulent, cooling, laxative and antiseptic. Its seeds are also have an effect upon tissue which is severe rigidly.

2. Fever: - The pulp of Sampalok fruit is useful in treating fevers. Boil the pulp with the addition of a few dates, cloves, sugar, cardamom and a little camphor is effective in fevers.

3. Common cold: - Sampalok soup It is prepared by boiling a very dilute Sampalok water after seasoning a teaspoon of crushed black pepper in a pan. As one takes it, the nose and eyes, begin to water and the nasal blockage will be cleared.

4. Digestive disorders: - pulp of ripe Sampalok fruit is beneficial is the treatment of vomiting, flatulence and indigestion. It is also useful in constipation. Part of the pulp is  prepared by softening it in water is particularly useful for loss of appetite and lack of inclination for food intake.

5. Dysentery: - powdered seeds of Sampalok taken in doses with an equal quantity of cumin and sugar twice or thrice a day, are also useful.

6. Burns: - the tender leaves of Sampalok tree are very useful in treating burns. The leaves are put into a pot, covered and slowly heated over the fire. The burnt leaves are finely powdered and sieved to remove any gritty particles. This is mixed in sesame oil and applied over the burnt part. The burn gets healed with in days. And it also helps to grow healthy, normal skin. The oil keeps the affected part well protected against moisture and entry of harmful germs.

7. Sore throat: - gargling the mouth with Sampalok water is beneficial in curing sore throat. The potion for gargling be prepared by boiling Sampalok in water. Sampalok pulp is widely used in culinary preparations particularly, in the Philippines.

Superstitions

There are many superstitions related to this tree because of its age in other countries.  In the Philippines you don’t eat sour Sampalok during the even or you will be plagued with nightmares.

There is also a superstition that it is bad to sleep or to tie animals beneath a Sampalok tree, but this is probably due to the harmful affect the leaves have on fabrics in damp weather. 

In Africa some tribes believe this tree to be sacred.

Sampalok Candy

Ingredients



2 cup water

1 1/2 cup sugar

1 pinch salt

1 cup Pealed Brown (Mature) Sampalok



Instructions



Heat 2 cups of water in a small saucepan to simmering, and add one and half

cups of sugar slowly dissolving it, then simmering to thicken it to a

smooth syrup. Add pinch of salt.   Set aside to cool.



Shell and clean the Sampalok, and then leave them to soak in the sugar

syrup for several hours before putting on a rack to dry. (Be careful some of the Sampalok has a hard ‘Stone’ in them…)

Sit back and enjoy your exotic Tropical Candy that you have grown yourself.

Passiflora edulis is the scientific name.

Common names include, Passion Fruit, Granadilla, Purple Granadilla, Yellow Passion Fruit

Some of the Related Species: Fragrant Granadilla (Passiflora alata), Red Granadilla (P. coccinea), Maypop (P. incarnata), Yellow Granadilla (P. Laurifolia), Sweet Granadilla (P. ligularis), Sweet Calabash (P. maliformis), Banana Passion Fruit (P. mollissima), Giant Granadilla (P. quadrangularis).

South America seems to be the starting place of the purple/yellow passion fruit.  Yellow it seems is from unknown origin or from early documentation the Amazon region of Brazil.  It is also said that it is a hybrid of two other passion fruits. In either case the passion fruit is a favorite of many gardeners and what most people do not realize is the health benefits from this beautiful vine and fruit.

The passion fruit, in general, prefer subtropical and frost free environments.  In saying this, the vines seem to take upper 20’s (F) with no serious damage.  The leaves will fall off, but as soon as the temps get back to normal they start up, it seems, more vigorous then before.  Heavy mulching of the roots is the requirement for this to occur.  With hot summer heat the plant also does not thrive, it will survive but the growth seems to go dormant.  Yellow passion seems to be more tolerant of both the cold and the heat.  It is usually a good idea to protect these fruits from wind and if local conditions are not good for rainfall, to water at least weekly.  These plants also seem to perform well indoors.

They are a vigorous climber.  They cling to anything they can grab.  They grow quickly and 15 – 20 feet per year once established.  They should have strong support.  Their life cycle seems to be short in 5-7 years, but new plants can be planted and fruit can happen the same year.

The leaves are evergreen and alternate, 3 lobed leaves when mature.  They start of as a single lobed leaf when young and when they reach a height of 2-3 feet the 3 lobed leaves start to appear.  They are large leaves of 3 to 8 inches in length and have a deep green appearance with a glossy look.  Dull and pale underneath.  They have many tendrils to hold onto anything they touch.

They have a single fragrant flower between 2-3 inches wide.   Purple passion fruits are self pollinating and do not require insects, however the yellow is dependant on bees and ants for fruit.  This should be kept in mind when growing indoors.  Yellow passion fruit would need to be pollinated by hand, but many do this with outdoor plants as well to guarantee fruit.

