RSS or Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary is the latest information management tool that is gradually earning popularity among web users and website owners. With RSS technology, it is possible to get the latest postings from your favorite websites. But clicking on the RSS or XML button in a homepage is not enough to give you the service you need. An RSS feed or code displayed in the pop-up screen if not on the main page is composed of symbols and words that would only make sense to advanced RSS users and computer programmers and software enthusiasts. Another software tool called an RSS aggregator or reader is needed.

An aggregator works by scanning the worldwide web with latest postings based on the RSS code (containing the website’s URL) provided or added by the user. When it finds a new posting, news, or update, it will publish the RSS feed on your home page containing the title of the posting, which also serves as a clickable link to the website source. This RSS feed may or may not contain the whole article, a summary, and photos, depending on what RSS aggregator you are using.

Aggregators come in two types: the downloadable program or desktop-type and the online or web-based type. The desktop aggregator usually charges a certain amount for its services; this would include regular updating in the form of upgrades or patches to the original version. This type of RSS reader allows more customization of RSS feeds as well as page format or design over its on-line counterparts. But of course, price can be a drawback.

On-line or web-based aggregators are free of charge. All you need to do is register an account with them then you can start enjoying their services. Depending on the “brand” of the aggregator, customization is more limited. Some even do not allow you to customize at all.

Product and service advertisers are realizing the potential of RSS aggregators in internet marketing. In fact, several submit RSS codes to several popular web-based aggregators to reach the growing technophile and internet-based market. My Yahoo has been instrumental in popularizing RSS technology to both users and website owners and advertisers.

At present, there are many aggregators to choose from and newer versions of the same aggregator are constantly developed by its programmers.

Below are some of these desktop and online aggregators:
Desktop Aggregators
1. AmphetaDesk
Advantages:
- free
- supports Linux, Mac, and Windows
- easy addition of RSS feeds

Disadvantages:
- not maximized use of screen display
- few options for customizing

2. FeedDemon
Advantages:
- user friendly
- free trial version
- contains prepared popular feeds
- allows filtering of RSS feeds
- configurable “watch list” to manage junk RSS feeds
- search channel feature that incorporates other RSS services e.g. Feedster
- allows feed storage for future use
- tabbed browsers for channel navigation
- built-in podcast receiver

Disadvantages:
- supports only Internet Explorer (embedded)
- paid software (`$29.95)


Online Aggregators
1. Bloglines
Advantages:
- all major browsers supported (e.g. Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Firefox)
- user-friendly especially for beginners
- free, web-based aggregator
- easy registration
- no advertisements
- contains its own directory of RSS feeds of thousands of websites
- personal email account for subscribing to newsletter emails (optional)
- allows privacy adjustments for personal blogs
- allows saved searches
- mobile version available
- 10 languages supported
- Additional add-on tools for automated blogrolls and subscription buttons

2. NewsGator
Advantages:
- free (consumer-standard version)
- provides personalized news channel
- allows translation of RSS articles into email format
- synchronization of feeds in several devices possible
- browse and search feed capabilities save time on surfing
- allows keyword filtering
- blog headlines
- button-click automatic subscription to news feeds

Disadvantage:
- Outlook-based thus limited to Windows

3. My Yahoo
Advantages:
- Free web-based aggregator
- user-friendly
- customizable home page design
- button-click subscription to RSS feeds
- built-in directory and search tool for feeds
- wide variety of feeds e.g. news (science, technology, local), weather
- connects to all Yahoo features and services

Disadvantage
- banner advertisements


There are also lightweight RSS aggregator extensions which are actually plug-ins to existing internet browsers. An example of which is Sage aggregator.

Advantages:
- free of charge
- beginner-friendly
- reeds both RSS and Atom feeds
- allows feed discovery
- can be assimilated to Firefox bookmark (storage and live)
- allows OPML feed lists imports and exports
- customizable style sheets
- supports a wide range of locales e.g. Catalan, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Polish, Slovenian, etc.
- easy installation

Disadvantages:
- good for about 12 RSS feeds
- limited use to Mozilla-Firefox and Mozilla-Firefox supported browsers


RSS developers promise better features in future versions of their aggregators. Microsoft is planning to include a built-in aggregator in their next Windows version. These developments are definitely something to look forward to by all internet aficionados.