The fruit is 1-3 inches wide and has a touch outer coating that is smooth and waxy.  The name of the plant is the color of the fruit not the flower.  Inside the fruit are hundreds of seeds that are edible along with ample juice.  The flavor is unique and can be added to other drinks if desired.  Usually the fruit will begin in 1-2 years, sometimes 3.  Ripening occurs 70-80 days after pollination.

The plant prefers full sun except for very hot areas.  With hot areas partial sun is preferred.  The vine can grow rampant, so plant next to a fence or strong trellis.  You can also train the plant on an attractive arbor.

The plant will take many soils with the exception of clay soils, the plant prefers well drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and care should be taken to provide soil that is not too acidy.  Lime should be used for these areas.  They have shallow roots so mulching is a benefit.

To keep the plant in check and esthetically appeasing you should prune to keep them in control.  Prune early spring or after the harvest.  Remove weak growth and cut back vigorous grown by 1 third.

Wait until the fruit drops to the ground before using them, to pick it prematurely will result in better juice.  The fruit is sweetest when slightly shriveled.  The juice freezes well.

Here are some of the cultivators

Purple form

Black Knight

Developed in Massachusetts for pot culture by Patrick Worley. Fragrant, dark purple-black fruit, the size and shape of large egg. Flavor excellent. Vigorous, compact vine, self-fertile, very fruitful. Handsome glossy foliage. Excellent for containers.

Edgehill

Originated in Vista, Calif. Similar to Black Knight, but more vigorous, larger growing and with larger purple fruit. One of the best outdoor cultivars for Southern California.

Frederick

Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. by Patrick Worley. Kahuna X Brazilian Golden. Large, nearly oval fruit, greenish-purple with reddish cast. Slightly tart flavor. Good for eating out of hand, excellent for juicing. Extremely vigorous, self-fruitful vine. Very productive, more compact than P. edulis flavicarpa.

Kahuna

Very large, medium purple fruit. Sweet, subacid flavor. Good for juicing. Vigorous, productive self-fertile vine. Produces over a long season. Large, attractive foliage.

Paul Ecke

Originated in Encinitas, Calif. Medium-sized purple fruit of very good quality. Suitable for juicing and eating out of hand. Compact, very productive vine.

Purple Giant

Very large fruit, dark purple when mature.

Red Rover

Originated in Lincoln Acres, Calif. by Patrick Worley. Kahuna X Brazilian Golden. Medium to large, roundish fruit. Rind an attractive clear red color. Sweet, notably rich flavor with tart overtones,. Good for eating out of hand or juicing. Vine very vigorous, compact and self-fertile.

Yellow form

Brazilian Golden

Large, golden-yellow fruits, larger than standard forms. Flavor somewhat tart. Extremely vigorous vine, requiring cross-pollination. Extra large, fragrant flowers, white with a dark center, blooming during mid-summer. Produces one large crop beginning in late August or early September.

Golden Giant

A large yellow-fruited cultivar that originated in Australia.

The health benefits from these fruits are outstanding.  They are rich in vitamin C and a good source of vitamin A, iron and potassium.  If eaten with the seeds it is an excellent source of dietary fibber.

The fruit has somniferous properties and if taken before going to bed they will help to relax you and give you a nice sleep.  They also have a febrifugal and soporific properties.

An official press release in 2002 from Ecuador states**

1. Passion fruit juice inhibits cancer cell growth in two types of cancer cells in culture.* While work continues in this area, the phytochemicals in passion fruit juice are thought to decrease cancer cell growth while at the same time, increase cancer cell death.
   
   


2. The phenolic profile of passion fruit consists of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Passion fruit juice is also rich in carotenoids. This analytical information was not known prior to this research. This information is useful to predict health benefits and understand effects of processing on those health benefits. The potential for health benefits related to protecting the heart and preventing cancer from phenolics and other phytochemicals is great.
   
   


3. The phenolic profile of passion fruit is promising for its anti-microbial activity thus perhaps leading to a way to preserve foods by using passion fruit. Perhaps future research will show it will inhibit the bacteria responsible for ulcers (helicobacter pylori).* Preliminary data shows that passion fruit juice inhibits the growth of e.coli.*
   
   


4. Passion fruit juice is a good source of antioxidants, both that are water soluble (vitamin c) and those that are fat soluble (carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids).*
   
   


5. Pasteurization of passion fruit juice has no effect on stability of color or the antioxidant capacity. This is ideal for products that are required to be pasteurized.
   
   


6. Passion fruit is high in carbohydrates, simple sugars that are rapidly available during athletic performance.
   
   


7. Passion fruit contains plant sterols. Plant sterols are compounds that have been suggested to help lower cholesterol.
   
   


8. One glass of passion fruit juice equals 50% of the day's vitamin C requirement. This is equal to grapefruit and higher than mango, pineapple, lemon and orange.
   
   


9. One glass of passion fruit juice provides about 60% of the daily value for vitamin A, mostly because of the carotene content.
   
   


10. Passion fruit is a significant source of potassium. It contains more potassium than an orange. One glass of passion fruit juice meets 40% of the suggested daily intake.
    
    

*more work continues in these findings.

**EPPA, The Ecuadorian Passion Fruit Processor's Association