Summary:
“All it DOES take is one person to tell you that he or she believes in you.”


Keywords:
Inspirational, Motivation, Success, Goal Setting, Leadership, Persistence, Michael Jordan


Article Body:
Ally Becker came home from school after Varsity basketball practice and was extremely gleeful. She looked frantically for her Father and walked into the kitchen, the laundry room and finally the living room. “Dad!!” Ally yelled.

“I’ll be right there, Ally,” he said calmly. Ally could not contain herself and certainly could not sit. After two minutes, her father walked into the living room to greet her.

Without even saying ‘Hello’ or letting her Father say ‘Hello,’ Ally burst into words.

“Dad! Dad! You’ve gotta meet this woman who spoke at my school this afternoon. She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met! Her name is Alecia Manning and she’s part owner of this R & B club downtown that just opened. She’s invited the entire school to come by anytime to check out what she’s created through inspiration. ”

“Ally, I’m tickled that you’re excited,” her Father said with joy. “When are you planning on going to this R & B club?” “Tomorrow – Friday,” said Ally. “Tomorrow night, I have an appointment with Evans…” “Dad! Why can’t –“ “BUT,” He interrupted his daughter. “I will phone Evans and let him know if we can schedule an earlier appointment. He’s pretty cool about those things. Ally, I have got to meet anyone who inspires you this much!” “Dad!” she said with exasperation. “I will be at the club tomorrow night. I have always done the things that were important to you. I have always made time to see all of your home Varsity basketball games. I have rearranged appointments to see your away games.” “You’re right, Dad. You have been there for me since Mom died. I know you’re doing your best to do what Mom used to do for me and –“ “No, Ally,” he interjected. “What your Mother did for you was amazing. No one can take her place.” Father and daughter hugged tearfully.

The next night, Mr. Becker went to the club’s entrance only to find a couple of men standing guard. Both men looked like they could play defense for any NFL team. “I’m sorry, sir,” one of the men said regretfully. “You’re gonna have to stay here for a few minutes.” “That’s fine,” said Mr. Becker. Becker pulled out his cell phone and made a call while he was waiting. As soon as he hung up his mobile phone, he heard a loud joyful female yell.

“Mr. Becker?!?” yelled the woman. “Alecia?” asked Mr. Becker pleasantly surprised. The woman ran to him and gave him a gigantic hug. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mrs. Manning,” said one of the men at the entrance. “I didn’t know he was with you.” “That’s alright, Wyatt,” Alecia said to the man with a huge smile. “This is a very dear friend. The man who I told you all about that gave me the chance to start and succeed. The man who helped me get scholarships from the store where I worked and where he was store manager.” Mr. Becker smiled proudly of the woman. The woman continued, “Mr. Becker is the man who got me reasonable daycare for my son, Alfonzo. He’s 11 now.”

“Alfonzo is 11?” asked Mr. Becker with disbelief. “Was it really ten years ago, Alecia? You were just out of high school and it was just you and little Alonzo.” “Big Alonzo, now!” exclaimed Alecia. They both laughed heartily. “You’re the Alecia who inspired my daughter,” Mr. Becker said with affirmation. Alecia and Mr. Becker walked through the club’s entrance and he was amazed by all that Alecia was responsible for. “You always said that you wanted to open a club. You did it!” said Mr. Becker sounding like a proud Father. “Thanks to you,” Alecia said with a tear in her eye. “Ten years ago, you’re the only one who believed in me, Mr. Becker. You always told me that whatever I strove for, I could get.” “Remember what I used to always tell you about Michael Jordan,” Mr. Becker reminded her. “He was not a great high school basketball player, but all it took was one person to tell him that he believed in him.” “Just like you did with me,” Alecia reminded Becker. “I remember you as Alecia Harris when you worked at the store,” recalled Becker. “Yes I was Alecia Harris, then Jamal and I got married,” she explained. “You and Jamal got married?” Becker asked gleefully. “Five years ago.” “Congratulations!” “Thanks,” she grinned. “I didn’t know his last name,” Becker said apologetically. “Otherwise, I probably would have known you were the one who inspired my daughter by the talk you gave at her school this afternoon. “Yes, I did give that talk this afternoon. Mr. Becker, my schedule can be so hectic nowadays with promoting the club and giving talks to students. It’s hard to keep track of what I did yesterday.”

As the two continued to talk, a high school gal walked up to them. “Dad! Mrs. Manning!” she said with delight. Becker and Alecia smiled. “Well, Hello Ally,” said Alecia. “Mr. Becker is your Father?” Alecia was delighted with wonder. “You two KNOW each other?” asked Ally. “Yes,” said Alecia. Ally’s jaw dropped as Alecia continued. “He’s the man I spoke about this afternoon at your school who used to tell me all the time about the Michael Jordan High School story. He’s the one who inspired me to earn my Bachelor’s degree.” “MY Dad is the one who did that for you?” Ally asked in amazement. “Yep,” Alecia said affirmatively. “You see, Ally,“ she continued. “Your Dad knows more than you think.” She looked at Becker. “My Dad tells me that Michael Jordan story all of the time,” gasped Ally. “He’s right, you know,” said Alecia convincingly. “All it DOES take is one person to tell you that he or she believes in you.” “Wow!” Ally said with newfound excitement and knowledge. “My Dad IS pretty cool after all.” They all laughed.

Summary:
Consumers today are bombarded by a wide variety of anti-aging products for the body and face, whether they are simple cosmetics or surgical procedures. But the fountain of youth really just comes from better nutrition, one health expert says.


Keywords:
Better Skin Begins With Your Next Meal


Article Body:
Consumers today are bombarded by a wide variety of anti-aging products for the body and face, whether they are simple cosmetics or surgical procedures. But the fountain of youth really just comes from better nutrition, one health expert says.

A survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found that 94 percent of women are confused by all the available anti-aging treatments (over-the counter and prescription) as well as the procedures available in a doctor's office.

Yet according to Cherie Calbom, author of "The Wrinkle Cleanse," you can look younger starting with your next meal. Her book outlines a four-step approach to getting softer, younger-looking skin, explaining that a diet rich in raw foods, vegetable juices, whole grains and lean protein can cleanse the body of toxins and protect it from the causes of wrinkles and other symptoms of aging.

The mention of vegetable juices might ring a bell: Calbom, who has a master's degree in nutrition, is better known as "The Juice Lady" for her work with juicing and health. She has appeared regularly on the QVC channel for the last eight years and is the author of several books, including "Juicing for Life."

Calbom stresses that several factors affect how our skin ages, including environmental toxins, sun exposure, free radical attacks on the cells, inflammation and a weakened immune system. Her approach to creating a better diet geared toward reduced wrinkling has four components:

* Step 1 involves quick cleanses with either an all-day vegetable juice fast or a two-day raw-food program, designed to help repair damaged cells.

* Step 2 introduces a low-carbohydrate diet for 14 days that has plenty of vegetables, sprouts, vegetable juices, low-sugar fruit, whole grains and lean proteins. One key aspect of this stage is lowering caloric intake overall.

* Step 3 is composed of cleaning programs for your intestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, kidneys and blood. Detoxification is key, according to Calbom, in the effort to fight wrinkles.

* Step 4 outlines the vitamins and minerals needed to fight the symptoms of aging and how they can be incorporated into your diet.

Calbom offers several nutritional guidelines and more than 75 easy-to-make recipes and menu plans. Her strategy emphasizes what she calls the "wrinkle fighters" - foods that are rich in nutrients to help strengthen collagen and elastin for better skin. Some examples include carrots, which add luster to the hair; artichokes for better energy; and almonds, a good source of vitamin B.

"The Wrinkle Cleanse" is published by Avery/Penguin Group USA. It's available in bookstores now. - NU

Summary:

Failure is something that none of us ever plans for but it is a part of the human condition. As we go through our lives there are few if any who have never experienced this phenomenon. So as we experience failure, how do we accept it and move on if we are unable to admit it?

Keywords:

success, failure, business, personal, advice

Article Body:

Failure is something that none of us ever plans for but it is a part of the human condition. As we go through our lives there are few if any who have never experienced this phenomenon. So as we experience failure, how do we accept it and move on if we are unable to admit it?

I am not suggesting that when we fail that we broadcast our failure to the world at large. I am suggesting though that admitting failure is a necessary tool that we must use if we are ever to be successful again.

An admission of failure is a very personal thing and it should be done with those whom we have a special relationship. Often we can find it difficult to admit to those we love that we have failed. It is especially difficult to admit failure to those who had expected it from the beginning.

To be wildly successful at anything requires us to go into a venture with a narrow definition of what success looks like. if we have not defined success before we attempt something, how do we know when it is time to give up on it and try something else?

Most people define success as having a dollar amount attached to it, but it is always not a financial reward that comes with success, often success is totally unrelated to finance.

Therefore as we work in a business we must be prepared to make a determination as to what success in that business looks like. If our success depends on a financial reward, we need to know what we must do to achieve that reward, otherwise we are at risk of failure. If on the other hand success is determined by the impact that we have on the lives of others, we can not always expect that this success will have financial reward.

So is it possible then to actually fail and succeed at the same time? This is the point that I would like you to ponder. As you go through your life, ask yourself what the impact is that you have had on the lives of others. Then weigh that impact on the result that you have achieved. It may not be a situation where you can claim a financial victory immediately, but it may also be a situation where you are primed to go forward and accomplish something that will reap a great financial reward.

It is with this thought that I would like to close this article. I know you have read the books that used this phrase and I believe that to achieve success we must all be prepared to live by these words. Whether we are successful now or have been in the past, we are all involved in a process of "Failing Forward" and it is in this common condition that we should all remember to be supportive of others when we see their need for support.

Are you in the mist of planning a hiking adventure for yourself, a group of your friends, or your family? If you are, have you made a hiking checklist for yourself? If you have yet to make a hiking checklist for yourself, you may want to think about doing so. Hiking checklists are ideal for those who are planning hiking trips, especially for the first time.

One of the many reasons why you should take the time to create a hiking checklist for yourself is because a hiking checklist can help to improve your next hiking trip. Unfortunately, when it comes to taking a trip, even a hiking trip, there are many individuals who want or need to bring something, but that something doesn’t always make it on the trip. Planning a trip or an adventure, like a hiking adventure, can be stressful and, many times, things are forgotten. A hiking checklist may minimize the chances of that happening.

Having a hiking checklist will also make it easier for you to go shopping. If this is your first time or even your second time going hiking, there is a good chance that you will need to buy some hiking supplies. As with forgetting to pack something, many individuals can’t remember everything that they wanted and needed to buy, without a list. So, to help ensure that you have everything that you need to pack for your next hiking adventure, you will want to make yourself a hiking checklist and then make sure that you bring it shopping with you.

Another one of the many reasons why you should think about creating a hiking checklist for yourself is because they are easy to make. Whether you have gone hiking before or if you have taken the time to familiarize yourself with it, you likely already have some idea of what you would like to bring along with you, as well as what you need to bring along with you. For that reason, you may find yourself being able to compile a hiking checklist in as little as a few minutes.

Speaking of making a hiking checklist, you may be wondering how you can go about making one. What you are advised to do is imagine yourself on your next hiking trip. You will want to try and walk yourself through it. When you see yourself hiking, what do you see yourself wearing? When you stop and take a break, what do you see yourself drinking or snacking on? This are all questions that you will want to ask yourself, as they may make it easier for you to create a detailed hiking checklist for yourself.

While it is advised that you make your own hiking checklist, you may end up drawing a blank when it comes time to do so. For that reason, you may want to think about using the internet to your advantage. Online, you can find a number of sample hiking checklists to use as your guide. In fact, you may be able to find printable hiking checklists. These hiking checklists are ones that you can print off and use when you go shopping or when you start packing. Although you can find a number of detailed printable hiking checklists online, you are advised against relying on them too heavily. What you will want to do is thoroughly examine the checklist that you get online and make any additions that you need to make.

Of course, the decision as to whether or not you want to make a hiking checklist for your next hiking trip is yours to make, but you may, at least, want to think about doing so. Not being fully prepared on your next hiking trip can make your trip seem dull, boring, or even ruined. To help ensure that you are fully prepared for your next hiking trip and to help ensure that you have a good time, you may want to sit down and make yourself a hiking checklist. In the end, you will likely be glad with your decision to do so.